The week my whole shop walked out changed how I see crew management

Last summer I ran a small framing crew in Tucson, 5 guys total. We had a job that was behind schedule, so I pushed everyone to work through lunch for 4 days straight. On Friday, all 5 of them just packed up at noon and left without saying a word. I was furious at first, thought they were being lazy. But after I drove around and cooled off, I realized I never once asked if they were okay with the overtime. I called a meeting Monday morning, apologized, and asked what they actually needed. Now we plan lunches into the schedule and I check in every Friday afternoon. Has anyone else had a crew just walk out on them like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

lucasking12d ago

Had all five of my crew walk out once when I tried to switch their coffee brand to the store brand. They said it was about the coffee but really it was about me never asking if they wanted a say in break room stuff. I learned to keep the good coffee stocked and I make them a pot every morning now. Works better than any scheduling app I ever bought.

kevin21812d ago

Smart move @lucasking. I've seen a dozen crews fall apart over stupid crap like that. Coffee is a big deal but it's never really about the coffee. You gave them a choice. That's the secret. Keep doing that morning pot thing. It shows you give a damn. That little gesture buys you more loyalty than any bonus or pizza party ever will.