As I have stated before, we are in the “people business” when it comes to managing and operating a custodial service.  Of all the positions in a company, the Supervisor (onsite or other title such as Project Manager) is the most important person in the entire operation.  Accounting, Sales, Management and even the front line workers are all dependent upon him/her to get the building cleaned every night.  Without a well trained, well supported, highly motivated Supervisor the contract will invariably fail.

One of many responsibilities of the Supervisor is to manage productivity.  They are the key people onsite who can make or break a contract in its day to day operations.  The Supervisor’s primary function should be to manage the workers getting the job done.  Too often, they get side tracked into meetings, reporting, filling in for an absentee worker, traveling, delivering and doing about everything else other than what is the key task.  This is not to say that a Supervisor cannot perform all and more of the tasks listed but they must stay focused if they are to succeed.  The break down occurs when all of the side tasks prevent him/her from successfully managing the crews so that the work is performed satisfactorily every day.

What are your Supervisors doing tonight?  Do you value them for what they are truly worth to your organization?  Do they have the right priorities or are they so distracted that the work is not getting done?  What are you doing to support them by providing ongoing training and other supports to make them productive?  

Your comments and questions are always welcome.  I hope to hear from you soon.  Until then, keep it clean…

 

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.

 


posted on 7/1/2013