The foreman I remember most fondly, and he's still alive, is called Mark Wade. I remember years ago I spotted a mistake on the drawings and Mark wasn't there so I stuck my neck on the block and instructed the other bricklayers to deviate from the drawings and told them I would take responsibility. It turned out that I was correct but that didn't save me from the most memorable tongue lashing from Mark the following Monday in front of everyone... And I mean everyone. However after he was done shouting at me he conceded, in front of everyone, that I'd made the right decision. On my way out of his office he said to me: "Lawrence, if it makes any difference I have every confidence that one day you will be sitting in the big chair reminding some cocky fool who is in charge." Guess what, I'm sitting in that chair right now going over the drawings for the sixth time today.
Nice. My boss was such an ass that I had no choice but to start by own business. I WAS his business. I am grateful that he had no regard for me...or I might still be working for that prick. Life is good...and the money is in my pocket now...not his. He should have been smarter.
Yes! It’s key, and there are so many branches off doing this: - You get better work from your team - You feel better* at work EVERY DAY - You help everyone on your team feel better* at work EVERY DAY - You look better to your (smart) bosses, who surely know what’s going on - a fulfilling job might just be the only positive thing in any given worker’s life. - You are teaching your team the right way to lead on their own someday - When you get older, you will have a whole family of former workers who benefitted from you and who are helping others in the same way, and this is the best kind of legacy. You mattered. - (And even if your bosses don’t appreciate it and reward you, you can live with yourself.) *Feeling better at work is not a nice-to-have. It’s essential. Stress and depression are real. Any given job might be really hard but it doesn’t need to be soul-sucking. And: You get better work from happy people. I’m lucky enough to have led a team in this way. Fame and fortune didn’t follow. But satisfaction did, knowing they thrive.
Please, I am 29 years old and newly in charge of people as an electrician on Long Island, keep these videos coming. I ingest them like a succulant absorbs water and I tell my mentors about you as well. Never a lie, nor a useless phrase, and I'm glued to the screen entirely for the duration of your videos. Please continue to immortalize your knowledge here, we will tend to it well. Thank you so much, for the life you have lived and the wisdom you spread. We appreciate you sharing your plans =P
I was around that age when I had my first supervisory role outside of a fat food place, at a heliport handling ground services (I'm about a decade older than you). It was rough. There was an older guy, a former marine, with a wicked temper. He went off on me one day after I asked him to come to work in uniform. I felt bad even having to do it, honestly, because he worked days as an electrician and nights on our crew washing and detailing, but I just had to correct another worker for the same thing, fair is fair. But he threatened to beat me up, and it wasn't the first time he exploded on the job. He did it to a girl in her early 20s that was half his size. I had to call my regional supervisor who had firing powers and get it handled. Having good support from my own superiors and being confident that I was making the job safe for everyone helped.
I spent many years as a lead. My first rule was Don't ask someone else to do a job that I wasn't willing to do myself. Second rule was Teach anyone that is willing to learn. Third rule was Don't try to make someone better who doesn't want to be better. (Until they change their mind). Fouth rule was Be open about what we were doing. I had many people thank me for everything that they learned from me when they moved on to something better. Scott, Thank you for your teaching.
Well said!! All of these Rules are 100% true from my personal experience. I’m my foreman’s lead at our job site. My foreman’s a master carpenter and is about to retire in about 2-3 years (27 years as a carpenter). I’ve learned so much from him that I can see that I’m exponentially a better worker because of him. But boy did he make me suffer for all that knowledge. And I value it so much that I only teach the apprentices that show true promise and love the trade. Now that I’m at the level I am, I see why I had to suffer for the knowledge. He made me suffer so that I would guard the knowledge like gold, because it is gold. Knowledge MUST be earned, you cannot teach a person who doesn’t work hard, is constantly on their phone, is always late, calls off at least once a week, has a horrible attitude, is cocky, has no humility. Those are amazing rules to live by man, Right on. Labor Omnia Vincit.
Excellent rules and four things I try to do when I'm in a leadership position as well. I like the humility of the last part '...moved onto something better..'. Class act that.
@@hogs0war To be fair, we had a lot of positions that were entry level without much opportunity to advance. The employeer had good benefits, but paid poorly. Once the young people that were much more concerned with pay than benefits were trained, there were better opportunities for them. I am retired now, but the employeer never did figure out what it cost to hire and train new people. Better pay would have cut the turnover by half or more and in the long run saved money. They were very short sighted in some areas.
Love these wisdom videos. In my line I can say I've had a mixture of all of those guys in my short time of being in the workforce. Had one particular Party Chief that gave me heck every day (thought he hated me lol), taught me something at every turn, tried to warn me before I left the company we worked at to go to a different one, but is someone I can call or text at anytime and he'll help me with any question I have, and is one the best mentors I'll ever have. The traits he taught me: take care of your people, be careful who you blame, always teach the ones below you, be hard on folks that need it, and always be there for the people younger than you bc every young man is looking for a mentor in every aspect of life
I had an apprentice thank me when he got layed off for being hard on him and teaching him the right way and that short cuts do not save you time in the end of it.
I’ve learned a lot from every person that I ever worked for. I screwed up big time once as a teenage laborer in a factory ( I cut 144 2x4x35 oak 1/2 inch short) and the foreman (my father)simply said to recut the blocks. On the way home that night I asked why I didn’t get yelled at for my screwup. He said “ no matter how loud I yelled as a foreman, those block would never have gotten any longer.” What I learned at that point has lasted my whole career. I always felt that as a foreman, my job was to teach. My success was determined by the success of those under me… my underlings now hold successful respected positions in upper management or are business owners… not because I taught them how to be a manager but because I taught them to be humans and treat others that way.
The way you tell a story is amazing. I've watched other YT-ers and you can tell they are talking to their "audience" so to speak. But watching you is like sitting down at the kitchen table, having a coffee and being engaged in a personal, one-on-one, conversation. Well done, my Christian Brother.
Never forget to thank your guys for a Job well done regularly.Maybe show you appreciation w some Donuts or lunch or maybe the occasional after work beverage
I’ve been in construction going on a 1/4 century now. I’m 5 years into my general contracting business. This man is a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. This goes out to all the youngsters. Never think you know it all because you will eventually run into someone that actually knows what you thought you knew😂. This is one of those guys that you are watching right now. Keep teaching sir! You are teaching youngsters and keeping us old guys ego’s at bay! Much appreciated!
Almost 30 years in construction and the men that I remember and impressed me the most never screamed or raised their voice. When problems occurred they stayed calm got their heads together and fixed the problem. And moved forward!
Before starting my own business, my philosophy as foreman was to lead by example, and to also serve my crews by providing them with the proper tools and materials to do the work.
