Get a cup of coffee. Here goes.
Two years ago I met a guy who was an employee of a friend. Immediate first impression was here’s a kid with some skills. Moreover, I’m always the one saying I care less about talent than attitude, and this guy has about the best outlook on the world I’ve run into. He would be the dream employee.
In the time since, we’ve had opportunity to do a handful of projects joint venture, and every time I always come away thinking he’s not only good, but he learns fast. He’s the kind of guy who, if he’d never cut crown before, you could teach him the basics in ten minutes, leave the jobsite, and the first floor would be done and tight when you got back. And swept. And the trash out in the dumpster.
So when my pal hung up the belt, I made a call. I said I’d never dream of stealing an employee but since your employer just bailed . . . and he said I’ll think about it. He thought about 24 hours and called me back. Long story short, his family owns a business as well. A fairly lucrative business by the sound of it. His brother drives a flippin Lamborghini. That’s pretty tough competition. But he knows and I know that doing what you like and are good at are worth more than just a dollar.
The boat he’s in now, he has a job with them, if he wants it, in about 2 months, if a new product line takes off, and it sounds like it will. So for now, sans other options, working for me looks better than wearing a suit for a couple of months. He thinks he’ll probably go out west. Frankly, how can you blame him. 24, lady killer, chance at some real dollars.
But man oh man do I want to have him stick around. It took me 10 years of my life to get to the point where I realised that I could actually be happy if I just fit what I did to who I was. And he is a natural. So I feel kind of like the little matchmaker who looks at two people and exclaims “what a fit”. But like I said, I can’t keep him if he doesn’t want it. I just want to convince him in 2 months what it took me 10 years to figure out. And I don’t want to be pushy at all, because that just hacks people off. He’s just got skills. It’s almost annoying how well he can fit joints.
Anyway. I’m partially venting, partially soliciting inputs. Whatever you think. I want to be able to impart some of that “life wisdom” without sounding like the old man. And yeah, I’m being a little selfish, trying to keep something good to myself. He’s 24 and already smokes most of the trim carps around here in talent.
“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.” – Mark Twain
Replies
Patience, understanding and no judgement.
I know it is hard at first, and harder later...but there are many paths to explore..both for him and you.
Just be ..just be understanding and hold no expectations..it will be, what it will be.
I know it is not an answer, but you did not pose a real question to be answered..and that in itself is a basic conundrum..solve that..and get back to me.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
It sounds like the "life wisdom" that you seek to impart is telling him that he's good at what he does, and he should stick with it - maybe at your place. The problem with that impartation is he isn't likely to pay much attention to it, unless he knows and respects you, and he's looking for advise. All you can do is make your point, with some sincerity and maybe in a subtle manner, then step back. I've seen very few people accept advice that they did not ask for. Good luck.
You could have told this in my story thread . Its heart warming .
As in the old saying , you gotta let it go.
But the important message is ,
Sounds like a friendship from respect has been formed . Those friendships last for life . I would love to tell him how I feel and lay the compliment on him with all the sincerity and truth you speak here today. If nothing else theres a friend out there somewhere that knows you . Thats enuff .
Tim
I dont have any advice on how to handle the situation but maybe you can go to work for him.
Get yourself one of those Lamborghinis!!!
Doug
LOL.
You're gonna need to offer him part of the business. if he is as efficient as you say he is then that investment will pay for itself easily
I have a friend who runs a construction business from his armchair. His lead guy is a phenom. I asked him what he would do if the guy ever left. He said he would'nt let that happen at any cost - but dont tell him that"