We sometimes become so involved in day to day operations, putting out fires and dealing with the many challenges related to custodial operations, we lose sight of both the big picture and also the little picture. Do you remember why you started in this vocation? When was the last time:

• You reviewed your long-term goals? For instance, do you have a one year, two year and possibly ten-year plan for your company? If not, how do you know where you are and are you achieving those early dreams?

• You conducted a retuning process on your accounts to determine if they are as productive and profitable as they can be? Do you have some “slippage” where labor costs have gone up for no apparent reason?

• You reviewed your training/certification programs focused on product specific training? Are you still cleaning the same way (with necessary exceptions) at all accounts or has your supervisors lost track due to lack of accountability?

• You reviewed your labor staff and personally greeted them while thanking them for their efforts as part of the team?

• You visited a customer to personally tour the site and ask the customer for their opinion of the current level of cleaning? Yes, surveys and QC inspections are important but nothing can replace personal engagement with key accounts.

• You attended a conference or convention dedicated to management needs? This also should include your key staff who may feel neglected and taken for granted.

• You attended a large convention/trade show that allows you and staff to learn about new products and systems with a focus on green, productivity, safety or ?????

Take a moment to make your own list entitled “when was the last time?”

Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. 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 7/6/2017