Mean Boss-or Nice Boss

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 10-06-2008, 06:41 PM   #1
Pro
 
genecarp's Avatar
 
Trade: LI,NY designer, new homes, renovation work, concre
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 5,426

Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


A couple of threads got me curious, it seems like alot of guys here are hard asses when it comes to managing there employees. how would you best describe your management style

1- A RAVING LUNATIC THAT SCREAMS AT THERE EMPLOYEES ON A REGULAR BASIS

2- A WELL BALANCED PACKAGE THAT OCCASIONALLY SCREAMS

3- A QUIET TYPE THAT MOTIVATES AND LEADS BY CAREFULLY CHOSEN NON EMOTIONAL COMMUNICATION.

G

__________________
genecarp is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 10-06-2008, 06:43 PM   #2
Pro
 
George Z's Avatar
 
Trade: Painting Contractor
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 1,836

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


4- a quiet type that motivates and leads by carefully chosen emotional communication.
George Z is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 06:44 PM   #3
DGR,IABD
 
mdshunk's Avatar
 
Trade: Electrical; Commercial and Residential Service
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Central PA
Posts: 9,680

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


I'm definitely #2. I'm generally calm, but occasionally go totally off the deep end. Usually after that happens, everyone is real quiet the rest of the day.
mdshunk is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 06:46 PM   #4
Member
 
AintNoFun's Avatar
 
Trade: Landscape Contractor
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Northeast
Posts: 82

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


i dont think you can win either way... your nice people walk over you, your nasty theyre unproductive and find ways to screw you..
AintNoFun is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 06:48 PM   #5
DGR,IABD
 
mdshunk's Avatar
 
Trade: Electrical; Commercial and Residential Service
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Central PA
Posts: 9,680

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


Quote:
Originally Posted by AintNoFun View Post
i dont think you can win either way... your nice people walk over you, your nasty theyre unproductive and find ways to screw you..
That's why I'm generally nice, and only occasionally fly off the handle to keep anyone from getting any funny ideas.
mdshunk is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 06:50 PM   #6
Construction Marketer
 
SethHoldren's Avatar
 
Trade: Construction Dude w/ Website Skills
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville
Posts: 288

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


I am not a quiet type, but I don't yell. In fact, in my experience a point can be driven home more powerfully if you don't blow your wad yelling all the time.

But then, I know there are people out there who don't respond to anything but yelling. I just don't hire those people.

Here are the rules of thumb I live by: Mean what you say. Prove it often. Make eye contact. Don't hire people who you can't communicate with.
__________________
Website Critiques

The Construction Marketing Blog
SethHoldren is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 06:55 PM   #7
DGR,IABD
 
mdshunk's Avatar
 
Trade: Electrical; Commercial and Residential Service
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Central PA
Posts: 9,680

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


Quote:
Originally Posted by SethHoldren View Post
Don't hire people who you can't communicate with.
... and if you do accidentally, humiliate them on a regular basis until they quit.
mdshunk is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 06:58 PM   #8
Construction Marketer
 
SethHoldren's Avatar
 
Trade: Construction Dude w/ Website Skills
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville
Posts: 288

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


Quote:
Originally Posted by mdshunk View Post
... and if you do accidentally, humiliate them on a regular basis until they quit.

__________________
Website Critiques

The Construction Marketing Blog
SethHoldren is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 07:06 PM   #9
timeismoney
 
daystoshort's Avatar
 
Trade: road and gravel contractor,building demo,building movers
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 37

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


id go with 5 fair but firm i verry seldom freek out its about respect if you respect them they respect you.
daystoshort is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 07:16 PM   #10
I'm a Mac
 
Chris Johnson's Avatar
 
Trade: ICF Construction
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Hog Town
Posts: 3,259

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


I'll take #2, I only scream if I have had to tell you the same thing over and over again, then I demote you to moving and bending/cutting rebar by yourself for the entire day...that job sucks and is dirty, after 8 hours of the same thing by yourself you learn to listen really quick.
__________________
Chris
Chris Johnson is online now  
Old 10-06-2008, 07:34 PM   #11
Pro
 
PA woodbutcher's Avatar
 
Trade: Remodeling
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northeast, Pa
Posts: 1,906

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


Quote:
Originally Posted by genecarp View Post
A couple of threads got me curious, it seems like alot of guys here are hard asses when it comes to managing there employees. how would you best describe your management style

1- A RAVING LUNATIC THAT SCREAMS AT THERE EMPLOYEES ON A REGULAR BASIS

2- A WELL BALANCED PACKAGE THAT OCCASIONALLY SCREAMS

3- A QUIET TYPE THAT MOTIVATES AND LEADS BY CAREFULLY CHOSEN NON EMOTIONAL COMMUNICATION.

G
Probably somewhere between a 2 and 3. Occasionally would mean, like twice in the last 2 years. I had a 1st Sergeant tell me in the Army that when you lose your temper you lose respect. I have been known to send people home for the rest of the day or week depending on the infraction. Sent all 3 of them home once. I don't mess with them and I don't expect them to mess with me.
__________________
'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.' - Ronald Reagan
PA woodbutcher is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 07:34 PM   #12
Chief Toilet Mover
 
Mike Finley's Avatar
 
Trade: Bathroom Remodeling
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Littleton, Colorado
Posts: 14,078

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


Quote:
Originally Posted by George Z View Post
4- a quiet type that motivates and leads by carefully chosen emotional communication.
Ditto.