I had some tears this morning, processing what I have accomplished. I come from a family that others would judge as being too nice. It's not true. We are good people plain and simple. My heart feels right. I am now just working on not allowing others into that space who do not belong there. Thanks for this, I sent a link to my father, who built our family home with his bare hands and help from neighbours and relatives.
I’m a Foreman/superintendent /helper/laborer / field guy plumber running my first job with a new company left me alone knowing that I was capable of running the job with only 2 guys while doing lay out ordering material making changes in drawing attending meetings cleaning up 15 minutes before the day end to help my team be rdy to Go home I’ll say this we are no better then anyone else , the best feeling is knowing your guys are getting better and better what’s even better when one of your guys gets a better position and come up to you and say thank you.!! For everything keep up the good work fellas
As I get older, I realize good leadership skills are common across disciplines. I manage a software engineering team and have worked under several managers in my career. The skills of knowing when to be firm, when to let things go, sharing the plan with the team, and pitching in all apply. I can see a corollary for everything you said in my industry. Thank you for making these videos.
This gentleman is an excellent story teller and communicator, that is becoming rare in todays world. As a business owner for decades now several things I look for in an employee are enthusiastic work habits, experience, moral character, and good communicator. When I bring someone on board with that skill set very quickly they rise to the top of the pay scale, I call it “ cream rising to the top”.
I don’t have your laundry list, but in the early 80s, I served four years in the Corps…What I learned from observation about leadership was never ask one of your men to do something you weren’t willing to do…It allows you to stay grounded and humble…The folks that work for you see and appreciate that…It builds a camaraderie that affords you a team that will walk through fire with you…Not for you.
I was always taught (as an electrician) that when you get three good hands, you put your tools aside and start laying out further ahead because they will catch up to you and stand around waiting for the next step. That was taught early on in my apprenticeship when my JW and i along with two others were standing waiting for our foreman who was working with the tools stopped, set his tools down and then came over to figure out where we were headed next. there was no coordination on the job with other trades, we were always a day late and a dollar short. Production work like framing I realize is different.
I am a 2x TBI survivor + I'm a student of Life, now. I love learning, quite a bit... I am not choosing a single career or calling, too many interests, call me Jack not Master. Thanks, lov ya man!
I own a small remodeling business and I sometimes need videos like this one to remind me of what I have and even how to act sometimes. I can be a little short fused sometimes, especially after the past few weeks. Thanks for the reminder EC. It's much appreciated.
@wingspizza6364 hey, third year management student here. A lot of stuff told here is something that was actually taught in lectures of a few diffrent profesors combined. Totally diffrent from many things that were pushed whenmy parents studied on the same University . (The narration moved from breaking the new workers in so they are willing to sacrifice for the company by forcing to work more menial work than they can handle to understanding qualities of workers, how to encourage with and without motivating by money, principles of what makes them WANT to come and work like giving them oportunities to develop so company has good workforce retention and so on) I also had some expirience, well kinda being foreman but menaging a few ppl on construction while working myself . Something I noticed while doing so and talking to my guys common problem that created tention was people in charge that wouldn’t even bother to work themselves from white collar environment, that have never been humbled by how booldy hard it is to work as blue one. They see others from a high horse, not taking into consideration that they’re people and just people. I mean it is kind of crazy when you think again to yourself tha ppl are literally gratwfull for not being treated like robots. What industry are you working in?
You, sir, are truly gifted. I’ve probably watched every video that you and your son have produced. Your ability to communicate, teach and tell a story is unsurpassed. When listening to your stories, with your voice, your delivery and your command of the language, I’m reminded of Paul Harvey. Thank you for posting your videos and keep up the good work.
Always come prepared for a full day. Only time to share info of an early day is at the end of that day. Otherwise, it can lead to problems WHEN plans change.
I honestly had the pleasure of working for and with some men of your very same disposition. Just wonderful men to work for and if I had a question, I would get a real answer for the first time in my life. It was wonderful to work with those men. I can call any one of them and just shoot the breeze or ask a question and they are just happy to help. Everything was easy. That was the lesson, the biggest lesson I really learned to understand is that it can just be easy it doesn't have to be difficult. It's a mind set and a way of doing things. Real leadership was just an excellent thing to see. That Company had the biggest positive impact on me because I didn't know what real leadership was before that. Rich B. you are still the real deal and a hell of an electrician, also a great mentor.
What a good thing you have done. Distilling key traits that will matter to your Team is magic for those coming up. Proof that you can learn from both positive & negative examples. We all have wisdom. The trick is caring enough to share it w/ those who’ll listen & perhaps take it on board as their own.
I’ve learned a lot from my own foremen in seven or eight years in construction. My current foreman spends too much time talking on the phone with his friends, but he’s the bosses son (go figure). One valuable lesson I’ve learned- Don’t be afraid to teach someone ‘tricks of the trade’. I worked with someone once who had the mentality that if he taught me, I’d take his job. This is why there is such an enormous age gap in the industry now. Obviously this isn’t the case for everyone, but it needs to change. Teach, learn, grow together. Keep up the good work! Thanks EC 👍🏼👍🏼
There is something about the process of teaching (at least when the teacher really knows their stuff and isn't just bluffing through it), that the process of teaching often sharpens the teacher's knowledge and skills too. Maybe while explaining a process in detail, you'll realize a better or more efficient way it could be done, or you'll realize while explaining it in detail that you've been doing part of the process incorrectly this whole time. Knowledge multiplies when shared.
Wisdom and good perspective as always! I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase that goes something like “people don’t quit jobs, they quit management”. Essentially it boils down to this - a good foreman [and crew] can make even a tough and crappy job seem worthwhile, and a bad foreman can make even the coolest job just plain awful. I’ve only been doing this 5 years, but this reminds me of my favorite foreman working on my first ever bridge crew. He was young, early 20s, but he came up as a laborer turned carpenter foreman. He wasn’t afraid to throw his bags on and get his hands dirty any opportunity he got. He always had the next part of the jobs staged and ready, never hesitated to answer questions about the plan or best practices, and I never heard him raise his voice unless someone was in serious danger. It was easy to work long hours and tough work because he respected and appreciated us for it. And that was the most fun I ever had on a job!
Firing a good guy for not taking care of his truck blows my mind, I have only known one guy who took care of his truck and I always thought that the only reason he did it was to use company time for oil changes and such. There is a lot of good information in this video.
(I thought that was stupid, too, but then realized maybe Scott didn’t know that the bosses had asked that guy to not trash the truck repeatedly before, and he did it anyway.)
Another great video, along with some good advice. One thing you said was to not take off your bags, to help with some of the work, when I was a foreman for the company I worked for I always said that being a foreman didn’t mean you didn’t have to get your hands dirty but you got to pick the job you were going to do. As a young foreman I wanted to try to do everything that was asked and I found myself telling general contractors or others that I could get what they wanted done. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I couldn’t do everything even with the guys that I had so I told myself to only agree to what I knew could be done. In other words, tell them the truth, and if you can’t do what you told them then tell them why as soon as possible. Don’t be pushed into something you can’t do, and stand your ground on that. Contractors will appreciate that you are truthful. Thanks for sharing and we’ll see you all soon.
