Tired after a hot summer? by Ruth King This summer has been a hot one for most of the country.  As a result, most of the owners and technicians I talk with are tired.  And, tired people can be grouchy people, make mistakes and don't always take care of the customer as you want them to.  So, how do you deal with tired and sometimes grouchy people...especially when you, as the owner, may be one of them? First, tired people may not be complaining people.  Even though many owners are incredibly tired right now, every one I talk with is thankful that this has been a hot, profitable summer. Even when you're tired, your employees and you should enjoy coming to work everyday.  Yes, there are busy and stressful days.  However, overall, everyone should enjoy what he or she is doing and the work environment should be pleasant.  In positive environments, employees are generally upbeat about what they do.  When describing their work, they tend to down play the problems and say "there are days" but don't dwell on the negatives. When they are tired, recognize they are tired.  This is the time for many pats on the back and thank you's.  One company I know has a luncheon at the end of the hot summer for all of his service technicians.  This is a thank you for their hard work for the summer...and the service manager cooks for the technicians. If you are tired, find a way to spend at least some time every day getting away from thinking about work or doing work.  This could be doing a hobby you enjoy, losing yourself in a good book, or working out.  Even if it is a walk around the block, this will help you become more energized. If your technicians are tired, then your dispatcher has to watch them carefully.   She might send one or two home early on a rotating basis to get some rest.  It is important that they stay as fresh as possible so they think right and have less chance of making a mistake that could hurt themselves. This is the time to celebrate the good, profitable summer.  Hopefully you've built a great tickler file to handle the usually slower times for the next few weeks.   And, say thanks to everyone for their hard work this summer. To contact Ruth King call 800-511-6844 or send an email to ruthking@hvacchannel.tv This article is reprinted with permission from the August 14, 2005, issue of Contractor Cents.