Builder to Builder: Understanding Your Crew

Every successful builder understands that a well-structured crew is the foundation of a thriving business. As leaders, we must recognize the different types of employees within our teams and develop strategies to manage and cultivate them effectively. Drawing inspiration from the book Move My Bus, we can classify employees into four categories: walkers, joggers, runners, and riders. Understanding these types will help ensure that your crew operates efficiently, meets standards, and ultimately contributes to the success of your business.

The Four Types of Crew Members

1. Walkers – Walkers move slowly, but not necessarily due to lack of effort. There are two kinds of walkers: new employees still learning the systems and seasoned veterans whose physical capabilities have slowed over time. Both can be valuable assets to the team. However, if a young, able-bodied worker remains in the walking stage without progressing, that’s a red flag. A failure to keep up with expectations means they’re slowing down the entire operation.

2. Joggers – These employees require encouragement, guidance, and validation. They possess skill and potential but need regular feedback to maintain momentum. As a leader, one of your key responsibilities is providing direction, ensuring that joggers feel supported and reassured. These employees thrive on verbal reinforcement and engagement.

3. Runners – Runners are the backbone of a high-performing crew. They don’t need constant oversight because they are self-motivated, skilled, and driven. They make things happen quickly and efficiently. However, due to their speed and determination, they may also make mistakes. As a leader, you must allow them room to learn from their errors rather than stifling their productivity.

4. Riders – Riders are the ones who don’t contribute to the movement of the bus. They have the skills but lack the work ethic or character to positively impact the team. They tend to take more than they give, resist standard operating procedures (SOPs), and are not invested in the company’s success. If an employee is consistently failing to meet expectations and requires constant intervention for basic responsibilities like punctuality or following procedures, it may be time to let them go.

   
   

Managing Your Crew Effectively

1. Set Clear Expectations: From day one, establish clear standards for work ethic, punctuality, and professionalism. This helps differentiate between walkers who are learning and riders who refuse to improve.

2. Provide Constructive Feedback: Joggers require regular feedback and encouragement, while runners benefit from autonomy with periodic check-ins.

3. Allow for Mistakes and Growth: Runners will make errors due to their fast-paced work style. Instead of penalizing them harshly, use these moments as learning opportunities to refine processes and improve efficiency.

4. Remove Riders Quickly: A rider who refuses to contribute is a liability to the team. Holding them accountable to high standards will often result in turnover, which ultimately strengthens your crew.

Moodle has a great article that discusses about professional development. You can read more here.

The Bottom Line

A well-balanced team is crucial for any builder’s success. Understanding the dynamics of walkers, joggers, runners, and riders allows you to cultivate a culture of efficiency and accountability. Your role as a leader is to mentor, guide, and, when necessary, remove those who hinder progress. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your crew is strong, motivated, and ready to build the future alongside you.