Thank you for imparting so much crafty knowledge in such a way as to probably make the lay people watching your content think twice about the demographic of builders and tradesmen. Kudos!
I have no ambition to be in managment, ive moved up in my career, but more in the direction of difficulty vs leadership. That being said this video has given me insight on what its like to be someone in managment.
Second time watching this video over the years. It's a totally different set of notes this time. You are a great online mentor and I recommend your videos to others. Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge.
Scott,I'm absolutely sure that with the ark,of supervisors that helped raise you up to where you are today,the view is magnificent. Thank you,great commentary sir.
I just re-sided my house with a crew of first generation immigrants , none of whom spoke english. They needed some redirection along the process. There were two small things that needed to be redone completely due to some improper material selection by the crew. Early in the process however, I had made the entire crew lunch for a few days running because access to nearby food is minimal. They gladly corrected the minor mistakes, worked their rear ends off and left as friends even asking if they could come visit once the project was completely finished. In the end I am ecstatic with the results on a very challenging sloped work site and the correction of a lot of rotted masonite siding that has now been replaced with Hardie panel! Some tortillas, a large can of refried beans, some pork cubes and some chunks of queso fresco, bought a lot of loyalty. Almost makes me want to play contractor general more often.
I'm a project manager in residential. I often give my journeyman carpenters semi challenging tasks that involve problem solving on there own. I'll start the task with them and leave them alone. I encourage questions or concerns never being condescending. I also let the homeowners know that the kid that just demolished your kitchen just did a full trim out dryer vent chase in your garage. Make every cut perfect. The more you cut and sneak up on corners without the worry of thousands of dollars of cabinetry. Priceless. Again maybe little more money and time but. Wow. That kid and homeowners respect is tops
AGREE WITH BRYCE. Wisdom videos are very valuable. I'm older than Scott. If the opportunity presents itself I hope to live out and/or pass along much of Scott's wisdom.
I’m sorry, but I don’t know your name, but all I have to say is….dude, amazing stuff. My grandfather, who taught me how to paint, would’ve loved you. Keep up the great work.
My grandfather was a great foreman on bridge construction because he worked just as hard as the men under him right alongside them. They had so much respect for him, I can remember them coming to his house as a little kid and helping him install sewer lines and build concrete forms. All kinds of stuff and never ask for a penny.
A foreman with the ability to see what is going to be if amazing. I'm a surveyor and have dealt with dozens of foremen. Spotting a screw up before it's in the way is the greatest gift that can't be taught
The last part about looking for an oppurtunity to labour is something that I think is needed by every Foreman/Manager or whatever you call them. I am a "manager" but I keep doing "labour" wherever I get a chance. I am upto date with the latest techniques because of that and can do practically every task, my team does. I know people who have forgotten what they used to be experts in, by not doing work themselves.
A lot of these things are perishable skills, and those skills get lost over time without use. How, as a leader, can I expect the people I lead to do their job when the last time I picked up; insert tool here (hammer, wrench, multimeter, ect.) was 5 years ago and on something simple for my own house. That doesn’t mean you have to be an “expert” in your craft either. But when you lose touch with the very trade you are the lead for, you have lost it all.
Showing your subordinates that your are willing to work right by their side and get your hands dirty always gains lots of respect in my experience. If you’re leading a large group, make sure to learn everyone’s name too. People like to be called by their names and they like to know that the boss is aware of them enough to call them by their name.
It would be interesting to see a video of you talking about the prevalence of alcohol and alcoholism in the trades and your experience around it and those people.
Thankyou for the encouragement. You said everything I would do I would help the crews and receive respect from the trades. I got blessed with a Forman job I’m 32 not ready but they said fake it till you figure it out. Thanks for the advice you’re great! I respect you like no other.
I am not a commercial employee but a young team lead that has trouble getting older coworkers on board with the game plan. I am someone who has to take pride in there work and to me there is no shortcuts. The management appreciates that but some of the coworkers have a problem with seeing the job out to its successful end. I think I have some areas for improvement just off this video. I think in time this will help.
Hi - Isn’t it great when you can truly appreciate how those leaders/ guys running a job, whether they’re great or not, have taught you something. And, enabled you not just to improve your skill set but give you the opportunity to be a better person. I started work at 15 as an apprentice Coach Painter and then spent over 20yrs as a Vehicle Letterer and Sign writer. I would have to include my dad - an Engineer’s Pattern Maker- who passed on the importance of patience in manner and precision in executing the work. Following him - a great number of guys that taught me not just ways of working but what it actually means to be a man. The greatest lesson was about what is important as a craftsman. Not how skilled you are but that you show up, be on time, know what’s expected of you and be willing to contribute to solving problems when things go of plan.
Humility and remembering that you are a tradesman too are the things I believe make a good leading hand. I like to think, the men I work with know I will get my hands dirty anytime and take the hit when needed. I respect the men I work with and understand we all have bad days sometimes. I've also learned most importantly, I hope, how to not be a bad leader.
As an electrical foreman my experience has been you have to test your guys in their experience and how to motivate them with either stick or carrot. One thing I would add is you can't fake that you know what you're doing. You have to be balanced between skill and knowledge and street smarts vs book smarts.
Thank you for this opportunity again to help others and ourselves. Have run my own business for 40 years and I have had the bags on right next to my crew. A little respect goes a long way
Absolutely correct! As a previous leading hand, manager & also business owner I can attest that is "EXACTLY" my style of leadership! I have always worked "with" staff, helping to complete a task while being there with them, then moving on to the next employee & doing the same. This was especially important when I was a manager for a large supermarket chain as a night fill manager. While my job was to oversee production & the ordering of the stock, I would always spend time with each staff member & helping them at the same time in their job. I was lucky enough to create a great working environment that the good staff stayed & the non caring ones just left. A simple gesture of holding a Christmas show at my place for them & their families brought us even tighter as a working group because the day management didn't really consider the night fill staff as important (I felt differently!) Anyway, I did the same when I finally ran my own business years later & I would like to think to this day any previous employee gained much more than just a simple pay cheque while working for me & our customers. I really miss being a boss, a mentor, a leader & someone who took the time to listen to all my employees!
I'm 34, been in the industry since I was 16. I can not express enough to you how much I appreciate your videos. Voicing your point of view as an experienced, successful man who has seen more than us younger guys seems imperative to the evolution of the craft. Thank you for everything you do and for seeing the importance of passing down your wisdom. You're awesome.
Thanks for the negative examples, too. I learned a ton from my one bad boss - about not letting it hurt my psyche, but more about what not to do as a boss!