If your employees aren't sure that you care, you can be sure they could careless about you, the company and the work they are doing.
Mike Finley is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 08:04 PM   #13
topsail's trimcat
 
woodworkbykirk's Avatar
 
Trade: finish Carpenter/ renovations
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: ns, canada
Posts: 3,247

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


my actions vary in regards to the employee, if the worker doesnt listen, lazy and makes mistake constantly i yell till my voice is gone

if its a good worker and they made a small mistake just by having a brain fart, ill tease em a couple times or use "you remember that time we were installing siding and i said i needed 3 pieces 82" between the windows and you cut me 3 pieces 28" cuz you read your tape backwards"

if their new at the trade and just starting out, im nice to them, explain where they made their mistake, or tell them were on a timeline for this job,whatever. so lets work a little faster,or you know where you went wrong for the next time
woodworkbykirk is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 08:12 PM   #14
Thom
 
thom's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor/Homebuilder
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 3,194

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


How would one know if you were the yelling type. You must yell just to be heard on a construction site. If you have a quiet voice, no one would know you were talking.

As for type, direct, honest, to the point. If a guy screws up, point it out, every time. If you don't, anger will build up inside you till you burst, probably at the wrong thing or the wrong guy.

If your guys can't take being told they screwed up, let them leave. There's no time or patience to be your employees shrink or friend, JUST BE HIS BOSS.
thom is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 08:20 PM   #15
Pro
 
Remodel Bud's Avatar
 
Trade: Remodeling & home improvements
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 407

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


........

Last edited by Remodel Bud; 10-11-2008 at 01:28 PM.
Remodel Bud is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 08:21 PM   #16
Builder/Remodeler
 
ChrWright's Avatar
 
Trade: Builder/Remodeler
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Posts: 3,563
Send a message via Skype™ to ChrWright

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


I don't like the "non-emotional" element--and I don't consider "screaming" well balanced.

I strive to be more of a Leader than a Boss where my expectations are clear, employees are respected and correction is progressive vs. bi polar.

I am passionate about having high standards, for both myself and for those who work for me. "Lead by example" is a cliche, but true nonetheless.

Bottom line: employees will bend over backwards to please you if they respect you and if you inspire them to be part of something greater--something special. When it comes to front-line, in-the-field leadership: Respect is earned by setting a consistent level of expectations and being just as hard on yourself in meeting them as you are on them.

Does that mean hand-holding? Defnintely not. I don't subscribe to the "every snowflake is special" school of teaching/leading. I will teach you the way I want things done, be patient as you learn and grow--but when you screw up you're going to hear about it.
__________________

Christopher Wright, CR: President @ WrightWorks, LLC/President @ Central Indiana NARI, Named to the 2010 REMODELING Big50
www.WrightWorks.net - Facebook - Twitter - Carmel Remodeling
Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling Contractor - You Can Get There From Here

Last edited by ChrWright; 10-06-2008 at 08:24 PM.
ChrWright is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 08:23 PM   #17
Pro
 
Remodel Bud's Avatar
 
Trade: Remodeling & home improvements
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 407

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


...................

Last edited by Remodel Bud; 10-11-2008 at 01:27 PM.
Remodel Bud is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 08:33 PM   #18
Pro
 
genecarp's Avatar
 
Trade: LI,NY designer, new homes, renovation work, concre
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 5,426

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


I probably fall somewhere between 2 and 3, for me, i takes to much effort to yell. as much as i believe it is not good for the morale of the men, more importantly yelling is not good for me. i very clearly lay out what is expected, i am a friend, a therapist, a babysitter, and a couple of other things. but rest assured everyone knows if they become more of a liability than an asset, they are gone. ( nothing personal ).
__________________
genecarp is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 08:38 PM   #19
Professional Instigator
 
rbsremodeling's Avatar
 
Trade: Design Build Remodeling Contractor DC MD
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Washington, DC/ Maryland
Posts: 6,872

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


I will probably get banged up for this but

I am the clown on the job site. I talk trash with my guys all day long. My guys know I enjoy what I do. I do not want then to look at me as a boss but a friend and I have not gotten burnt with this philosophy in 15 years.

When I announce I am going out to the field to work everyone wants me on their project. I make working enjoyable. I pick the hardest tasks or even the clean up role to do while I am in the field.

My guys respect me and it is not a problem for me. To have them see me doing small task that a laborer would do.

I can also get my guys to do anything, anytime I ask because they know I will come in the trenches with them if required.

Some guys will disagree and say you have to have a boss mentality or stay in charge but my method has worked for me and my co workers/employees are loyal to no end.

They do not exploit my kindness and I have not raised my voice to anyone in over 15 years. If somethings broke we broke it and we will fix it. They do not neglect my tools, trucks or job sites so if anything goes wrong its on us/me
__________________

rbsremodeling is offline  
Old 10-06-2008, 08:40 PM   #20
Pro
 
Meetre's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpentry
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 646

Re: Mean Boss-or Nice Boss


Quote:
Originally Posted by genecarp View Post
but rest assured everyone knows if they become more of a liability than an asset, they are gone. ( nothing personal ).
nuff said. let them know what is expected and what they can expect. stick to it. Yelling makes me mad, I won't do it to someone else.
Meetre is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Some nice pictures Patrick Roofing 18 08-14-2008 09:43 PM
Play nice! neolitic Plumbing 4 06-19-2008 01:09 AM
Nice Place gandoff Introductions 11 03-26-2008 06:40 PM
USG tools = very nice! Drywall1 Drywall 17 12-22-2007 08:24 AM
A nice gesture KillerToiletSpider Plumbing 10 12-20-2007 08:34 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?