Helper Task List

Wayco Wayne_2

of helpful suggestions for new helpers in the trade. I think it would be nice to be able to hand a new guy a list to give him an idea of what to do and how to do it. What's expected and where he/she can be the most helpful. Please add if you have any ideas. WW

1. When you take something from the truck, put it back in the same place.

2. Stayed involved mentally and anticipate what you can do to help, but don't get in the way.

3. Putting down drop cloths before anything else can save a lot of clean up.

4. Dont use your cell phone for personel use during working hours.

5. Look for positive things to do if the mechanic has to stop working to make a call, or talk to the Homeowner.

6. You shouldnt have to be told when to clean up. Hint: Clean up doesn't have to wait until the end of the job.

7. Be interested in what's going on, and ask smart questions.


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Leo

The List

Going a step further with the cell phone, if it is a personal phone and not company it stays in the truck or shut off. It can be used on break and lunch.

Leo

Rich W

Never waste a trip up the stairs, or down the ladder.When you are finished with a tool or material- take it to the truck when you go. When you're tired at the end of the day, you'll be glad you did.

kevin coppinger_4

follow directions

simple but many have a problem doing so...
hustle...work at a good pace...don't mope from one task to the next.

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Robert O'Brien

NO!

Cell phones in customers homes,you can fight with your girlfriend after work. No profanity in customers homes.No smoking in or around customers homes.No blasting radios,especially those stations that play music with profane lyrics or discuss topics that are inappropriate.No beer with lunch{or otherwise] Treat customers homes and property as you would your own. I've seen all this and more from ALL trades ALL the time.

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BigRed

Slow walk!

I hate the slow helper walk

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Paul Bock_2

Two different booklets, one goal

Hi Wayne,

I think what you're really talking about here is two different items, with one goal in mind.

Some of the things that have been mentioned in the post so far really need to be in an Employee handbook.

Even the smallest contractors can benefit from an employee handbook, detailing what is acceptable , and unacceptable behavior, clothing, tool requirements, expected benefit's, and vacation. If you have specific rules regarding cell phone use, expected working hours, etc., they would go here.

The second book (and the one I think you are talking about here)that every company should have is a procedures manual that details exactly how you want your employees to approach each task when they start a project.

A procedures manual would detail the different types of work you do, and the setup and steps necessary to complete each one.

As an example, if on every water heater replacement you want the first task to be: "Spread drop clothes from the point of entry to the work area." The procedure manual would detail that task.

These don't have to be expansive novels for each task. You could probably set them up in a three ring binder, so revisions are easy, and start out with about ten specific tasks for each type of work that you perform.

I'll bet Dan could make some suggestions regarding this as well.

Paul B.

Jerry_15

Great stuff. I don't give out my own cell # except for emergencies (delivery driver's etc), because it's rude and generally untimely. I went to an answering 800 service which picks up right away and types it in to my pager. NOT VOICE MAIL. Everyone hates that. If a real person answers they don't mind a little delay on call-back. Why interrupt a sale for "bring home a gallon of milk". It's worth its weight in gold. I call back at my convenience.

Unknown

keep ur

One of my late dad's statment when I was learning (stills learning now) " keep your hands out of ur pockets! Its makes the customer thinking they paying u to stand there without doing anything!"

Wayco Wayne_2

My last helper

would bring a boom box on a job site and play loud gospel evangelical preaching. I believe it was his purpose to convert everyone in earshot. (or to show off his pride in his religious fortitude.) I would get an attitude from him whenever I asked him to turn it down in respect to other folks on the job site. Plus all that preacher yelling gave me a headache. I would make a rule that says No radios. You should be concentrating on the work. I guess I'm a goon for feeling that way. WW

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clammy

ask

The number 1 thing a new helper can do is be on time ,have no excuses and most of all when in doubt ask questions and not do anything stupid .I also believe that they should haver a great work ethic if not they should get out of the business being lazy or tried is not a excuse.They should realize that this is not just a job but a trade that has many many faucets that may require years to attain a though knoweledge and that it does not happen over nite and no one knows it all or it least i don't and most of all leave the tough guy ego ain't my job bit some where out side the door .The # 1 Thing is to be honest ,truthfulland hard working no body likes or payes a slacker .Peace and good luck clammy

DanHolohan

Yes,

get Al Levi's programs. It's perfect for this.

hr

An employee manual

is pretty much what you described. All employees need to read, understand and sign it. Really,and unfortunatly, these days you need a signed documant, or manual if you discipline or fire someone.

I've been on jobsites where 3 or 4 radios are blasting different stations! Talk about driving you crazy. Lot's of Rush "the pill" listeners around here Mix that with acid rock oldies and rap and you really have an interesting workday ahead of you.

hot rod

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jackchips_2

One for the

list:

Always double check your order at the supply counter.

Jack

Terry_14

Responsible Leader

I have found employees will do what you do before they do what you say. A good example will go a long way to train a helper.

The employee manual is a great guide and means more if employees and helpers have input "What would you add?" with a question you will know from the response they have actually read the manual.

Praise given for good work and following policy will show you as a leader/boss care and we all need to feel worth sure makes me strive to be the best i can.

Terry T

EJW

Apprentice

First thing you do is stop calling them "helpers". When I first started in this trade my boss would always correct home owners who called me a helper. He would say "I can get a helper off any corner, he's my apprentice". I always liked hearing him say that.

EJW