Stop Treating Subcontractors Like Second Class Citizens
Recently, I caught myself saying something I regret. I told a prospective partner that they were treating me like a subcontractor. The person immediately responded, “I didn’t mean to do that.” At first, it might sound like a harmless exchange, but here is the problem. My comment implied that it is normal to treat subcontractors badly, and their response accepted that premise as true. Both are wrong, and this mindset is one of the most toxic habits in our industry.
Too often, subcontractors, what I prefer to call trade partners, are treated as if they are less important. They get short, transactional communication. Calls are ignored. Messages are buried in contract language like “per your contract” or “as discussed in the timeline.” There is little human connection, no sense of partnership, and certainly no genuine relationship.
I used to be on the GC side for years, so I did not fully realize how common and damaging this behavior was until I started consulting. Now, I see it everywhere. Even excellent teams who praise our work sometimes still fall into the habit of sending cold, contractual messages that strip away respect and humanity. It is discouraging, and it has to change.
Being a true trade partner means much more than using friendlier terminology. It means actually building a relationship, treating people with dignity, and creating a safe, supportive work environment. It means signing fair contracts, providing help when needed, returning phone calls, and looking out for each other’s success. It means being available to talk through challenges instead of hiding behind formal paperwork.
I met an electrician here in Phoenix who made his policy clear. If a GC will not give him 30 minutes to meet face to face, he will not bid for their job. That is the standard we should be striving for, one where human connection and mutual respect are non negotiable.
The phrase “treating me like a subcontractor” should never mean treating someone poorly. In a healthy industry, it should mean treating someone like a valued partner, the same way a high end restaurant treats a welcomed guest.
Key Takeaway:
Subcontractors are not second class citizens. If we call them trade partners, we must mean it by building trust, communicating openly, and treating them with the same respect and care we would want for ourselves.
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