How do you slow these guys down so they can have a real conversation?

Our daily routine is brutal when it comes to making changes.  There's no time!  That's why you need a phrase that will pump the brakes.  In Construction, that phrase is "Let's A3 it."  In the Army, it's "Let's MDMP it."  Agile, Scrum...any of those will work, as long as the phrase means something to your team and it is written down as an SOP.

But that's just the process for Decision Making.  Your organization has other processes:   Project Management, Onboarding, Accounting....and many more. (I think the most important one to improving your business is the the review of the Punch List, though I'm not sure that exists in most organizations.)

Finally, If you hire a contractor, don't you want them to be a Process Based Contractor?  

Three Good Interview Questions to Ask (Or Proactively Answer)

1. 5 S is a Lean Construction Term.  Another way of saying this is "Get organized."  The question: What process do you use to organize your workspaces?
2. Communication is essential on projects, but many people are scared to speak up.  The question: What process does the frontline worker use to communicate problems they see or think they will see?  
3. Learning from past mistakes is essential to not repeating those mistakes on YOUR job.  The question: What process does your team use to learn from past mistakes?

A Process Can't Protect Itself

You may have SOPs, but people WILL skip steps.  Just like the cavemen above, there's no time!  (That is, until the Punch List comes out and you can't get paid.)  If you want a process to be followed, someone needs to protect it.  This is especially true on the big processes that involve multiple stakeholders. That's why you need a Process Ref.

The Process Ref's Job

• Make sure a process is being used.  (If you see a meeting and no Process Ref, that's probably just a complaint session.)
• Make sure everyone gets heard, not just the boss or the "loud ones".  (Again, no Ref - then it's probably just a complaint session.)
• Make sure goals are clear before solutions are discussed.  (Or you will have a complaint session.)
• Make sure information is captured. (Be The Scribe.)  (OR...Complaint Session)

Differentiate Yourself!

Use Processes to your advantage!  This isn't just because they will make your company more efficient, more safe and more fun (less stressful).  

Being a Process Based Contractor is a great story! If your client is also a process based organization, they are going to want to hear your story.  Integrate your process/culture story into your RFPs.  Answer those three questions above, even if you don't get asked.  This will differentiate you, help you get aligned with your client, and help you get out of the "low price" conversation.