Undercover Boss
EMBA alumnus Stephen Martin goes undercover for Channel 4 to discover how his construction company really works
EMBA alumnus Stephen Martin goes undercover for Channel 4 to discover how his construction company really works
Stephen Martin (JEMBA2003) had already made an impact as CEO of construction firm Clugston when he was offered the opportunity to go undercover on one of his own sites to find out what really happens in the organisation, for TV show Undercover Boss, to be broadcast this week.
Swapping the boardroom for muddy boots Stephen spend two weeks clearing sewage, pouring concrete and laying paving with his workforce, and finding out about conditions on site:
"The camaraderie on the site was just absolutely amazing. Everybody took advice and guidance from each other, it didn't matter what age they were, from a 17- year old apprentice to a 64-year old about to retire. If somebody had a better way of doing something they would describe and explain it and help, support and question"
Stephen also discovered the importance of appropriate communication with his workforce, and areas of concern with an ageing workforce and the need to recruit and retain young workers.
For Stephen the opportunity was invaluable, "The frightening thing is I had been round every construction site we've got; I had met all the managers, I had sat in meetings with them, I had walked round the sites, and had tours round seeing people working. But as the workforce told me afterwards, I wasn't talking to them as people; I wasn't talking to them on their terms; I wasn't giving them the opportunity to ask me lots of questions."
Watch Undercover Boss on Thursday 25 June at 9pm on Channel 4. Stephen is also interviewed in the latest edition of AlumniNews.