Al Levi is an author, business consultant, and president of The 7-Power Contractor®. In this episode, Al shares his best tips for retaining technicians and creating a career opportunity for your employees. 

Building From Scratch

Everyone oversells themselves in interviews. It is what we are taught to do from the moment we start applying for jobs. So when you are recruiting, it is essential that you are aware of this. Al says the best way to ensure that your new hires can do everything they alluded to, is to put them through hands-on tests. Some won’t pass these tests or will be unsure of where to begin but you will have a clear idea of who is ready and willing to learn.

>“With manuals and with training, I can fix the holes in the existing staff because I make it safe for them… [When training new hires] Whatever you don’t know, is now my problem. We’re going to go through it together and you’re going to demonstrate that you can do it. Once you demonstrate it, then you’re now responsible.”

You will never find someone who knows everything on the first day, but it’s up to you to understand their blindspots and teach them what they do need to know.

Create a Safe Space

Help your hires build a career not a job. Employees aren’t overly concerned with the goals of the business unless it in some way helps them reach their goals. Show them that you are there to help them on their journey, and lay out an obvious talent pathway for them to follow.

Your employees should not have to reach management positions to feel valued. Don’t think about only the top of the pyramid when the bottom blocks are what holds the pyramid up. Al emphasizes that your entire team should have clear answers to these questions:

1. Where am I today?
2. Where can I go with the business tomorrow?
3. Who truly is my boss and can I rely on them?
4. If I need help, who can I go to?

If they’re feeling uncertain about anything listed above then it is up to you, as the leader, to secure their confidence again. Help them see the potential and become excited about the journey. Continue to support their development by providing team building exercises and opportunities for growth.

While hiring the right employees can help you delegate and work less in the field, it’s important to maintain a certain level of presence to spot any areas that are lacking. Al is a strong proponent of doing consistent ride alongs so you can spot problems immediately. He also recommends setting up mystery shoppers. This holds everyone accountable to good business ethics.

>"You have to help people stay right. We're not looking to try and find you doing something wrong. We're looking to capture you doing something right and make a big deal about it. Because if you do something wrong and it ends up in one of these sting operations, we all go down."

Pay Raises, Salaries and Bonuses

Giving your hardworking employees a bonus or raise can decrease turnover and boost staff morale. Al recommends implementing these monetary rewards because they incentivize your employees to go above and beyond, which ultimately benefits your business.

For more information on Al’s business and services, visit 7-Power Contractor.