A subbie friend was called to a meeting by a big builder, who
admonished him, saying “I only want proactive subbies on this project, not all
this paperwork”. Sounds reasonable, but
let me tell you the background.
Six months previously, the
subbie had been instructed to commence, and on reporting to site, found the
basement where he was to start work flooded with rainwater nearly two feet
deep. The reason was the incomplete roofing.
“Come back next week” he was told “We’ll have it all pumped out nice and
dry for you”. A week later and still
the same. “Never mind” said the builder “You can do some first fix at the far
end of the job, where nthe roof is nearly finished”. Over the next six months, a typical saga developed, with the
subbie scratching about on a daily “seek and find”, working in a piecemeal
fashion, as odd areas or part areas became available. The building progress was
slow and he fell way behind programme. Being a “streetwise subbie”, he put in
regular delay notices, politely asking for help in progressing his job. It was against this background that the
builder now demanded that he be “proactive”.
This is a useful clue as to how many builders see things. Apparently, the proactive subbie is someone
who can install electrics in two foot of water, fix conduit on walls that
haven’t been built, fix light fittings
on ceilings that aren’t there, and keeps these problems a secret. Oh, by the
way, he must be willing to go bankrupt in the process. Well, that may be the
builder’s definition of the term “proactive”, but it sure as hell ain’t mine.
My experience shows that this attitude is wide spread. Any attempt by the subbie to air the problem
is greeted with cries of “confrontation”.
This is rather like accusing the mugger’s victim of confrontation when
he staggers into the police station to report the mugging.
So let’s bring some common sense into this common situation. My view of the proactive subbie is one who
always gives the job his best shot, but complies with his obligations by giving
early warning of problems. He then shows a willingness to discuss the problem
and to propose solutions. But not at his own cost. This proactive approach is now enshrined in the newer forms of
contract, such as the NEC. So be brave and don’t let the bullyboys walk over
you.
Keynote:
The proactive subbie faces up to problems as they arise.
John Russell
Contracts and
Training Consultant
Email: swsubbie@globalnet.co.uk
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