[jwholden]

Thank you all for the kind words. I have been focusing on learning about managing people, as opposed to studying equipment.

Remember that different people need to be managed differently to thrive. This same techinque will upset the opposite personality style.

[Mark Oomkes]

Gee, there are some things I don't know yet. JK

Great ideas, JW.

[Mark Oomkes]

I just had another 2 week employee. Actually was a former employee that left about 5 years ago. He was an OK worker, not fantastic, but got the work done and in a fairly decent manner.

However, within the first week, he was caught by another employee appropriating gas for his personal vehicle after everyone else had left (the other employee returned because he forgot something). I knew he was having a rough time in life, he volunteered that he was let go from his previous job because he was 'stealing' pop cans-he said they were his own, but I had no reason to not trust him based on my previous experience with him. Told him I would have given him an advance if he needed money that bad. I probably would have even given him a chance if he came into the office and admitted it and apologized, but he didn't.

It's great being a boss.

[mark allen]

wow at first I was going to say 'fire him' but now ...tell him you are going to cut his pay until he gets his ass in gear...then he may have a job next week..... do it in front of all the others so when you do fire his ass they know you are serious.
whew.... that felt good

[Mac]

Actually, he has made a remarkable turnaround. Infact, a few weeks back I stoped him and asked him what was wrong. He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face... then I told him, "your feet are actually moving." For whatever reason, one day it simply clicked for him. He has been a changed man since then. I dont know if how i interacted with him was the changing factor or what but im very happy with his current performance. I do know that it has been a long learning experience for us both.