So what do you do in the middle of a project when two subcontractors start going at each other? Keeping in mind if you just fire one or both, you are stuck as the GC as they each have their own permit in their name for the job.
I have two that are acting like little kids. I want to fire them both but do not want to hold up the job of having to find someone else to come in and take their place as we are 98% complete. Not too many other guys will come in to do 2% of a job without charging BIG time for it.
Why can’t guys be adults and realize that sometimes little things that are just parts of a pissing contest need to be let go?
Replies
Explain to them;
We are all here to do our job, not fight with each other. My job as the GC is to make sure you can and are doing your job in a timely and workmanlike fashion.
I am here to provide you with the information, opportunity, and conditions necessary for you to perform your work as an independent contractor. If this conflict pertains to this job, let's resolve it right now. That's my job.
If the conflict is personal, you guys need to settle it on your own time, because right now you are costing me money.
If you cannot get along, that is, continue to interfere with the progress of this work, I can certainly schedule this so you guys can be here on different days. That of course has an associated cost, which you will be sharing as liquidated damages against your final invoice.
Thank you.
Wonderful thought process, you must be a boss and a good one at that.
<<Wonderful thought process, you must be a boss and a good one at that.>>Thanks.Yes to the "boss" part, and I try real hard on the "good" part. <G>I take my job very seriously, that is, I make sure that everyone I am responsible to has everything they need to do their job. And if they don't, we need to find out why.The key in this case is to structure an authentically respectful engagement such that everyone can get what they need to. You set the tone by your example. If you are fair, honest, direct, and keep it about the job, then it is difficult for the problem subs to do otherwise, and if they do, they have tipped their hand badly.As the site super you want to clearly identify the problem, recap the responsibilities of all parties, and accurately describe the consequences.This is what I want, this is when I want it by, this is the standard to which I want it done, this is what you get if you do it, and this is what you get if you don't.
Endure.
Then never use either one again.
1969, Lake Stevens pee wee league champion Eagles co starting right fielder. 1970 Casse Camp field days, bicycle race leader for one lap. Third place three legged sack race. 1976 dodge ball 4th runner up for Mvp (shirts) and 1979 most improved runner in the egg race Shepherdsville junior high. 1980 Bullitt Central High School co 4th place winner short story contest in Mr.Whites english class!
REPRESENTING!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7gxsNogQDo&feature=related
Is it painters and floor finishers?http://www.tvwsolar.com
I went down to the lobby
To make a small call out.
A pretty dancing girl was there,
And she began to shout,
"Go on back to see the gypsy.
He can move you from the rear,
Drive you from your fear,
Bring you through the mirror.
He did it in Las Vegas,
And he can do it here."
So what do you do in the middle of a project when two subcontractors start going at each other?
About what? If you can define the problem, you can probably resolve it yourself.
If it's a personal matter, tell them to take it off the job. Say that loudly, to both of them, very emphatically. You're the authority figure so take control.
Cat has it right, as long as you are holding money tell them to shape up or prepare to watch the money go to someone else.
If you want any $$ STFU and get back to work or the delay is going to cost you.
Introduce them to the woodshed tavern.
They'll fit right in, and they can duke it out, there.
In my experiance you have to be a cross between a babysitter and Thor while hoping the HO doesn't see or get wind of.
I had one sub who couldn't shut his mouth and another who couldn't resist antagonizing him.I let it go on to long so when it blew up I had to intervene.
Not my best day, had one by the throat off the floor with the hammer in the other hand and a look that froze the other.I scared myself worse than either of them but they both apoligized and went to different parts of the house for the rest of the day and were literally pleasent to each other the rest of the time.
But the reality is I should have resolved the conflict way earlier.You got to nip it in the bud before it starts and you have to earn their respect and a little fear goes along way. Still not a good answer is it, tell us how it works out.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
had one by the throat off the floor with the hammer in the other hand and a look that froze the other.
That is funny right there. There were days I felt like that toward my client! I agree that it has to be addressed immediately."...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
<<<<had one by the throat off the floor with the hammer in the other hand and a look that froze the other.>>>><<That is funny right there. There were days I felt like that toward my client! I agree that it has to be addressed immediately.>>I've gotten the undivided attention of more than one boss that way, but I always felt too much responsibility to employees and subs to do that to them.The bosses all had it coming and the workplace was thereafter better for everyone.
When my guys start going at it, I give them the "you're both grown men, getting paid like professionals, time to start acting like professionals" speech. Followed by "Time to go down to your trucks and get your big-boy pants on before I go get mine and throw you both off the job." That usually works. Build houses... don't babysit.
Thanks guys. I usually don't have any problems but lately its been just dumb between two guys over about $150 worth of work on a very large project. I already told both, they can easily be replaced on my next project but they each still want to push it. This is what really shows you why some guys are self employed as they could never work as employees for a company with that attitude....and may not work for me next time!
>> This is what really shows you why some guys are self employed as they could never work as employees for a company with that attitude....
Hey, I resemble that remark!
seriously, I dont like BS. from a boss or an underling. I would rather take a punch in the nose than put up with childish behavior from grown men
Get up both of their asses and tell them to grow up and act like men in the professional environment.
Tell em if they want to fight, get in their trucks, leave the job and beat the #### out of each other, but before they come back, be sure they have settled their problems.
I did that once to 2 brick masons on my job. (either one could have torn my head off quite easily)
They both shut up and went back to work.
Likely neither one is brave enough to really get into it and they would rather not be fighting but testosterone and stupidity have the best of them.
Give them an excuse to not fight. DEMAND IT!
Just curious, what are they fighting about?
I can't imagine having to come all these years to bring myself to the professional level that I am and then stand there on a job and nit-pick, taunt and fight.
I don't understand stupidity even though at times I would like to.
I guess there's nothing to get.
Psycho wives, kid's with drug problems, money problems. Psycho kid's with wives with drug problems. We have all seen it. I just had an HVAC guy I've used for years get blindsided by his wife, divorce papers, restraining order (the guy's a pussycat!).
So, it's gotta be fixed but sometimes you can't be the fixer.
My father told me years ago that he had fired alot of people, and outside of corporate reorg stuff, he never regretted firing anyone, but he sure regretted WAITING to fire someone. The other subs and employees are watching and waiting for the big dog to bite, even if it is 98% done.
"So, it's gotta be fixed but sometimes you can't be the fixer."Well said.Makes me tired just reading your reply. I'm glad to be stepping back a bit from the GC game.
Good post.View Image