I have 2 guys that I have been training for 2 months now, and they are doing well with squeegee work. Problem is that training them with the WFP is like trying to show a child how to do something! From something as simple as setting up the DI tanks and hoses, they cant seem to figure it out, and it is becomming more and more difficult to not just completely lose it with these guys. They arent stupid, but they just dont seem to get it.
I have had a training meeting (paid too) and as I do one window with the pole, I explain to them both as I am cleaning that as I move around the building to not drag the hose around the corner because the masonry will cut the hose. The first thing they do is drag the hose and yank it against the corner and of course it rips!
1-How do I train these guys without wanting to beat their brains in?
2-Should I make them pay for equipment they destroy?
1- Explain that being proficient w/ the wfp is part of the job and you can always hire someone else (it doens’t take a rocket scientist to set up a system)
2- Yes, if they sign a waiver that says they have been trained and know how to properly use the equipment.
I would aggree with #2 fully. I do this with all my guys. If I am training 3 or 4 at a time it only takes one guy to screw something up and pay for it. the others will learn fast after that.
As far as #1 i am in the same boat right now and this is the first time. I think in a day or so he is going to get the ax! I am hairs aways from being a bald AA member. I wish I could say what to do. Since I hired this guy I have added pictures to my employee manual. pictures seemed to help…some. I also gave him a list of deffinitions of each word I would use. such as WPF, DI tank, Hose, Bucket, ect…then I gave him a test. He can pass written stuff but it’s the common sense part that eludes him. I have even gone as far as to hold his hand with a squeegee in it to show him. I don’t know why I keep him. I have just re done my whole manual to read as if you were a kindergarden. I hope someone has more ideas but I think when they get this hopelss it’s time to ax them!
Well its good to know I am not the only one. And thank you for the advice, I have a form for them to sign, a checkout form. I will add stuff to it tonight.
I just fired my guy today. He came in wanting to know how to change a rubber. he’s been working for over a month and I have showed him this very easy task about 10 times now. so I guess it was my bad not spotting during the interview.
Common sense cannot be taught. A guy can be a very ethical and hard worker but still get the boot. I struggled over this once with one of my helpers. There was not a lick of laziness in him, but he couldn’t get his brain around some things. He would place filthy screens on carpet, he would step on client’s chairs without thinking twice. I would tell him not to do one thing and he would invent other ways of doing wrong that I wouldn’t even see coming.
I just fired this guy today too! He says his truck needed a new alternator, all he really wanted was an advance on his check, and like a sucker I gave it to him! He’s got 12 shirts I JUST got printed up that I can kiss goodbye!
