The Problem Isn't the People; It's the System
- Gil Rosa
- May 9
- 2 min read
Before you blame your crew, take a look at what they’re working with.
“People just don’t want to work anymore.”
If you’re a builder, a GC, or a foreman, you've probably heard that.
You might've even said it.
And yeah, sometimes it feels true.
Crews are inconsistent.
Young laborers lack urgency.
Subcontractors seem checked out.
But here’s the hard truth:
Most people want to do good work if the system allows them to.
If you’ve got high turnover, low productivity, or constant fire drills on your job site, the problem isn’t just the people.
It's the system they’re working in.
Good Workers Burn Out in Bad Systems
I’ve seen it again and again skilled people failing on disorganized jobs.
Why?
Because they’re:
Guessing what comes next
Waiting for materials that aren’t there
Dealing with stacked trades in tight spaces
Getting yelled at instead of supported
Spending more time figuring things out than building
People don’t thrive in chaos.
They thrive in clarity, rhythm, and momentum.
And that comes from leadership, not labor.
Leadership Is a System, Not a Personality
You don't need to be louder.
You don't need to be tougher.
You need a system that supports execution.
That means:
A schedule that reflects reality
A flow of work that respects space, time, and crew sequence
A communication rhythm that prevents last-minute changes
Expectations that are clear, fair, and enforced with respect
When the system works, people do, too.
What to Check Before You Blame the Crew
If you’re frustrated with your team, ask yourself:
1. Do they know what’s expected this week and today?
If not, that’s a system issue.
2. Is the material or space ready when they are?
Delays aren’t always the crew’s fault.
3. Have you walked the job with them recently and listened?
If they're checked out, they might feel unheard.
4. Are you rewarding speed over quality or chaos over consistency?
People respond to what you measure.
Upgrade the System, Elevate the People
You don't need to fire your way to a better project.
You need to lead it differently.
Give your crew:
A system they can plug into
A rhythm they can trust
A clear definition of done
A culture that values problem-solving, not firefighting
When you do, even the average players get better.
And the great ones stick around.
Final Thought: The Right System Builds the Right People
Bad systems break good teams.
Good systems grow great ones.
At GRPM Services, we help contractors, developers, and project leaders turn chaos into clarity—with systems that keep jobs moving, crews engaged, and problems small.
If your site feels stuck, burned out, or just heavy, we can help you fix the system.
Book a free Fix-It Strategy Session, and let's rebuild something stronger.
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