Fresh perspective from a new team-player

It’s not every day you think to look over at the new guy and ask his opinion on things. But a fresh perspective is sometimes a necessary scorecard to show how you’re doing. It’s rare that you have someone really new, and we peppered him with questions to find out what it’s like. First impressions are valuable insights, so we’re going to use that to help us learn, grow and celebrate a few of the things we seem to be doing well. We’ve written from the perspective of our friend, and the newest member of the team, Mike Mclaughlin.

A little about Mike

Kendrick would describe him as “hyper authentic” to anyone who’s asking. He’s got an attitude of being honest about what he doesn’t yet know or understand (Mike’s experience is mostly outside the construction industry), but he’s got this “freshness” that means he’s really awake and learning. His essential skills are the kind you can’t teach; like being heads-up in his social interactions, asking good questions and listening well when others start talking. Most of the Optimum core values work this way, they have to be “built-in” to the team.

Where are you right now?

I’m just trying to learn and do a good job! It’s been the superintendents onsite making the transition more palatable and energizing. I came into the company at a time in my life where I needed cashflow, and their response to that practical need was overwhelming. Marc sent a message to all the supers and every single one of them plugged me into their project for some hours, letting me help do whatever anyone needed help with. They would slow down, in the middle of everything, to show me what’s going on and explain the “why” as much as the “what”. 

They did even more than that. Everyone has worked to be a role-model too. I saw Jesse taking pride, if not joy, in giving feedback to a client. He taught me what it looks like to be a good steward of the client’s asset and of the relationship. Kendrick and Ryan are slowing down as well, we’re collaborating on my skills and finding some useful outlets for the stuff I’m naturally good at. 

Talk about the “team”?

Everyone is on the team. Top down, bottom up, side to side. Ryan and Kendrick set the tone with their willingness to communicate, and everyone seems to follow the same approach. There is an open-ness to ask questions, make a complaint or share a win. Nobody’s embarrassed or shy. Ryan’s a great listener and knows how to make you feel really heard. Kendrick’s good at providing structure and space for dialogue.

Basically, everyone wants to do a good job for each other. No one would ever throw the other guy under the bus, instead, they do what it takes to lend a hand and make each other look good.

I noticed this because I can see in the way Kendrick and Ryan deal with the opportunity that they have to build the business and provide for people. There is so much stress and anxiety  with running a company. If you don’t get business, you can’t support your team. They’re so thankful for everyone on the team from subcontractors and clients to employees that they want to do right by everyone. They are totally open about how thankful they are for the opportunity,  and treat the employees that way, like they’re grateful to have them here. 

For me personally, I am better when I have someone else counting on me. As a man, my entire life gears toward living in a more productive way. Everyone’s asking questions and inviting feedback, that’s really encouraging when you’re new and the tendency is to feel lost and discouraged. That’s part of the process with anything new, but it’s reassuring to know you have this machine behind you to back you up. You can feel proud of what you’re a part of.

What happens on Monday?

I really like the monday morning meeting. Kendrick is making this a high priority. Every Monday, every member of the team is supposed to join in a round-table, structured discussion. We can make comments on topics we’d like to discuss inside our project software, and we’ll know we have time to get answers or ideas from the team. It’s a very educational time for teaching. We can share what we’ve learned, or Ryan can give us technical training. But no one’s trying to be the smartest guy in the room. You’d never get that kind of attitude at Optimum! Nothing ever gets combative, it’s all open for conversation. There’s an understanding there of what’s effective and productive. 

And we get a chance to be reminded of important ideas. For instance, we’re all about building relationships, so Kendrick reminded us that we needed to take time to engage subcontractors and check-in with them. How are they feeling? How can we help? Who is new? It’s a good refresher every week, and now I remember to key in on these people for the next few days or months. 

Jesse put it really well. You can feel isolated by all these projects, and it’s easy to get caught up just going to the same jobsite every day. You forget that you have a team around you if you don’t see them every-so-often. This is a crucial time, so we don’t get lost in our week. We can share stories, relate, empathize, problem-solve or hold each other accountable. And for people who really thrive being on a team, this is so important for us all. That’s what it means to be deeply team-oriented, we lean on each other. 

What have you noticed about the Optimum client-base?

Optimum clients are relational. They are people who genuinely enjoy being in business with a company full of commercial construction guys who carry themselves well and know how to act. These are men who have conversations, they’re all big enough to admit when they’re wrong and be open to listening. Construction clients are all people who appreciate the quality of that connection to relationship. They appreciate people asking good questions and then listening. They recognize our willingness to be problem-solvers rather than money-makers. We want to help an owner or entrepreneur start a business and get their feet off the ground, that’s the goal, we’re not trying to wring every cent out of someone. We know how to restrain ourselves based on what people need. 

What are you a part of here at Optimum Construction?

That’s easy! You’re working with a team, a group of guys, who sit with a client and when the conversation is over, that client says,“I’m connecting with you guys!” That’s what you’re getting, guys who are genuinely interested in caring about what others are passionate about. It may be outside the sphere of commercial buildings or the construction process, but this can be said for everyone on the team. I have worked with everyone now, and you see an actual care for one another.

In a few words,

I’m a part of a team that genuinely cares for each other and everyone they interact with. They really do exist to build better relationships. They really want to know people. The outcomes all stem from that purpose.