Welcome to our series of contractor-focused blogs – Digging Deeper – where Dennis Engelbrecht will share his unique, unsurpassed knowledge of the construction business. Each week, he will present you with ideas you can implement quickly to tackle thorny issues and put your projects on a glide path to success.
Jobsite trust has often taken a back seat to contractor self-preservation. When trust is missing in jobsite relationships, projects fail to meet targets and problems escalate. How, then, do you form the bonds of trust necessary to achieve common goals?
Please watch as Dennis addresses this vexing issue and shares techniques for overcoming the trust challenge.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.
Brent Darnell says:
We recommend that general contractors use the term “trade partner” instead of “subcontractor”, which can be interpreted as hierarchical and demeaning. Also, with lean construction, the trade partners (who create 90% of the value on any project) have input into the entire process from design to closeout.
Dennis Engelbrecht says:
Brent,
100% agreement on using the term “Trade Partners” and thinking of them and treating them as partners in the project. This is definitely the way we coach GC/CM leaders to think. Of course, the contract is they sign is called a “subcontract” and at least one of their association is called the American Subcontractors’ Association, so I am not sure it is intended as demeaning, but certainly could be seen that way. Thanks for your input on this!
Dennis
Curt Wear says:
Thanks
Looking forward to the next blog.
Dennis Engelbrecht says:
Thanks