I can relate to the foreman that shared the prints with all the guys, I've been a foreman for over 30 years in Vegas as a carpet installer nothing but casino work and I do the same thing I'll gather everyone around and look at the print and go over everything that Way I get everybody involved it works for me, love your videos
10:30 Well, speaking about a small commercial job for electrical here, I had the boss of the company of about 8 employees. At one job, he would go to the jobsite and sit in the chair, saying that there has to be perks of being the boss. He was able to work, but he didn't do much while two workers were at the jobsite. Even at the time it happened, the plumbers called him "easy money." I say these things because if you have a boss or a foreman getting lazy, people aren't going to respect that leader... but maybe you'll be respected for getting work done.
Great video after years of being a go to guy on jobsites and not wanting to be a foreman i made the jump into a foreman role, Im 34 and you are 100% correct with everything you said in this video.
I end up being the de facto foreman for a lot of the places I work at, but in my experience, since I don't work on a dedicated subcontracting crew, there's been a total of 1 guy that's actually been able to learn what I taught him, and he didn't even have a construction background. He was an ex addict turned straight edge. I dream of having competent coworkers that I would be willing to be a foreman for.
I just became a foreman w a union outfit, went through my apprenticeship, and feel not ready. But I’ll take all those lessons and apply to me thanks for the video!
Thank you for sharing that story. 30 year carpenter here and lately I’ve come to realize that the soft skills are just as important as the task skills.
Scott’s last point about being willing to throw in with the help and perform a little labor yourself is a good one. You’ll always gain a lot of respect by showing you’re still willing to get your hands dirty. Thee MOST important thing to remember as a foreman, was spelled out by a man named Nicola Machiavelli about 600 years ago and has been the cornerstone of power and leadership ever since. He wrote - “It’s better to be feared than loved..” -Most people stop there when quoting Machiavelli which is a mistake. The complete thought continues [paraphrasing] - ‘you should strive for both. But at all costs, a leader can not be hated or he is doomed to failure.’
4 months ago I was promoted to Forman, but have mostly worked alone. Work is now ramping up and very soon I’ll be directing a team. I really hope I can become someone that will talked about fondly one day. I’m not sure how the TH-cam algorithm knew that I needed this video, but thanks for making it!
Hello, from Corvallis Oregon. I stumbled on your channel yesterday and have been going through your videos ever since. I'm an automotive technician by trade for 7 years, just beginning compared to your time in the trades. Your videos have been a great inspiration on hard work and family values. I hope to continue to see your produce your wisdom videos cause we younger guys can always use more! I hold a minor leadership role currently, and I've been sure to share all your videos with the kiddos in the shop so we can talk about all your great advice!
Awesome video! As a young machine shop foreman this resonates with me. Reminded me of my strengths as well as weaknesses. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences.
Thank you for this video that really helped being a foreman of my father’s company and wanting to be as proficient and productive as possible while maintaining a good relationship with my fellow coworkers. Thank you!
As a 25 year old superintendent on major federal projects, there’s not one video you’ve posted where I didn’t gain some of your knowledge and wisdom sir. I appreciate your videos.
Great video. Reminds me of the days I worked on the “outside” before I took a civil service job. I worked for a big GC in NJ/NY as a union laborer for 12+ years . I wasn’t considered a trade ( till this day I wish I opted for the less money in a apprenticeship in the trades ) , besides that I worked with a lot of good men of different character over the years and learned a lot from them .
love hearing this wisdom from a guy who seen a lot as i sit here a young 24 year old and strive to be my own leader someday i have a lot to learn but when u speak about previous jobs i relate on a small scale learning what a good boss is and isn't thanks for sharing
This was a BIG help. My right hand man helps me all the time in making better over all decisions and he doesn't realize it. I need to get much better at showing the new guys the way.
I don't know anything about construction work, you just make it interesting to listen and learn about. English is not my first language so terminology is a bit of a weak spot for me. Before this video I had no idea there's a such a position as a foreman or what he does. After watching this video I feel I know exactly what a foreman does. What he should do and propably what he does even if he's not supposed to. Thank you for all the good videos you make!
What you have described is precisely the model of leadership drilled into our nation's military officer and NCO ranks. It works as well in the trenches as it does on the job site.
Incredible take on being a Foreman. I've never been one, but those I respect and look up to the most coincide with your opinion. Really appreciate the lessons, thankyou.
Greatly appreciate this video, I was just pushed into the lead position at a weld shop and there are so many questions I have about being a good supervisor to my crew.
Mate, i started my building apprenticeship two months ago, we build and maintain cowsheds and a handful of rural services including plenty of drainage and roofing around a town called tokoroa in new zealand .. My boss is pretty harsh when mistakes are made and is loud and pretty angry and swears like an sailor and today i saw my workmate who is a second year apprentice get chewed out the worst ive seen yet for a pretty big mistake at the end of the day today (after 10 hours on site already and it was the last task of the entire job on the last day of the job and it had also already rained on us twice, so i partly understood why he flew off the handle and got so pissed off) This video gave me deep contemplation and i am somewhat lighter in spirit and happier now seeing my road ahead and knowing the journey will be tough but rewarding. Cheers mate, gonna have a cuppa tea for ya! I genuinely love these videos when i get a chance to watch them.
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The foreman I remember most fondly, and he's still alive, is called Mark Wade. I remember years ago I spotted a mistake on the drawings and Mark wasn't there so I stuck my neck on the block and instructed the other bricklayers to deviate from the drawings and told them I would take responsibility. It turned out that I was correct but that didn't save me from the most memorable tongue lashing from Mark the following Monday in front of everyone... And I mean everyone. However after he was done shouting at me he conceded, in front of everyone, that I'd made the right decision. On my way out of his office he said to me: "Lawrence, if it makes any difference I have every confidence that one day you will be sitting in the big chair reminding some cocky fool who is in charge."
Guess what, I'm sitting in that chair right now going over the drawings for the sixth time today.
This is great, thanks for sharing.
Way to go, Lawrence!
Hell yes!!!
So cool.
Nice. My boss was such an ass that I had no choice but to start by own business. I WAS his business. I am grateful that he had no regard for me...or I might still be working for that prick. Life is good...and the money is in my pocket now...not his. He should have been smarter.
As a supervisor, it is not your job to use your men to make yourself look good, it is your job to help the men make themselves look good
Yes! It’s key, and there are so many branches off doing this:
- You get better work from your team
- You feel better* at work EVERY DAY
- You help everyone on your team feel better* at work EVERY DAY
- You look better to your (smart) bosses, who surely know what’s going on
- a fulfilling job might just be the only positive thing in any given worker’s life.
- You are teaching your team the right way to lead on their own someday
- When you get older, you will have a whole family of former workers who benefitted from you and who are helping others in the same way, and this is the best kind of legacy. You mattered.
