By John Staffier, Account Manager – Massachusetts
It takes two hands to clap! Partnering with the right construction staffing firm is essential in meeting your business goals, but in order to get the maximum potential, you have to understand your role in working with your partner. This is the only way to build the foundation for a long term relationship that translates into a win-win situation for both parties. Rather than simply setting the bar high and sitting back while waiting for the construction skills you need, take into account the following tips when working with your construction staffing firm.
Set the Expectations
A very important aspect when working with your construction staffing firm is setting the parameters of your relationship upfront. Defining your priorities and explaining your expectations to them reduces the chances of disagreements and setbacks further down the road. Remember that each project has its own demands and requirements so you must share the necessary information with them to help you. When your construction recruiter knows exactly what you expect from them, they are going to locate the construction skills you need faster. Get them on the same page with you.
Communicate with Them
One of the main reasons why business relationships fail is the lack of communication. Take for example your jobsite. If your tradespeople do not interact with each other, what are the chances of them delivering? The same applies when working with your construction staffing firm. Like you expect your partner to keep you in the loop at all times, they expect you to do the same in return. For instance, if there is a change with a project that requires new construction skills, you have to let them know immediately so they can address complications and delays in a timely manner. Keeping them in the dark and then wondering why they don’t step in is not the way to face difficulties. Be open and transparent with them.
Take Accountability
A common characteristic in business relationships is that when things do not go as planned, the involved parties start pointing fingers at each other instead of trying to collaborate and find a solution. Hiring a construction recruiting company to locate the necessary skills for your needs doesn’t mean that they are responsible for everything that goes wrong. Sometimes the responsibility might fall on your shoulders and it is very important to accept accountability for actions that have a negative impact on your partner’s ability to meet expectations. This is the only way to maintain a healthy and long term relationship.
Be Adaptable
If your motto when working with your construction staffing firm is your way or the highway, then don’t expect this relationship to last long. Your company has its own way of doing things and the same is true for your partner. The sooner you realize this, the better. Instead of being rigid and setting boundaries that jeopardize the partnership, be open to discussion and willing to adapt to your vendor’s policies. The same way you want them to respect your policies, you need to respect theirs.
Invest in the Relationship
When working with your construction staffing firm, it is really important to treat the relationship as a partnership. Try to go beyond the acquisition of construction skills, and invest time in improving the relationship. What would you like to see done better from your construction recruiter? Do they meet your expectations? What can you do to help them be more efficient? Give them feedback and ask advice from them to forge a strong relationship that benefits both parties. Be open and honest with them. Remember that it always takes two hands to clap!
Key Takeaways for You and Your Construction Staffing Firm:
- Set clear expectations and priorities
- Be open and transparent with your construction staffing firm
- Take accountability for things you do wrong
- Be adaptable to your partner’s policies
- Exchange feedback with your construction staffing firm to improve your relationship
About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com
