Disagreements happen. From politics to religion, from neighborhood squabbles to national wars, from the “idiot” driving like a bat out of hell to contentious divorces, we humans have a knack for disagreeing. Even the most agreeable person you know disagrees with someone at some time, somewhere.
Further, the degree of relationship doesn’t prevent disagreement. The people we can disagree with are:
Strangers
Acquaintances
Friends
Family
Work Associates
For this article, the focus will be on Work Associates within the construction contracting sphere. Yet the information travels well into the other groups of people listed above.
Level of Disagreement High
This level of disagreement is a Make It or Break It situation. For example, you want to operate with integrity; honesty is fundamental to you, and doing the right thing even when no one is looking is the culture you build in your construction company. Still, you learn that your business partner prefers to cut corners, substitute lower-quality materials, and believes that what the IRS doesn’t know won’t hurt them.
There is a significant break in trust at this level of disagreement, and it is time to part ways, sever the ties, and disassociate.
This parting of ways can also apply to others within your organization or sphere of influence. Employees, service providers, subs, general contractors, or owners can all be “fired” no matter what form it takes. It can run the gamut from pink slips to a determination to never submit another bid to a particular general contractor.
Level of Disagreement Moderate
You may likely remain Friends But Not Partners at this level of disagreement. It isn’t that you and your partner have an integrity difference; instead, you prefer different strategies. Neither strategy is wrong, both have strengths and weaknesses, either will likely get the job done. Parting company is still a viable option, but you may also be able to help one another in the future in various ways.
Recommendations, references, and endorsements may be appropriate. You may find you can still help one another as you discuss problems or situations you each face.
Again, this parting of ways can also apply to other people within your organization or sphere of influence. For example, when you decide a service provider (like your web designer) is not the right fit for your construction business, you can recommend her to others.
Level of Disagreement Mild
Strangely enough, this level of disagreement can sometimes lead to highly inappropriate actions. What should remain Not a Big Deal becomes heatedly discussed, overly stated, or (in the worst-case scenarios) a cause for separation. From the dividing of churches over which side of the sanctuary the piano should be placed to the dissolution of a marriage because “he wanted the heating on every day all day and she was too warm.”
A friend mentioned to me that during the heat of an argument preceding her divorce, her soon-to-be ex-husband shouted this question at her, “When are you ever going to learn to put the toilet paper on the right way?”
An incident I remember from a long time ago occurred when a minor courtesy infraction took place. One person was angry. Very angry. He wouldn’t let go of the notion that he had been slighted by someone in passing. He riled up the group. Others joined him in loud protestation. Finally, one gentleman (with a much cooler head) spoke up. He suggested that the perpetrator should be found, stood against the wall, and face the firing squad.
Perspective. Put mild disagreements in perspective before continuing conversations or taking action.
When the level of disagreement is mild, the talk and actions should remain mild. In many cases, the appropriate answer should be, “I may tease you about it, but it doesn’t really matter.” Mild disagreements can become a lighthearted moment of discussion. “So, go ahead and put mayonnaise on your hotdog if you must, but everyone knows that mustard is the appropriate condiment.” (Yeah, we’ve had that discussion in our household.) 🙄
Level of Disagreement Conclusion
Before participating in discussions, making decisions, or taking action, be sure of your level of disagreement. Then, behave appropriately.
Ambitious Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735
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