- (And even if your bosses don’t appreciate it and reward you, you can live with yourself.)
*Feeling better at work is not a nice-to-have. It’s essential. Stress and depression are real. Any given job might be really hard but it doesn’t need to be soul-sucking. And: You get better work from happy people.
I’m lucky enough to have led a team in this way. Fame and fortune didn’t follow. But satisfaction did, knowing they thrive.
It’s actually to get a quality job done on time and on budget. However you do that is up to you. I prefer using honey.
Please, I am 29 years old and newly in charge of people as an electrician on Long Island, keep these videos coming. I ingest them like a succulant absorbs water and I tell my mentors about you as well. Never a lie, nor a useless phrase, and I'm glued to the screen entirely for the duration of your videos. Please continue to immortalize your knowledge here, we will tend to it well. Thank you so much, for the life you have lived and the wisdom you spread. We appreciate you sharing your plans =P
I was around that age when I had my first supervisory role outside of a fat food place, at a heliport handling ground services (I'm about a decade older than you). It was rough. There was an older guy, a former marine, with a wicked temper. He went off on me one day after I asked him to come to work in uniform. I felt bad even having to do it, honestly, because he worked days as an electrician and nights on our crew washing and detailing, but I just had to correct another worker for the same thing, fair is fair. But he threatened to beat me up, and it wasn't the first time he exploded on the job. He did it to a girl in her early 20s that was half his size. I had to call my regional supervisor who had firing powers and get it handled. Having good support from my own superiors and being confident that I was making the job safe for everyone helped.
I spent many years as a lead. My first rule was Don't ask someone else to do a job that I wasn't willing to do myself. Second rule was Teach anyone that is willing to learn. Third rule was Don't try to make someone better who doesn't want to be better. (Until they change their mind). Fouth rule was Be open about what we were doing.
I had many people thank me for everything that they learned from me when they moved on to something better.
Scott, Thank you for your teaching.
Love em thank you!
I learned the third rule the hard way myself.
Well said!! All of these Rules are 100% true from my personal experience.
I’m my foreman’s lead at our job site. My foreman’s a master carpenter and is about to retire in about 2-3 years (27 years as a carpenter). I’ve learned so much from him that I can see that I’m exponentially a better worker because of him.
But boy did he make me suffer for all that knowledge. And I value it so much that I only teach the apprentices that show true promise and love the trade.
Now that I’m at the level I am, I see why I had to suffer for the knowledge. He made me suffer so that I would guard the knowledge like gold, because it is gold. Knowledge MUST be earned, you cannot teach a person who doesn’t work hard, is constantly on their phone, is always late, calls off at least once a week, has a horrible attitude, is cocky, has no humility.
Those are amazing rules to live by man, Right on. Labor Omnia Vincit.
Excellent rules and four things I try to do when I'm in a leadership position as well. I like the humility of the last part '...moved onto something better..'. Class act that.
@@hogs0war To be fair, we had a lot of positions that were entry level without much opportunity to advance. The employeer had good benefits, but paid poorly. Once the young people that were much more concerned with pay than benefits were trained, there were better opportunities for them. I am retired now, but the employeer never did figure out what it cost to hire and train new people. Better pay would have cut the turnover by half or more and in the long run saved money. They were very short sighted in some areas.
Love these wisdom videos. In my line I can say I've had a mixture of all of those guys in my short time of being in the workforce. Had one particular Party Chief that gave me heck every day (thought he hated me lol), taught me something at every turn, tried to warn me before I left the company we worked at to go to a different one, but is someone I can call or text at anytime and he'll help me with any question I have, and is one the best mentors I'll ever have. The traits he taught me: take care of your people, be careful who you blame, always teach the ones below you, be hard on folks that need it, and always be there for the people younger than you bc every young man is looking for a mentor in every aspect of life
I had an apprentice thank me when he got layed off for being hard on him and teaching him the right way and that short cuts do not save you time in the end of it.
You worked seismic? Just the term Party Chief stands out?
I’ve learned a lot from every person that I ever worked for. I screwed up big time once as a teenage laborer in a factory ( I cut 144 2x4x35 oak 1/2 inch short) and the foreman (my father)simply said to recut the blocks. On the way home that night I asked why I didn’t get yelled at for my screwup. He said “ no matter how loud I yelled as a foreman, those block would never have gotten any longer.” What I learned at that point has lasted my whole career. I always felt that as a foreman, my job was to teach. My success was determined by the success of those under me… my underlings now hold successful respected positions in upper management or are business owners… not because I taught them how to be a manager but because I taught them to be humans and treat others that way.
That time at Big Boy I missed an order of burgers for a whole tour bus.
That’s the way to be sir. Thank you for your input!!!
Yes
The way you tell a story is amazing. I've watched other YT-ers and you can tell they are talking to their "audience" so to speak. But watching you is like sitting down at the kitchen table, having a coffee and being engaged in a personal, one-on-one, conversation. Well done, my Christian Brother.
Never forget to thank your guys for a Job well done regularly.Maybe show you appreciation w some Donuts or lunch or maybe the occasional after work beverage
I’ve been in construction going on a 1/4 century now. I’m 5 years into my general contracting business. This man is a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. This goes out to all the youngsters. Never think you know it all because you will eventually run into someone that actually knows what you thought you knew😂. This is one of those guys that you are watching right now. Keep teaching sir! You are teaching youngsters and keeping us old guys ego’s at bay! Much appreciated!
Almost 30 years in construction and the men that I remember and impressed me the most never screamed or raised their voice. When problems occurred they stayed calm got their heads together and fixed the problem. And moved forward!
Before starting my own business, my philosophy as foreman was to lead by example, and to also serve my crews by providing them with the proper tools and materials to do the work.
Hemming and hawwing about getting a tool to make your employees more efficient is not cool.
I had some tears this morning, processing what I have accomplished. I come from a family that others would judge as being too nice. It's not true. We are good people plain and simple. My heart feels right. I am now just working on not allowing others into that space who do not belong there. Thanks for this, I sent a link to my father, who built our family home with his bare hands and help from neighbours and relatives.
I’m a Foreman/superintendent /helper/laborer / field guy plumber running my first job with a new company left me alone knowing that I was capable of running the job with only 2 guys while doing lay out ordering material making changes in drawing attending meetings cleaning up 15 minutes before the day end to help my team be rdy to
Go home I’ll say this we are no better then anyone else , the best feeling is knowing your guys are getting better and better what’s even better when one of your guys gets a better position and come up to you and say thank you.!! For everything keep up the good work fellas
As I get older, I realize good leadership skills are common across disciplines. I manage a software engineering team and have worked under several managers in my career. The skills of knowing when to be firm, when to let things go, sharing the plan with the team, and pitching in all apply. I can see a corollary for everything you said in my industry. Thank you for making these videos.
