Systems & leadership ·
How to Write an SOP for Your Trades Business
Write a useful standard operating procedure for your trades business. Start with a worked job-closeout example, clear exceptions, and a practical team test.
The Blue Collar Smart blog
Better teams. Built every day.
Original articles for the people building trade businesses. Practical ideas on leadership, trust, and the work of building a stronger team.
Business resilience ·
A Business Continuity Plan for Your Trades Business
Keep your trades business organized when dispatch goes down. Build a practical continuity plan with a worked outage example and a team exercise.
Leadership in practice ·
How to Delegate Tasks in a Trades Business
Delegate work in your HVAC, plumbing, or distribution business with clear outcomes, decision limits, and check-ins. Start with one recurring task.
People & leadership ·
First-Time Manager Tips for Trades Team Leaders
New to leading a trades team? Set clear expectations, ask better questions, and build a feedback rhythm with practical first-time manager tips.
People & leadership ·
Stay Interview Questions for Trades Leaders: Find Out What Makes Good People Stay
Six stay interview questions for HVAC, plumbing, and distribution leaders, with practical examples and a follow-up exercise to act on employee feedback.
People & leadership ·
How to Build Trust in a Team: Practical Habits for Trades Leaders
Build trust in your trades team through clear commitments, honest handoffs, and consistent follow-through. Practical habits for owners and team leaders.
Looking for more ideas from leaders in the trades? Explore Hugh's podcast conversations
Work through a team challenge with our leadership guides for the trades, or get one practical weekly lesson in The Yellow Pad.
Bring the conversation to your team.
Tell Hugh about your organization and the challenge you are working through.