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Source control, ventilation, and filtration are the keys to healthy indoor air quality. Dehumidification is important too.
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"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
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someone who trusts you (yea, it has to be deserved, and can mean a lot of things)
and will back you up when you're right (praise in public, admonish in private),
pays you what you deserve,
understands that they don't "own" you (you have a life outside of work)
provides constructive critizism
delegates appropriate authority (topic unto itself as to what this means)
*A great boss is one who understands the value of good, reliable and current information in this business. Without it we cannot work effectively. Sometimes, without it, we cannot work at all.The most important thing in this business is not customers or carpenters or 2x4's or anything else. The most important thing is good information.I have worked for a number of folks (bosses, customers, whatever) in the past who were lax in the information delivery department. There is not much more frustrating than this.Another thing a great boss will furnish is feedback.During the politicians conference in Philadelphia this summer, the Police Commisioner rode around on a bike of all things with some of the officers - not once, but often. This had to pay dividends for him. Around the same time, I was working on a job when a bunch of the high management came around to see what was going on. Would you believe that there wasn't a single word to me or the others on the crew?So I guess another great boss trait is to remember that the employees aren't just appliances.DC
*The best bosses really have the same basic traits as the best employees. Honest, consistent, timely, etc. The best boss I ever had I liked because the mission, every day, was clear. I knew what I needed to do and what my goals were without asking. He trusted me to do my job, with a reasonable amount of follow up. And didn't call me on the mat for a judgement call that he disagreed with. DanT
*Mr. Williams,Honor, honesty, humility, humor, and ... patience.The Machine
*1. you know the check won't bounce and that you'll always get one.2.You get paid extras like truck/travel time3. He knows that the old "Straw Boss" routine doesn't get it anymore.4. He takes into consideration nasty weather and shuts down if it's raining or below 10 degrees.5. If he wears a suit, he doesn't come on the site acting like the Godhead and if he works with his hands, he'll cut rafter tails once in a while.6. Sometimes he springs for coffee or beer and he ALWAYS has a great Christmas party.
*Ed, a great boss gives you enough rope to run with, but he doesn't stand by and watch you hang yourself!
*Hey Joel,The house is taking shape. Come by anytime.The best boss I ever had was a man named Stan Matecki. Great guy, great carpenter. He taught me volumes about carpentry and cabinetry, but like you said, he knew when to leave me alone........sorta.He changed my whole attitude about working. I wouldn't change my time with him for the world. His professional approach inspired me, and his confidence in his skills left me with the confidence that I could do it too.It's not the money. If I had been offered more somewhere else, I would have turned it down. An education like that comes but once in a lifetime.Ed.
*Teach us everything we can learn. Even when we don't want to learn, and would rather just show and put in a day. This was one of the most important things to me. Couldn't care less about how good my boss could party, or tell jokes, or even if he was grouchy. I had to have a boss who was good, and wanted to share what he had learned. I got a late start, at 30. Had to make up ground, so I found a good carp who could make the grueling process of learning a trade easier. He taught fast, all the time. I paid attention, and made him a lot of money. Now, I need to find another two of me to teach and learn with...
*b Great boss?The ones I admired didn't run around like a chicken with it's head cut off. (Actually have yet to witness such an event)Each boss I held in high regard approached each task methodically. The task was already 95% complete in his head before I even plugged in the saw.Most were good Joes, one or two would shout out from time to time, however as long as I could value what they had to offer, I was there to assist.By the same token I did all that was necessary to keep them from losing there head. I was a damn good employee if i may say so. And I was told so.Head is growing..... must stop!I try to do the same these days. Try not to lose my cool, implement a well thought out game plan, have all materials and accessories available to complete said task.Give clear, concise instructions, and not overload with instructions their not ready for just yet. Complete your task and check with me. Or write down the sequence of tasks to complete.If something goes wrong, the first one I look at is myself... was I clear with my instructions? Just one man's opinion.
*A great boss; keeps his word, pays you respect earned, encourages judgement and leadership, gives you room to grow, and trust you. A great boss, never forgets what makes a great crew, unit cohesion for mutual profit.BN
*Gentlemen,I'd like to introduce to you Bud Naylor. (See previous post). A fine carpenter and a good guy that I've known for years.Welcome aboard.Ed.
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And for all you employees out there........
What makes a Great boss?
Ed. Williams