In the world of construction, positivity and open communication isn’t always the norm. But PDI Drywall is different. We’re not your typical drywall company — we’re redefining the game the Ted Lasso way.
At first glance, you might think our company has nothing in common with a show about a Midwestern football coach navigating the foreign world of English soccer. But if you look closer, you’ll see a surprising resemblance. Ted Lasso’s essence, rooted in unwavering positivity, unique leadership, and humility, mirrors the core values of PDI Drywall.
As a fan of the show, I can’t help but draw parallels between Ted’s approach and our company ethos. It’s become my quick pitch: ‘Ever watched Ted Lasso? That’s us.’
Let’s get into the key qualities we share with coach Ted Lasso.
1. Optimism and Positivity
“You say impossible. All I hear is ‘I’m possible.’” -Ted Lasso
In the construction industry, where challenges pop up daily, it’s important to keep a positive attitude. Our positivity isn’t just a feel-good philosophy — it’s a strategy that improves efficiency. Much like Ted Lasso’s optimism in the show, our positive approach creates a ripple effect across our job sites, making things run smoother and leaving a lasting impact.
Hector, our VP and head of construction, is especially good at spreading positivity. His superpower is building relationships with hardworking subcontractors and tradesmen. Hector builds teams that are not just motivated but genuinely care about delivering quality work.
Hector transforms job sites, orchestrating better communication and faster project completions. After he works his magic, people might not know exactly why they enjoy working with him — they just know their days run more efficiently and the overall vibe is more positive.
2. Effective Communication
“If you care about someone, and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.” -Ted Lasso
If you’ve watched the show, you know Ted Lasso likes to talk (a lot). But he’s not just a talker, he’s a master of effective communication. Like Ted, we understand the power of both speaking and active listening. We work on large-scale projects with multiple companies and diverse teams — communication is one of our most powerful tools.
Being a good listener requires groundwork. We spend time on the job site, connecting with those doing the work. Our subcontractors and fellow tradesmen know they can call Hector to swiftly resolve issues, fostering a culture where communication is valued and rewarded.
Some companies attempt to make a profit off the backs of other trades, but we don’t play that game. Instead, we build relationships where damages are communicated openly. We fix drywall damages with no charge unless there is a blatant disregard for our product. We ditch the ego and focus on streamlined progress.
3. Leadership by Example
“Just listen to your gut. And on your way down to your gut, check in with your heart. Between those two things, they’ll let you know what’s what.” -Ted Lasso
In construction, leadership combines attitude and action. Ted Lasso leads by example by maintaining the positive attitude he wants to see in his team. He encourages players to forget the setbacks and focus on the future. Setting this example creates a high standard for everyone to follow.
At PDI, our leaders set the tone on our job sites. Respect and communication allow us to maintain a positive company culture where our subcontractors feel valued and truly invested in their work. This mentality fosters trust and cooperation and uplifts morale. As a result, we’re able to wipe out inefficiencies and accelerate timelines on all our projects.
Integrity is our cornerstone and highest operating principle. If you trust your gut and check your heart, you’ll find it’s the only way to lead authentically. The reward for leading with integrity is having the finest team in the industry. Our team consistently exceeds expectations, finishing ahead of schedule, and under budget. There’s money to be made with the Ted Lasso ethos, along with a more enjoyable place to work.
4. Build Strong Relationships
“Jamie, I think that you might be so sure that you’re one in a million, that sometimes out there you forget that you’re just one in eleven.” -Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso has to remind his star player, Jamie Tartt, that he needs every member of his team to be successful. At PDI, we also believe that teamwork is the MVP. Our job is to install and paint drywall for large-scale buildings, but we are just one piece of a larger puzzle. We need to collaborate with all the other trades on the job to work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
The secret to our success is building strong relationships. Our company motto is simple: “The only thing we build better than walls is relationships.” This starts with our subcontractors and extends to every tradesman and general contractor on the job. When we all work together like a team, things just go smoother. Plumbers and electricians see our drywall as an extension of their work and we see their work as a part of ours. When everyone takes care of each other, problems are fixed as a team.
We’ve tracked the jobs where the general contractor allows us to operate this way and it’s astonishing what we can accomplish. It’s the Ted Lasso way — being nice, communicating, and working together. Everyone, including the general contractor and other trades, makes more money on our jobs. That’s the PDI way.
Embrace the Power of Positivity
“Be curious, not judgemental” -Ted Lasso
The construction industry can be a serious place. After all, we face challenges like tight deadlines, high-pressure environments, safety concerns, and physically demanding work. Disputes, conflicts, and bad relationships can contribute to stress and negativity. That being said, I love being a part of a team that chooses to embrace positivity the Ted Lasso way.
With 19 years of experience in the construction industry, I’m happy to have found a system that is both enjoyable to work within and creates a superior finished product. The impact of a positive attitude is tangible. Not only do we create a more positive atmosphere and consistently smoother days on the job site, but we also create a more profitable and successful business model overall.
Would your business benefit from the Ted Lasso point of view?
My name is Mikki Paradis and apart from running my company, I’m passionate about helping other businesses find success. I work as a public speaker and consultant to help companies improve and achieve better results. If your company needs education and training about project management, efficiency benchmarks, effective communication strategies, or gender diversity in the construction industry, reach out today to discuss the possibility of working together.
Photos: Wallpapers.com
Write a Comment