Building a dedicated team can be one of the biggest challenges home service business owners face. Too often, they find themselves running an “adult daycare” instead of a thriving, profitable company.I brought on team management expert Dan Dowdy to show us how to transform your team from a liability into your greatest asset. You’ll learn how to build trust, empower your employees, and unlock hidden profit potential in your business. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this conversation will give you the tools to build a high-performing, dedicated team that drives your company’s success.
What You’ll Learn…
- Why building trust with your dedicated team is crucial
- How to transition from being a technician to an effective leader
- The one thing that will help your dedicated team become independent thinkers
- The importance of setting clear expectations and tracking key performance indicators
- How to build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
- Why hiring a coach can help you become a better leader
Key Moments…
[01:04] – Importance of Leadership
[04:04] – Setting Expectations with Employees
[06:00] – Coaching vs. Training Employees
[11:02] – Implementing Proactive Training Systems To Build A Dedicated Team
[14:49] – Overcoming the Fear of Training Employees
[28:31] – Budgeting for Future Hires
[36:44] – Identifying Hidden Profit Leaks in the Team
Importance of Leadership
Effective leadership is crucial for building a successful business. Team Members are a product of the leader’s influence. A strong leader who can inspire and empower their team is the starting point for creating a dedicated team that drives the company forward. When the leader can recognize that leadership is not just a position, but a reflection of who you are as a person, they can become a more independent thinker, make decisions, and own those decisions – qualities that will be mirrored by their team.
Setting Expectations with Employees
Clearly defining job responsibilities and expectations is a foundational tool for building trust and accountability within a team. By creating simple position agreements, a leader can provide their employees with clarity on what is expected of them. This not only helps the team understand their roles but also gives the leader a reference point to hold their team members accountable if needed.
Coaching vs. Training Employees
Dan emphasizes the difference between training and coaching employees. While training is necessary for teaching new skills, coaching encourages employees to become independent thinkers and decision-makers. When a leader responds with questions instead of providing the answers, they can empower their employees to take ownership of their work and develop critical thinking skills. This builds a dedicated team of people who feel vaulted and loyal to the business.
Implementing Proactive Training Systems To Build A Dedicated Team
Consistent, proactive training systems are key to building a dedicated team. The podcast suggests implementing weekly or bi-weekly training sessions to stay ahead of potential issues. By tracking key performance indicators and discussing them regularly, leaders can identify areas for improvement and provide targeted training to their team.
Overcoming the Fear of Training Employees
Many home service business owners may feel hesitant to give training because they don’t think they are adequate teachers. However, Dan encourages leaders to embrace their vulnerability and be willing to learn alongside their team. Leaders can focus on one training topic at a time and be open to bringing in outside experts. This can build their confidence and create a culture of continuous learning.
Budgeting for Future Hires
A business owner planning for growth will want to budget for future hires and make sure the financial resources are there. Dan & I both suggest using a “future hiring account” to practice paying the salary for a new position before actually making the hire. This proactive approach helps business owners understand if they can truly afford to add a new dedicated team member without putting a strain on the company’s finances.
Identifying Hidden Profit Leaks in the Team
Dan and I discussed the often overlooked profit leaks that can arise from inefficient or disengaged team members. When a leader consistently monitors and verifies that employees are doing their jobs well, leaders can find and fix areas where the team may be taking the path of least resistance. Implementing systems to maintain accountability can help plug these silent profit leaks and improve the overall profitability of the business.
About Dan:
Dan is a 2nd generation Master Plumber with 20+ years of experience leading multi-million dollar home service businesses. Dan loves helping business owners build self operating businesses, all while living the life of their dreams, through Leadership Training, Coaching and Mastermind Groups.
Connect with Dan
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