Issue 3 of 9: Relationships

Construction Ownership Transition Issue 3 of 9: How Strong are the Post-Transition Relationships with Customers, Employees, Vendors and Subcontractors?

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

Construction businesses rely heavily upon a network of interconnected relationships for their sustainable growth.  

Succession: Ownership Transition Issues - Number 3 Relationships. Construction businesses rely heavily upon a network of interconnected relationships. Book: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi.

These relationships are built on a foundation of trust over many years.  

  • Customers who know you will get the job done and do the right thing throughout the construction process, even when things go wrong.  
  • Employees who have seen how you have weathered the ups and downs of the business, including how fairly you have treated everyone even when there was no right answer.  
  • Vendors and subcontractors that are aligned with how your team works and will help you win critical projects.  
  • Financial partners, including the bank and surety and insurance companies that have confidence in how you manage through the inevitable ups and downs of the market.

Take a critical look at your post-transition management team and rate the quality of their relationships with each of these groups and down to the specific people.

Identify the gaps and develop a plan to close them.  

Never Eat Alone.


Issue 3 of 9: Relationships
Continue building value in your business, yourself and your key team members with a good succession strategy....

Issue 3 of 9: Relationships
Continue building value in your business, yourself and your key team members with a good succession strategy....

Laws Control the Lesser Man
Growing construction businesses need processes and accountability systems the same way society needs laws, police, courts and jails. As a contractor starts growing leadership needs to put some processes in place to keep things running smooth.
Opportunity Evaluation (2 Critical Dimensions)
Your strategic decisions show up most vividly in the opportunities you choose to pursue. Disciplined and aggressive business development will ensure a strong pipeline of opportunities. Choosing what to pursue requires balancing two critical dimensions.
Management Team Development Phases Within Each Stage of Growth
The management team leading a contractor through the different stages of growth will typically navigate three phases at each stage - Emerging, Hollow, and Ready. Understanding these phases guides growth planning, recruitment, development, and succession.