| Author |
Across the Fence:  How do I tactfully tell someone that he was wrong?  |
|
|
Sweet Harvest Homestead
True Blue Farmgirl
279 Posts
Lindy
Stanfield
NC
USA
279 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 09:11:55 AM
|
Well, maybe that is not how I should ask the question.
We are building a house and we are the contractors. Since I am the one that is here most of the time, I am the one dealing with the sub contractors.
Here is the deal, a fella who was highly recommended to pour our concrete told us that he would be here Friday or Monday. Well it is 12:04 Monday and he still is not here. I called but got no answer. I am going to run to town in a few minutes but I have to show him some specific things on our plans before he pours.
How would you tell him ( in a nice, sweet way ) that if he would call folks when he is not going to be there when he says he is...., he would gain a lot more respect?
I guess this is just part of it when you are building a house but shoot..... If I tell somebody I am going to be there, I will be there or at least call.
This fellow is about 10 years younger than us so I feel like it is my duty to teach him better manners, haha!
How would you go about it?
Lindy
www.sweetharvesthomestead.typepad.com |
|
|
Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 09:17:54 AM
|
Just tell him you were going to call someone else if he didn't show because it is good business sense to let a client know you ETA. Tell him he is sending the wrong message when he doesn't call. Approach the subject as business---which of course it is. Age has nothing to do with it---remember it is business. MB
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
Edited by - Marybeth on Aug 27 2007 09:18:58 AM |
 |
|
|
KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 09:30:54 AM
|
Grr. This is what I dislike about the whole construction thing--from plumbers to drywallers, and roofers the same, I've had the same dealings. I simply don't give them the time of day anymore after one screw up. Sounds harsh, but there are too many competitors out there. Good ones at that.
I would call him and say, I expected you here this am (give him an opportunity to make his excuse i.e, job ran longer, picking up materials etc...) and then say, "you came highly recommended to us, and I really would appreciate it if you would be as considerate as the people who recommended you--that was very kind of them.
Should leave him stammering, and he'll be on time next time.
J
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
|
|
|
Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
|
|
Sweet Harvest Homestead
True Blue Farmgirl
279 Posts
Lindy
Stanfield
NC
USA
279 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 09:42:57 AM
|
Aha,
Good answers. Thank you. I have been sitting here thinking about it and I realized that 'I" need to grow up a little and get a backbone. I have been trying to be so nice and not make someone think that I am a _itch This is my time and my money by golly!
I don't know why I do this.
You all are right, I do need to let them know.
Thank You all.
Lindy
www.sweetharvesthomestead.typepad.com |
Edited by - Sweet Harvest Homestead on Aug 27 2007 09:45:18 AM |
|
|
|
Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 09:56:35 AM
|
Don't feel bad Lindy, I am 35 and terrible at confronting "adult" issues like that! I don't ever want to feel like the bad guy! But I did it to my hair dresser last week, I called her needing an appt. change (a week in advance) She never called back until 10 minutes before the time I wanted. "are you coming," she asks, "no, I assumed that since you didn't call me back you couldn't do it, and I couldn't make my scheduled time so it's a cancel."
I felt sorta mean, but was upset that a little more courtesy was taken on her part.
I guess being a "grown up" is a drag sometimes! LOL!
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 10:00:53 AM
|
| We have built two houses and I can tell you this for a fact. Building, construction people are notoriously not there when they say they will be. It is apparently accepted in the trade - it would be highly unusual if one did show up when they said. Sorry. |
|
|
|
JessieMae
True Blue Farmgirl
702 Posts
Jessie
Raleigh
North Carolina
USA
702 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 10:15:01 AM
|
| To avoid an awkward confrontation when something like that happens to me, I'll say something that makes it sound like it was my fault. For example, I might leave a message for the person that says, "I'm so sorry, but I must have had my days mixed up. I was expecting you to come today, but I must have written it down on my calendar wrong. Please call me back and let me know when the correct date is." That keeps the person I'm working with from becoming defensive, and unless the person is a real jerk, they usually call me back with an explanation or apology. |
|
|
|
mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 1:29:23 PM
|
| Perfect, Jessie! |
|
|
|
aimeeravae
True Blue Farmgirl
341 Posts
Aimee
Deer River
MN
USA
341 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 2:07:54 PM
|
Make sure he at least owns up to the fact he was late. You don't what him to say you were mistaken with any other problems. Remember you are paying him to be ther at a specific time. If you had an employee that didn't show up for the first day of work and was late for the second, would they still be employed? Would you?
I don't mean it to sound harsh, but I am willing to bet that there are other concrete guys out there that are just as good. And need the work.
Don't ream him out, but be firm.
http://laplantewardklopf.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
|
Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2007 : 3:37:55 PM
|
Oooo. Subs! That was one of the hardest things to learn when we built our house. They all seem to have the attitude of "tough beans" and they don't care a bit what you think. Funny to hear that they are that way wherever you go! It's like they know that you can't do it without them, so you should work around THEM.
No advice, but good luck!!
"There is a Happy Dale far, far away. . ." -Arsenic and Old Lace |
|
|
|
Sweet Harvest Homestead
True Blue Farmgirl
279 Posts
Lindy
Stanfield
NC
USA
279 Posts |
|
| |
Across the Fence: How do I tactfully tell someone that he was wrong? |
|
How do I tactfully tell someone that he was wrong?
