by Tonya Schulte, The Profit Constructors

Go see a movie. Not just any old movie. Go see Ocean’s Eleven. 

So perhaps you didn’t expect the first thing on a guide to professional development for subcontractors to be a suggestion that you take in a movie, but that is indeed what I’m recommending. There are two reasons for this recommendation.

The first is that you’ll be seeing an example of successful project management. Look at it this way, George Clooney is the professional in charge, and he leads his team using these basic management steps:

• Define the project (what must be accomplished?)  
• Achieve stakeholder buy-in (by being an excellent communicator)
• Develop the team (assigning roles to those with the necessary skills to produce)
• Execute the plan (making it look easy – even when there are issues to overcome) 
• Participate in the after-action review (and perhaps have a party)

The second reason for the Ocean’s Eleven recommendation is that I want you to see that lessons can be learned and professional development can be enhanced through a multitude of sources – some more traditional and some more nuanced. 

Resources for professional development can be found in numerous places. From books, audiobooks, and websites, from conferences, conventions, and groups, from professional associations, chance encounters, and podcasts, opportunities abound.  

Laying the Foundation

The first step in beginning a professional development strategy is to understand that you are responsible for advancing the agenda. And having the right mindset is imperative.

Attitude Counts  

• Recognize the value of professional development
• See development as an investment in your business
• Expect to put in time and effort

Action Matters

• Include professional development in your budget
• Set professional development goals 
• Seek a trusted mentor
• Offer and receive peer-to-peer feedback
• Join an association – and BE ACTIVE in it
• Set aside time that is devoted to the pursuit of professional development
• Be ready to take advantage of serendipitous encounters

Awareness Amplifies

• Lead your employees by example
• Help your team know that professional development is an intrinsic part of your construction company’s values 
• Provide time and resources for your employees to participate
  

Professional Development is on You 

You may have noticed that I haven’t specified a particular path of study, a good book, or a specific course to purchase. The point is you must be the developer of your particular path of study and the purchaser of whatever tools are necessary to meet your needs. 

The vital thing you should learn from this article is that you are the person in charge of your professional development. When you grow, so does your self-esteem, your sense of purpose, and your construction company’s opportunities.

But I will give you one example of a fun exercise that you may wish to participate in and learn from – and it returns to the use of Ocean’s Eleven as a starting point.

Back to Ocean’s Eleven

Rather than just heading out to watch Ocean’s Eleven consider gathering a small group of other construction business owners who will watch the movie with an agenda in mind. Five is a good number to try for, and they are likely to be found in your local ASA membership. Give the attendees the list concerning what to look for in the movie. 

When the movie is complete, ask the attendees to discuss these (or other) talking points:

• What strategies from the movie do you already use?
• Did you notice things you can do or incorporate into your operations that will enhance your business? What are they?
• What are some difficulties you may encounter in your business that Clooney overcame? (For example, finding the right people for the job.)
• How have you overcome some of the same types of problems in your company?
• What advice can you offer to the others in attendance?

While you should be the guide, be in tune with where the group may lead with deeper or more meaningful discussions concerning running your construction businesses. 

The Final Point

The last thing I want to point out is that while it behooves you to plan for and be involved in professional development actions and exercises, one of the most important aspects of professional development is helping others improve – be they your employees or your peers.

Consideration: What is the first step you will take to improve your professional development strategy?      

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