As a school business leader, you’re no stranger to the challenges of managing relationships with external contractors. Here’s how, with a few simple strategies, you can transform your interactions with contractors into stress-free and collaborative partnerships
As SBLs, you often spend just as much time dealing with people from outside your school as you do in it, and sometimes probably even more. But with a never-ending list of jobs to get done, meetings to attend and reports to complete, finding time to develop better relationships with your contractors can be difficult. Things can get even more complicated if the service isn’t what you wanted or there’s problems to be dealt with. But by employing a few simple strategies, you can improve your contractor relationships to make them stress-free and synergetic.
Know where to invest your time
The key to a successful contractor relationship lies in finding the right contractor from the start. While investing time in researching and vetting contractors may seem time-consuming initially, it pays off in the long run. When initiating conversations, it’s crucial to be open and detailed about your needs, expectations, and any potential obstacles. Consider reaching out to a third party, such as an association, for free impartial advice on which contractor might best meet your requirements. Clear communication about your expectations early on will lead to fewer difficult conversations once the contract is underway.
Ask the experts
When it comes to developing better contractor relationships, reaching out to others with an interest in any activities can be invaluable. Asking the right questions requires subject knowledge, and as much as we’d like to be, we can’t be experts in everything! Remember, the relationship isn’t just between you and the contractor; but between you, the contractor, the school and everyone involved. Before discussing matters with a contractor, seek feedback from all involved parties, such as the maintenance team, support staff, or school kitchen team. This ensures clear communication and keeps everyone on the same page.
Get their feedback
Feedback is a two-way process and key to developing a good contractor relationship is to actively seek their input as well as yours and the schools. While you need to communicate your expectations and requirements, it’s equally important to listen to the contractor’s input. They can provide valuable insights into realistic targets, potential alternatives, or any obstacles that may arise. Even the best-planned projects can encounter issues, so it’s vital for contractors to feel comfortable communicating problems and working collaboratively to find solutions. Setting out project phases allows for structured feedback, with meetings scheduled at the end and beginning of each phase to discuss progress and address any concerns. It’s important to document all conversations with contractors and establish a clear action plan to address any issues that may arise. This plan should be updated at each subsequent meeting to ensure that progress is tracked and accountability is maintained.
Taking the time to research and vet contractors, being open and detailed in your communication, and seeking feedback from all parties involved are crucial steps in building positive contractor relationships. Remember, clear communication and collaboration are key to overcoming obstacles and ensuring successful project outcomes. By prioritizing these aspects, you can manage contractor relationships more effectively and focus on achieving positive results for your school.
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