Wait, I have to do that next?
Determining what the next step is in a sequence of steps can be rather easy or a bit complicated.
For instance, the eleven-year-old boy at our house has been assigned the task of taking the trash from the kitchen to the waste containers outside. Originally there were only two steps 1) take the garbage out, and 2) replace the liner in the trash receptacle.
Then one day, this conversation took place:
Adult: What is the second step after you take the trash outside?
Eleven-year-old: Get yelled at for not putting the plastic bag in the trash can. 🙄
We’re always happy when he skips step two and proceeds straight to step three. 😁
The dichotomy of next steps
Let’s look at the dichotomy found in the very idea of next steps, which form sequences and end in business systems.
· It’s really easy, and it’s terribly difficult.
· It’s absolutely necessary, and you don’t have to do it.
· It’s a pain in the ass, and it makes your life much easier.
The reality is, once systems are formed, they’re quite easy. It is the creation of systems that can lean more to the painful side.
There is no law that says you must have documented systems to run a thriving construction business – unless you consider the law of effect.
The law of effect: A phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon.
Getting through the pain-in-the-ass phase of creating systems leads to the oh-wow stage of “how did we ever get things done without these systems?”
Next steps = the framework of systems
A system is a method or procedure made up of next steps that is created to carry out an activity in a routine and strategic way.
When considering how to put the framework together, use these questions:
· What needs to get done?
· How do we currently get these things done?
· Is money being lost through inefficiency?
· Which activities frustrate a member of my team or me?
· What’s falling through the cracks – repeatedly?
· What software, apps, or outsourced services would ease the pain?
Next steps as an investment
Taking the next steps and setting up systems is a considerable time investment. And, who has time for that?
You and your staff do.
Because taking the time to produce the next step sequences means you save hundreds of hours of inefficiency, disorganization, and frustration. And that doesn’t even count the dollars lost through the confusion, mix-ups, and disorder.
Plus, when you consider that some documented systems already exist, the burden lightens. These systems are often located in your software, apps, and outsourced services.
Uncomplicate the next steps
You already take next steps. You can choose to continue getting by with taking whatever next step comes along, or you can determine to harness the power of the framework of next steps in developing system solutions.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that The Profit Constructors is one of those outsourced services that provides many system solutions for commercial construction subcontractors.
We desire to familiarize you with business concepts, which will make it easier for you to be a better commercial construction subcontractor through our blog posts. Some are new ways of looking at things, and others are refreshers.
The Profit Constructors Provide Contract Document Management and Advisory Board Level counsel for small to medium commercial construction subcontractors.
So you can Run With the Big Dogs! Call us 866-629-7735
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