Required backbone for your job?

Do you need a backbone when you go into work? I know that most people need to be able to stand up for themselves, but do you have to pull rank and direct folks?

Any tips on how to "just not give a shit" and be an asshole when required? I oversee and direct construction projects that I had a large hand in designing. Trying to get a contractor to do what I ask of them is harder than anything at times - it is tough to pull the stern face and grow a backbone when I am a 26 year old "kid" in their eyes. Most of these guys have been digging trenches for longer than I have been alive and certainly do not like taking orders from a fresh shaven graduate. It helps to constantly remind myself that I am not there to make friends (and I certainly am not), but any managers have mental tips to pass along in being an ass when needed?

 

Depends on your attitude, and you can't BS with them like they are your friends. I am 26 and have been in supervisor position(s) since I was 22, it ain't easy but you don't have friends when you get promoted. It also helps to think before you speak, and choose your words carefully.

 

I was in your shoes at your age. I was a project manager for large construction projects in LA. Most contractors were professional and we all worked together to get the job done. However, some were total A-holes who had a chip on their shoulder about everything.

My advice is to use the power of the checkbook. Let them know that any future job considerations will be based upon how they have performed on their previous jobs for you. Make sure that they understand that low bid is not always the winner. If they don't get it, then stick to your word and never hire them again.

If they don't work for you but a general contractor, it is a little bit more difficult but you need to let the GC know that certain firms are difficult to work with. As long as the GC knows you are working smart and hard they will always be on your side against d-bags.

Good luck and grow a pair

 

I'm only 23 and in a position of mild authority so I know where ur coming from, an what helped me most was just gaining their respect... Once they respect you and realize you know what you're doing, they will be more willing to follow. IMO there's no need to be an ass unless someone really f'ed up. Just gain their respect and trust and you're golden

 

Earning their respect is important, but if they can't be professional and do the tasks they are asked to do the right way - You have to remember that YOUR job/money is being effected.
No need to explode and be crazy, but if you don't address the problem accurately and concisely, then you may lose money or future jobs. Most of the items should be covered in the contract/scope of work/etc...so it should be pretty easy to point it out and have thme get it right.

Good luck!!

 

I really can't give real world advice, because I never had to do it much and my personality is not necessarily ideal for being a leader type.

But I will say from the employees perspective it is not the ass that you want, it is the respect as someone else already said. First thing is your company higher ups must make it clear to the contractors that you are the one in charge and that they will follow your directions in no uncertain terms.

Then you show them mutual respect by being willing to listen and consider to their feedback before making decisions, because they do have a lot of experience.

And then just be firm about any decisions right or wrong and willing to admit and learn from mistaken ones.

Kind of like when a new 25 year old 1st Lt. in the Army gets put in charge of a unit of battle hardened troops. The Sgt in charge is still technically underneath you in rank, but he also should become your right hand man when making plans and decisions.

 

just grow a set


jk, in my job, although Im not a supervisor, yet, I used to supervise in the past.

one quote ive found helpful is "speak softly and carry a big stick"

 

I guess I chose an unhealthy term when saying "ass" because that I certainly not what I want to be. Earning the respect of contractors is tough when they do not like inspectors to begin with. Ask them to do it THIS way and they hem and haw because it is more money out of their pocket.

 

Oh, I see, the role of an inspector over a contractor's work that's somewhat different.

Now that is something I do have a lot of experience with. For that you definitely do have to have the authority to say whether they get paid or not (or reporting directly to the person that does have authority and that person must demonstrate that he will back up what you say.)

But I have learned that most good contractors are not crooks but they will shut down cooperation with me if all I give them is negative feedback all the time. It's best when I can get them comfortable that we are a team that will work together to resolve any issues and get the product built. And that I am going to be reasonable but firm and not petty about every nitnoid thing.

But the requirements have to be in writing clearly and they are mandatory however still negotiable for any true roadblocks that require changes.

I have to add that the contractors I have worked with are high tech electronics companies so I am sure that is a totally different world than more blue collar contruction types.

 

Ok, it's not quite the same but I am 32 and just at the start of my 2nd career. I work with some real hardasses, guys who have worked in the oilfields for longer than I've been alive. It's my job to give them instructions about what to do next to successfully drill an oil well. Like they don't know, right? Make no mistake, I was terrified of these guys when I started.

I've found that you catch more flies with honey. Remember to listen, their experience can save you from a lot of problems. And remember that they most likely take some pride in their work, they want to do it right so acting like you think they are just collecting a paycheck is going to make them mad. Occasionally I have had to do a "because I said so" thing, but it pays to be careful how you do that. Because when I had to do that and then ended up being wrong they were right there, taking responsibility for things they could have done to avoid the situation (which kind of weirded me out, because I still think ultimately it was my responsibility and yet they took part of the blame). I made a huge headache for them and probably cost my company a quarter million bucks, but they still stuck up for me. It was a pretty impressive example of how far respect can get you. Good luck.

 

The biggest thing is to assert authority from the beginning. It's much harder to be a jerk later on after you've tried to be their "friend". Not saying to be just a total jerk to them. But treat them with respect and demand respect be given to you. No need to be little any of them. Remind them their next job will be chosen based on the reflection they administer today.

 

It sucks, but u have to try and steer clear of the friendship thing like others have stated.

U gotta be Firm, Fair, and Consistent.... That doesn't mean u have to be a jerk.... Just be firm enough to avoid looking like a pushover.

About ur age I was also stuck in a very stressful and dangerous environment and looking over 60 peoples safety and if shtf the lead was always responsible.
Firm fair and consistent ...... Don't forget respect tho.... It goes a long way. I've seen people get beaten to the floor, sent to the er, suffer permanent disability and never come back due to being a hard nosed leader.

Don't be a hard ass..... Don't be a a pushover..... Try to find a happy medium.

Good luck and don't forget to properly decompress

 

i do essentially the same job. an old timer once told me some advice.

"plans and specs..nothing more, nothing less. so know them well, and have a damn tape measure"

i find a camera and tape measure works wonders. if a contractor is not compliant with the specs..take a picture. if they learn that you know the specs and plans well, they will respect you. you do need to know where the points of available "wiggle room" are.

 

one time, i had a contractor install a 12" waterline for me. the contract stated that they need to disinfect the thing, pressure test it, etc.

he wanted to do it as he went..section by section. the specs said, "end to end". in a meeting full of people..i let him talk..state his case. i then pulled out the specs. i am the only one that brings them to meetings (pisses me off actually)..and i read the specs out loud. "END TO END"..i said, "ok, now what dont you understand? what do we need to re-read to you?'
he tried to interrupt me. i would hold up my hand and say, "sir i let you speak, now it is my turn".

2 weeks later, my boss stepped up to me and handed me full control of that project. the contractor and myself couldn't have been prouder when we finished that job. it was both of our rookie projects..it was awesome!!

so know the plans and specs..you can ask nothing more, and expect nothing less. it's in the contract. you're gonna lose a few arguments interpreting the specs, and that is not a problem. if it is a safety thing? CCO time.