Good Ideas for the Modern Electrical Estimator Part III

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In many ways, there is no other construction trade quite like the electrical industry. The combination of applied science, physical work and risk of injury are the biggest reasons why. Finding an electrical estimator with the proper blend of brawn, leadership and intelligence is not easy. It never has been.

Electrical work is so diverse, and many of the companies who do it are so specialized that it is impossible for anyone to master it all. That is an important point, because it opens the door to a lifetime of continuing education and improvement.

In this article, we will discuss three different employee profiles. Every company has at least one of these examples in house, and some will have all three. We will discuss the strengths, weaknesses and some ideas for how to address them. The goal is to make the employee more valuable, and therefore the company more successful.

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Example 1 – The Elite Field Electrician

STRENGTH

• Intimately familiar with many installation methods, company procedures, etc.
• Ambitious, eager to demonstrate value to company.
• Basic customer service experience.
• Understands and relates to the job at the field level. Can often contribute sound advice and insight on potential problems, delays, etc.
• Can always rely on field experience and technical education to overcome a problem.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

• No construction management experience.
• Undeveloped computer skills.
• Undeveloped office skills.
• Lacks more advanced customer service skills (sales and marketing).
• Can sometimes struggle with a “bird’s eye view” of a project. Ability to plan long-term undeveloped.

Employees such as these are the backbone of any successful electrical contractor. Their will to excel and advance within the company should never be discouraged or underestimated. In an office environment, they can sometimes start off like bulls in a china shop. But given the proper time and training, they can evolve into any role. They are an unstoppable force.

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Example 2 – The Construction Manager

STRENGTH

• Likely a college graduate with a degree in engineering, construction management, or similar.
• Extensive training in project management and scheduling.
• Comfortable with phone, email or face-to-face presentation and communication.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

• Most likely has not spent time working in the field. Often struggles to understand the field worker’s concerns or point-of-view.
• Lack of technical expertise can cause problems.

No matter what the business is, professional managers will always be a valuable asset. But their education did not end on graduation day. The more they can learn and understand about the people and resources they manage, the more effective they will be.

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Example 3 – The Old Pro

STRENGTH

• With a lifetime of experience, there’s almost no problem they haven’t faced, or mistake they haven’t learned from.
• Important long-term relationships with customers.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

• Often resistant to new methods, ideas or technology.
• With the end of their career looming, the motivation to expand their skills is low.

These veterans of the industry are invaluable for what they can do, and as mentors to the next wave of electricians. They’ve seen and done almost everything there is to do in the trade. But even a 40-year veteran of the electrical industry can learn something new. Technology has given us tools, computers and software that are more powerful and productive than ever, but it does little good in the hands of someone who cannot or will not learn how to use it properly.

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