This gentleman is an excellent story teller and communicator, that is becoming rare in todays world. As a business owner for decades now several things I look for in an employee are enthusiastic work habits, experience, moral character, and good communicator. When I bring someone on board with that skill set very quickly they rise to the top of the pay scale, I call it “ cream rising to the top”.
I don’t have your laundry list, but in the early 80s, I served four years in the Corps…What I learned from observation about leadership was never ask one of your men to do something you weren’t willing to do…It allows you to stay grounded and humble…The folks that work for you see and appreciate that…It builds a camaraderie that affords you a team that will walk through fire with you…Not for you.
Ooaugh!!!
I was always taught (as an electrician) that when you get three good hands, you put your tools aside and start laying out further ahead because they will catch up to you and stand around waiting for the next step. That was taught early on in my apprenticeship when my JW and i along with two others were standing waiting for our foreman who was working with the tools stopped, set his tools down and then came over to figure out where we were headed next. there was no coordination on the job with other trades, we were always a day late and a dollar short. Production work like framing I realize is different.
My boss wants me to run his framing crew and it's all I've been thinking about for months now. I'm very very grateful for videos like these 🇺🇸
I am a 2x TBI survivor + I'm a student of Life, now.
I love learning, quite a bit...
I am not choosing a single career or calling, too many interests, call me Jack not Master.
Thanks, lov ya man!
I own a small remodeling business and I sometimes need videos like this one to remind me of what I have and even how to act sometimes. I can be a little short fused sometimes, especially after the past few weeks. Thanks for the reminder EC. It's much appreciated.
Lot of leaders in the corporate world, where I work, need to hear this.
Corporate world isnt the construction world.
@wingspizza6364 hey, third year management student here.
A lot of stuff told here is something that was actually taught in lectures of a few diffrent profesors combined.
Totally diffrent from many things that were pushed whenmy parents studied on the same University . (The narration moved from breaking the new workers in so they are willing to sacrifice for the company by forcing to work more menial work than they can handle to understanding qualities of workers, how to encourage with and without motivating by money, principles of what makes them WANT to come and work like giving them oportunities to develop so company has good workforce retention and so on)
I also had some expirience, well kinda being foreman but menaging a few ppl on construction while working myself . Something I noticed while doing so and talking to my guys common problem that created tention was people in charge that wouldn’t even bother to work themselves from white collar environment, that have never been humbled by how booldy hard it is to work as blue one. They see others from a high horse, not taking into consideration that they’re people and just people. I mean it is kind of crazy when you think again to yourself tha ppl are literally gratwfull for not being treated like robots.
What industry are you working in?
You, sir, are truly gifted. I’ve probably watched every video that you and your son have produced. Your ability to communicate, teach and tell a story is unsurpassed. When listening to your stories, with your voice, your delivery and your command of the language, I’m reminded of Paul Harvey. Thank you for posting your videos and keep up the good work.
Always come prepared for a full day. Only time to share info of an early day is at the end of that day. Otherwise, it can lead to problems WHEN plans change.
I honestly had the pleasure of working for and with some men of your very same disposition. Just wonderful men to work for and if I had a question, I would get a real answer for the first time in my life. It was wonderful to work with those men. I can call any one of them and just shoot the breeze or ask a question and they are just happy to help. Everything was easy. That was the lesson, the biggest lesson I really learned to understand is that it can just be easy it doesn't have to be difficult. It's a mind set and a way of doing things. Real leadership was just an excellent thing to see. That Company had the biggest positive impact on me because I didn't know what real leadership was before that. Rich B. you are still the real deal and a hell of an electrician, also a great mentor.
My Dad had a way of making things look easy. As a foreman and a pastor I've tried to emulate that even if I was struggling on the inside.
What a good thing you have done. Distilling key traits that will matter to your Team is magic for those coming up. Proof that you can learn from both positive & negative examples. We all have wisdom. The trick is caring enough to share it w/ those who’ll listen & perhaps take it on board as their own.
"Participate in the work!"!!!!!!
I love this guy. Wish all leaders would have this attitude.
I’ve learned a lot from my own foremen in seven or eight years in construction. My current foreman spends too much time talking on the phone with his friends, but he’s the bosses son (go figure).
One valuable lesson I’ve learned-
Don’t be afraid to teach someone ‘tricks of the trade’. I worked with someone once who had the mentality that if he taught me, I’d take his job. This is why there is such an enormous age gap in the industry now. Obviously this isn’t the case for everyone, but it needs to change. Teach, learn, grow together. Keep up the good work! Thanks EC 👍🏼👍🏼
There is something about the process of teaching (at least when the teacher really knows their stuff and isn't just bluffing through it), that the process of teaching often sharpens the teacher's knowledge and skills too. Maybe while explaining a process in detail, you'll realize a better or more efficient way it could be done, or you'll realize while explaining it in detail that you've been doing part of the process incorrectly this whole time. Knowledge multiplies when shared.
@@Xeddyhime 100%
Wisdom and good perspective as always! I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase that goes something like “people don’t quit jobs, they quit management”. Essentially it boils down to this - a good foreman [and crew] can make even a tough and crappy job seem worthwhile, and a bad foreman can make even the coolest job just plain awful.
I’ve only been doing this 5 years, but this reminds me of my favorite foreman working on my first ever bridge crew. He was young, early 20s, but he came up as a laborer turned carpenter foreman. He wasn’t afraid to throw his bags on and get his hands dirty any opportunity he got. He always had the next part of the jobs staged and ready, never hesitated to answer questions about the plan or best practices, and I never heard him raise his voice unless someone was in serious danger. It was easy to work long hours and tough work because he respected and appreciated us for it. And that was the most fun I ever had on a job!
Thanks Scott, I’m currently being trained as a foreman for the first time and this advice are worth following!
Firing a good guy for not taking care of his truck blows my mind, I have only known one guy who took care of his truck and I always thought that the only reason he did it was to use company time for oil changes and such. There is a lot of good information in this video.
(I thought that was stupid, too, but then realized maybe Scott didn’t know that the bosses had asked that guy to not trash the truck repeatedly before, and he did it anyway.)
Another great video, along with some good advice. One thing you said was to not take off your bags, to help with some of the work, when I was a foreman for the company I worked for I always said that being a foreman didn’t mean you didn’t have to get your hands dirty but you got to pick the job you were going to do.
As a young foreman I wanted to try to do everything that was asked and I found myself telling general contractors or others that I could get what they wanted done. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I couldn’t do everything even with the guys that I had so I told myself to only agree to what I knew could be done. In other words, tell them the truth, and if you can’t do what you told them then tell them why as soon as possible. Don’t be pushed into something you can’t do, and stand your ground on that. Contractors will appreciate that you are truthful.
Thanks for sharing and we’ll see you all soon.
Thank you for imparting so much crafty knowledge in such a way as to probably make the lay people watching your content think twice about the demographic of builders and tradesmen. Kudos!
