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Seals/Biehle Named Top 100 Contractors in California for 2010.
To read the article in California Construction, and view the complete list, please click here. |
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Greetings!
It might seem ironic to be discussing retention issues in a time of economic turmoil and layoffs, but the reality is that while the current economic climate is clearly influencing the agenda of both small and big businesses alike, retention of talented employees remains a major priority. Preserving human capital is one of the most important things a company can do to ensure a successful future.
The expense associated with replacing an employee can be exorbitant. Training costs and the time allocated for familiarizing a new employee with the processes and culture of a company leads to less overall productivity; knowledge transfer is a difficult and lengthy process and even the most experienced new employees bring down a company's efficiency to some degree.
Retaining employees is only one piece of the pie though. It is important to keep employees motivated and maintain an open communication policy. One way to engage them is to ask employees about cost-saving ideas - this opens the door to allow their input and they know by helping the bottom line for the company, they will in turn save their own job.
The common reaction (often panic driven and executed in a haste) is to clean house and let employees go when times are tough, but if you can afford to hang on to your staff, do. By retaining good employees, you are preparing for the future with a staff that can handle the growth and volume of work when the economy turns around.
Sincerely,
Matt Seals
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Lease-Leaseback Gaining Popularity
In California, state education funds are allocated to school districts every year for capital improvements. Prior to the passing of CA Education Code section 17406 (Lease-Leaseback), school districts sent these projects to bid and what followed suit were projects that were rarely completed on time nor on budget. Lease-leaseback, however, gives superintendents and school boards greater flexibility and latitude because it does not follow the traditional design-bid-build construction process. To select a contractor, bids are not required, enabling school districts to select the contractor of their choice and set appropriate and realistic terms for the project, drastically reducing the level of public agency risk associated with design issues, delays and costs overruns.
The parameters of Lease-Leaseback center around two leases between the selected builder/contractor and the school district: a Site Lease and a Facilities Lease. The Site Lease allows the school district to lease the property to the builder for $1 per year. The builder/contractor will then move forward with the construction process before the completed building is fully leased back to the school district through the Facilities Lease. This document enables the school district to lease back the real property and completed facilities, and it is through these lease payments by the school district that the builder/contractor will be paid. The amount of the lease payments are based upon the budgeted/predetermined maximum price and are executed as construction on the project progresses, therefore, there is an incentive for the builder/contractor to complete the project in a timely manner. Finally, as lease payments are made, the rights to the building being constructed revert to the school district.
The advantage to school districts for using Lease-Leaseback is considerable, which is why an increasing number of districts are using this approach to construct new facilities and modernize existing facilities. |
Predictable Results in Unpredictable Times takes the volatility out of the market for businesses
In the past two decades, we've witnessed major economic booms countered with significant market plunges that have left us stinging with uncertainty and fear. In Predictable Results in Unpredictable Times, esteemed authors Stephen R. Covey, Bob Whitman and Breck England, outline the key principles companies need to practice to ensure positive outcomes, time after time. A fundamental player of success and predictable results lies in the ability of employees to have a clear understanding of the organization's goals and what the necessary steps are in order to achieve them. Every employee needs to know how they fit into the overarching puzzle and how to execute their job with precision; there is little room for error in a turbulent economy. Trust is another essential factor during a time of crisis because no single person can facilitate all aspects of a company; we rely a great deal on trusting that our colleagues are going to carry their weight so that everything runs smoothly. The authors go on to point out the critical role character plays in a company's success and illustrate how failed leadership and failure to put together a team of individuals with strong integrity will result in collapse. Uncertainty can make for difficult times but staying the course, and staying ahead for that matter, is achievable with the right leadership, a capable staff and a clear, transparent plan for reaching a company's goals. Click here for a short review & summary of Predictable Results in Unpredictable Times |
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"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will."
--Vincent T. Lombardi | |
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