The best form of marketing is a job well done. Your good deeds on a job will go far more than any influencer can. Last week I did a job for a client and it was a tough one. So many Variations and corrections even after the construction commenced. I wasn’t so happy with the constant calls and complaints. The fact that the error came from them makes matter worse.
The constant nagging and calls got to me but I know I have no option than to smile and listen. One would think the client doesn't like the Job i did for him but i was surprised when i received a call from someone who said the troublesome client recommended me. I realized as a student working, facing constant questions and doubts from people are just part of the job.
I saw a noisecash post by @Giddyboy few days back and it reminds me of my experience at one time when I intern with a civil engineer. As a student, you are bound to face so many challenges from your boss, workers and client. I was the site engineer on a site at ilupeju and the following where the challenges faced
THE DOUBTING CLIENT
It’s common for most house owners (clients) to come to the site unannounced and when they see a young man on site they start asking questions. No matter how well dressed you are or if you have the white helmet on which signifies that you’re not a worker they will still doubt your competence. They can ask the most illogical question or an insulting question - “hey Mr Man who are you and what are you doing here?” they will say it with a tone that implies that you’re trespassing.
How you react to any question posed to you will determine your stay on that job. Even if you feel insulted you still have to keep your cool and never let your smile leave your face. The best thing I do is not to answer their question immediately. Show your authority but at the same time don’t sound insulting. Remember customers are always right. An answer like “ Good afternoon sir, I believe you’re Mr A, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person”. You can go to the extent of stretching your hand for a handshake. The probability of him rejecting it is 0.0001%. If he repeats the first question you can go ahead and introduce yourself, but the best thing is to introduce yourself after the handshake. This way you’ve shown them you cannot be intimidated and you deserve to be in charge of the project. Remember to have a smile on your face all through.
THE DISRESPECTFUL ARTISANS
This is one of the biggest problems you can experience as an intern. Giddyboy talked about this in his noise post. The artisans and labourers on site have a wealth of experience on their side which makes them believe it’s an insult for an “ordinary student” to be giving them instructions. Agreed, Experience cannot be bought with money but the construction industry revolves from time to time. New things are coming out every day. New construction methods, easier ways of doing things. If experience is enough then students going to school are just wasting their time.
At the ilupeju site I mentioned earlier I was asked to overseer an extension work on a site. The building was to be demarcated into two for each tenant to have privacy.
Since it’s a work to be attached to an existing wall. I asked them to break the existing wall a little, create a rough surface so that the bonding material can stick well. A straight bond isn’t advisable for use in construction except in some special cases. They refused and indirectly asked me to “shut up”. I tried my best to persuade them but they say what does an intern know to be correcting them. I placed a call to my boss but was directed to drop a voicemail.
A few hours later when the work has gotten to the window level my boss came to the site and saw what they were doing. He was pissed with me and started chastising me. Blaming me and questioning my level in school. I explained to him and he asked them if it was true that I gave them the right way to do it. They replied in the affirmative and he switched to chastising them. That was how I earned the respect of all the workers there.
In Conclusion
To survive on a construction site as an intern, you have to know your onions. If you don’t know what you are doing, you’ll be taken for granted. Most importantly, you have to be polite and respectful. Most of the artisans will be far older than you and some old enough to be our father. Respect is taken as something of utmost importance in this part of Africa, even if you are holding a bigger position than they are, you still need to accord them the respect they deserve and it will be reciprocated.
Thanks for reading!🦺💚🥽
I hope I have courage like you. You did a great job in dealing with different kinds of people since you have to interact with them in your type of job!