My old boss said, the more people looking at the prints the faster we catch mistakes
I have no ambition to be in managment, ive moved up in my career, but more in the direction of difficulty vs leadership. That being said this video has given me insight on what its like to be someone in managment.
Second time watching this video over the years. It's a totally different set of notes this time. You are a great online mentor and I recommend your videos to others.
Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge.
So true Scott!
What makes a good foreman also makes a good person in all aspects of life.
Scott,I'm absolutely sure that with the ark,of supervisors that helped raise you up to where you are today,the view is magnificent. Thank you,great commentary sir.
I just re-sided my house with a crew of first generation immigrants , none of whom spoke english. They needed some redirection along the process. There were two small things that needed to be redone completely due to some improper material selection by the crew. Early in the process however, I had made the entire crew lunch for a few days running because access to nearby food is minimal. They gladly corrected the minor mistakes, worked their rear ends off and left as friends even asking if they could come visit once the project was completely finished. In the end I am ecstatic with the results on a very challenging sloped work site and the correction of a lot of rotted masonite siding that has now been replaced with Hardie panel! Some tortillas, a large can of refried beans, some pork cubes and some chunks of queso fresco, bought a lot of loyalty. Almost makes me want to play contractor general more often.
I'm a project manager in residential. I often give my journeyman carpenters semi challenging tasks that involve problem solving on there own. I'll start the task with them and leave them alone. I encourage questions or concerns never being condescending. I also let the homeowners know that the kid that just demolished your kitchen just did a full trim out dryer vent chase in your garage. Make every cut perfect. The more you cut and sneak up on corners without the worry of thousands of dollars of cabinetry. Priceless. Again maybe little more money and time but. Wow. That kid and homeowners respect is tops
This needs way more views.
Such a transferable wisdom. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in this is great knowledge being passed along.
AGREE WITH BRYCE. Wisdom videos are very valuable.
I'm older than Scott. If the opportunity presents itself I hope to live out and/or pass along much of Scott's wisdom.
I’m sorry, but I don’t know your name, but all I have to say is….dude, amazing stuff. My grandfather, who taught me how to paint, would’ve loved you. Keep up the great work.
My grandfather was a great foreman on bridge construction because he worked just as hard as the men under him right alongside them.
They had so much respect for him, I can remember them coming to his house as a little kid and helping him install sewer lines and build concrete forms. All kinds of stuff and never ask for a penny.
A foreman with the ability to see what is going to be if amazing. I'm a surveyor and have dealt with dozens of foremen.
Spotting a screw up before it's in the way is the greatest gift that can't be taught
The last part about looking for an oppurtunity to labour is something that I think is needed by every Foreman/Manager or whatever you call them. I am a "manager" but I keep doing "labour" wherever I get a chance. I am upto date with the latest techniques because of that and can do practically every task, my team does. I know people who have forgotten what they used to be experts in, by not doing work themselves.
A lot of these things are perishable skills, and those skills get lost over time without use. How, as a leader, can I expect the people I lead to do their job when the last time I picked up; insert tool here (hammer, wrench, multimeter, ect.) was 5 years ago and on something simple for my own house.
That doesn’t mean you have to be an “expert” in your craft either. But when you lose touch with the very trade you are the lead for, you have lost it all.
Showing your subordinates that your are willing to work right by their side and get your hands dirty always gains lots of respect in my experience.
If you’re leading a large group, make sure to learn everyone’s name too. People like to be called by their names and they like to know that the boss is aware of them enough to call them by their name.
It would be interesting to see a video of you talking about the prevalence of alcohol and alcoholism in the trades and your experience around it and those people.
Thankyou for the encouragement. You said everything I would do I would help the crews and receive respect from the trades. I got blessed with a Forman job I’m 32 not ready but they said fake it till you figure it out. Thanks for the advice you’re great! I respect you like no other.
Beautiful advice that as a tree worker I have done this type of hands on my self for the past 25 years
Great insights. I’ve worked for a few pros, and a boatload of jerks.
I am not a commercial employee but a young team lead that has trouble getting older coworkers on board with the game plan. I am someone who has to take pride in there work and to me there is no shortcuts. The management appreciates that but some of the coworkers have a problem with seeing the job out to its successful end. I think I have some areas for improvement just off this video. I think in time this will help.
Hi - Isn’t it great when you can truly appreciate how those leaders/ guys running a job, whether they’re great or not, have taught you something. And, enabled you not just to improve your skill set but give you the opportunity to be a better person.
I started work at 15 as an apprentice Coach Painter and then spent over 20yrs as a Vehicle Letterer and Sign writer.
I would have to include my dad - an Engineer’s Pattern Maker- who passed on the importance of patience in manner and precision in executing the work.
Following him - a great number of guys that taught me not just ways of working but what it actually means to be a man.
The greatest lesson was about what is important as a craftsman. Not how skilled you are but that you show up, be on time, know what’s expected of you and be willing to contribute to solving problems when things go of plan.
Humility and remembering that you are a tradesman too are the things I believe make a good leading hand. I like to think, the men I work with know I will get my hands dirty anytime and take the hit when needed. I respect the men I work with and understand we all have bad days sometimes.
I've also learned most importantly, I hope, how to not be a bad leader.
As an electrical foreman my experience has been you have to test your guys in their experience and how to motivate them with either stick or carrot. One thing I would add is you can't fake that you know what you're doing. You have to be balanced between skill and knowledge and street smarts vs book smarts.
Thank you for this opportunity again to help others and ourselves. Have run my own business for 40 years and I have had the bags on right next to my crew. A little respect goes
a long way
You're a great story teller.
Really interesting video - I truly, enjoyed listening to this.
Absolutely correct! As a previous leading hand, manager & also business owner I can attest that is "EXACTLY" my style of leadership! I have always worked "with" staff, helping to complete a task while being there with them, then moving on to the next employee & doing the same. This was especially important when I was a manager for a large supermarket chain as a night fill manager. While my job was to oversee production & the ordering of the stock, I would always spend time with each staff member & helping them at the same time in their job. I was lucky enough to create a great working environment that the good staff stayed & the non caring ones just left. A simple gesture of holding a Christmas show at my place for them & their families brought us even tighter as a working group because the day management didn't really consider the night fill staff as important (I felt differently!) Anyway, I did the same when I finally ran my own business years later & I would like to think to this day any previous employee gained much more than just a simple pay cheque while working for me & our customers. I really miss being a boss, a mentor, a leader & someone who took the time to listen to all my employees!
By far my favorite channel on TH-cam. Thank you for being so willing to share your knowledge
I'm 34, been in the industry since I was 16. I can not express enough to you how much I appreciate your videos. Voicing your point of view as an experienced, successful man who has seen more than us younger guys seems imperative to the evolution of the craft. Thank you for everything you do and for seeing the importance of passing down your wisdom. You're awesome.
