Navigating the Need
In the demanding industries of engineering and manufacturing, companies frequently experience unexpected surges in workload that require immediate attention. When your team finds itself overwhelmed by deadlines and projects, and hiring additional permanent staff isn't feasible, it's crucial to explore alternative solutions. This is where pitching contract engineers to your company/team becomes essential. Here's how to effectively discuss the issue with your boss and make a compelling case for external help.
Assess the Situation
Take a step back and assess the situation before approaching your boss. Consider your team's overarching goals and how the current workload aligns with them. Identify the specific challenges you're facing and the potential impact on your customers if these challenges aren't addressed promptly.
Review Delegation Opportunities
Identify any project tasks that can be delegated to an external team. Look for time-consuming components of the work that could be handled as separate projects. By identifying these opportunities for delegation, you can demonstrate how contract engineers can reduce the burden on your team.
Prepare for the Conversation
Before speaking with your boss, prepare with concrete information and a well-thought-out plan. Present the timeline for completing the work without additional assistance, emphasizing the potential delays and risks. Then, outline your proposal for outsourcing specific tasks to contract engineers and explain the advantages this approach provides.
Emphasize the Benefits
Make sure to emphasize the benefits of hiring an outside engineering team. Highlight the efficiency gains compared to hiring more permanent staff, as contract engineers can often start working immediately without the need for onboarding. Stress the cost savings associated with contracting versus hiring full-time employees, especially considering the short-term nature of the assistance needed.
Utilizing Contract Engineers to Improve Team Efficiency
Recruiting contract engineers can be a strategic move for companies with high workloads and limited resources. By carefully assessing the situation, preparing for the conversation, and emphasizing the benefits, you can persuade your boss to seek external assistance. Remember to prioritize alignment with your team's goals and the potential impact on your customers in order to position contract engineers as a valuable solution to your company's challenges.
Considerations Before Pitching
What are your team's goals?
How are your struggles helping your customer?
Are there parts of a project that can be delegated? For instance, something that takes a long time.
Are there stand-alone projects that can be delegated entirely?