Thanks for the negative examples, too. I learned a ton from my one bad boss - about not letting it hurt my psyche, but more about what not to do as a boss!
I can relate to the foreman that shared the prints with all the guys, I've been a foreman for over 30 years in Vegas as a carpet installer nothing but casino work and I do the same thing I'll gather everyone around and look at the print and go over everything that Way I get everybody involved it works for me, love your videos
10:30 Well, speaking about a small commercial job for electrical here, I had the boss of the company of about 8 employees. At one job, he would go to the jobsite and sit in the chair, saying that there has to be perks of being the boss. He was able to work, but he didn't do much while two workers were at the jobsite.
Even at the time it happened, the plumbers called him "easy money." I say these things because if you have a boss or a foreman getting lazy, people aren't going to respect that leader... but maybe you'll be respected for getting work done.
Great video and camera quality 🤌
You are such a great mentor 🙌 I run a gardening business in Brisbane Australia - would love to have a chat with you sometime
Thank you for your wisdom! Truly invaluable.
Great video after years of being a go to guy on jobsites and not wanting to be a foreman i made the jump into a foreman role, Im 34 and you are 100% correct with everything you said in this video.
I end up being the de facto foreman for a lot of the places I work at, but in my experience, since I don't work on a dedicated subcontracting crew, there's been a total of 1 guy that's actually been able to learn what I taught him, and he didn't even have a construction background. He was an ex addict turned straight edge. I dream of having competent coworkers that I would be willing to be a foreman for.
I just became a foreman w a union outfit, went through my apprenticeship, and feel not ready. But I’ll take all those lessons and apply to me thanks for the video!
God, how i love this man. 💪💪👏👏 Greetings from Serbia
Thank you for sharing that story. 30 year carpenter here and lately I’ve come to realize that the soft skills are just as important as the task skills.
Scott’s last point about being willing to throw in with the help and perform a little labor yourself is a good one. You’ll always gain a lot of respect by showing you’re still willing to get your hands dirty.
Thee MOST important thing to remember as a foreman, was spelled out by a man named Nicola Machiavelli about 600 years ago and has been the cornerstone of power and leadership ever since. He wrote - “It’s better to be feared than loved..” -Most people stop there when quoting Machiavelli which is a mistake. The complete thought continues [paraphrasing] - ‘you should strive for both. But at all costs, a leader can not be hated or he is doomed to failure.’
4 months ago I was promoted to Forman, but have mostly worked alone. Work is now ramping up and very soon I’ll be directing a team. I really hope I can become someone that will talked about fondly one day. I’m not sure how the TH-cam algorithm knew that I needed this video, but thanks for making it!
Fact's thank you sir for your knowledge
I thought I knew what your list would be. Nope. Your worst suggestion was better than my best. I love your channel.
Funny! 1977 I'm working for a small company in Nebraska. Framing and finish carpentry and some forming. We had a foreman named "Cletus".
Hello, from Corvallis Oregon. I stumbled on your channel yesterday and have been going through your videos ever since. I'm an automotive technician by trade for 7 years, just beginning compared to your time in the trades. Your videos have been a great inspiration on hard work and family values. I hope to continue to see your produce your wisdom videos cause we younger guys can always use more! I hold a minor leadership role currently, and I've been sure to share all your videos with the kiddos in the shop so we can talk about all your great advice!
Thank you for a great story. I wish you'd read us another book.
your a amazing person
I wish I could've worked under this guy 😔
Awesome video! As a young machine shop foreman this resonates with me. Reminded me of my strengths as well as weaknesses. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences.
Would love to see content on the role your companion/partner/wife has and does play in your success as a tradesman/businessman/father.
As a job foreman/ supervisor, I appreciate the insight and tips you explained. As I'm in my fifties, I never stop learning. Thank you!
Thank you for this video that really helped being a foreman of my father’s company and wanting to be as proficient and productive as possible while maintaining a good relationship with my fellow coworkers. Thank you!
As a 25 year old superintendent on major federal projects, there’s not one video you’ve posted where I didn’t gain some of your knowledge and wisdom sir. I appreciate your videos.
Great video. Reminds me of the days I worked on the “outside” before I took a civil service job. I worked for a big GC in NJ/NY as a union laborer for 12+ years . I wasn’t considered a trade ( till this day I wish I opted for the less money in a apprenticeship in the trades ) , besides that I worked with a lot of good men of different character over the years and learned a lot from them .
I’ve just landed my first foreman position. I’m fortunate you shared this when you did. Thank you.
love hearing this wisdom from a guy who seen a lot as i sit here a young 24 year old and strive to be my own leader someday i have a lot to learn but when u speak about previous jobs i relate on a small scale learning what a good boss is and isn't thanks for sharing
This was a BIG help. My right hand man helps me all the time in making better over all decisions and he doesn't realize it. I need to get much better at showing the new guys the way.
I watch a lot of videos and always have. Your videos are by a mile, the best use of my time. Thank you.
I don't know anything about construction work, you just make it interesting to listen and learn about. English is not my first language so terminology is a bit of a weak spot for me. Before this video I had no idea there's a such a position as a foreman or what he does. After watching this video I feel I know exactly what a foreman does. What he should do and propably what he does even if he's not supposed to. Thank you for all the good videos you make!
What you have described is precisely the model of leadership drilled into our nation's military officer and NCO ranks. It works as well in the trenches as it does on the job site.
Incredible take on being a Foreman. I've never been one, but those I respect and look up to the most coincide with your opinion. Really appreciate the lessons, thankyou.
Greatly appreciate this video, I was just pushed into the lead position at a weld shop and there are so many questions I have about being a good supervisor to my crew.
I have so much respect for this man.
Thank you guys for all the amazing videos and hard work you so to give us great content!
Your words are so universal! Thank you. And you also keep up the good work, we appreciate you
One of the best videos you’ve made
Hey E.C. I love these videos. Any tips on how to be a successful construction superintendent?
I live in rock Springs, Wyoming, love your videos💯👈
Mate, i started my building apprenticeship two months ago, we build and maintain cowsheds and a handful of rural services including plenty of drainage and roofing around a town called tokoroa in new zealand .. My boss is pretty harsh when mistakes are made and is loud and pretty angry and swears like an sailor and today i saw my workmate who is a second year apprentice get chewed out the worst ive seen yet for a pretty big mistake at the end of the day today (after 10 hours on site already and it was the last task of the entire job on the last day of the job and it had also already rained on us twice, so i partly understood why he flew off the handle and got so pissed off) This video gave me deep contemplation and i am somewhat lighter in spirit and happier now seeing my road ahead and knowing the journey will be tough but rewarding. Cheers mate, gonna have a cuppa tea for ya! I genuinely love these videos when i get a chance to watch them.