Give Thanks to the Construction Worker for Lessons Learned
by Ron Kubitz
November 21, 2011
The air is getting crisper, and decorations are starting to
go up. As the calendar fades deeper into November, most of us are getting into
the holiday mood, and it is in this spirit of Thanksgiving that we need to be
thankful for all that we have. I’d like to take a moment to thank the
construction worker for the great work they do 365 days per year and the valuable
life lessons that can be learned from them.
Lesson 1: Learn by
doing—Construction workers typically do not learn most of their trade from
reading. Most workers are handed a piece of equipment and are told to learn by
doing. It is through this hands-on approach that the workers learn to master
their trade. The same can be said for life ... yes, books are great, but the
best way to succeed in this world is through trial and error and by
experiencing life in a hands-on fashion.
Lesson 2: Master your
tools—On a construction site, tools and equipment are the worker’s best
friend. The same goes for life; just as there are many and varied tools at the
disposal of construction workers, the same applies to all of us. Some of us may
use our mouths as a tool while others may use a computer, baseball bat,
telephone or parental instincts. What tools have you mastered?
Lesson 3: Plan and
plan again—Construction workers know the value of scoping out a plan,
gathering resources necessary for the plan, and then completing the plan. Just
tearing into a project blindly can have devastating results. Sounds like a
great way to live our daily lives!
Lesson 4: Get the job
done, period—In the construction world, you do not get paid for talking or
thinking a great game but for getting the job done as promised. Build that
bridge, drive those piles, excavate that dirt—we all have deadlines! The same
applies to life; if we wish to be valued and respected as people, we must put
in the hours and effort that it takes to get our jobs done. Consistent and
accurate output is more important than over-thinking or talking a good game.
Lesson 5: Become a
craftsman and build something worthwhile—Construction workers do not just
settle for getting the job done. Instead, they pay attention to details and
realize that it takes time and effort to construct something worthwhile. We
must all strive daily to be the best that we can be in all we do. I realize
that does not happen overnight. No matter what we do, we must build a solid
foundation and framework before we reach our finished product. Shortcuts are
bound to fail—we must all take the time do our jobs right.
Thanksgiving Bonus
Lesson: Wear your safety gear! Hey, we all make mistakes at times, so learn
from them and grow as professionals.
What would you think we should thank the construction worker
for? What is the best or most creative way you’ve ever been thanked?
Ron Kubitz
Ron Kubitz is the recruiting manager for Brayman
Construction Corporation, located in Saxonburg,
Pa. As an accomplished presenter,
Ron is often sought after in regard to his expertise within the world of social
media.
Comments (4)Post a Comment
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Title: Give thanks
By: Vic C.
Posted: November 23, 2011 11:39 AM
Thanks for the kind words and recognition! Need to thank the construction worker also for there ability to improvise and think on their feet. Things do not always go as planned yet the job stillneeds to get done!
Title: Wise words!
By: E. Miller
Posted: November 25, 2011 4:22 PM
Mr. Kubitz,
Folks not involved in construction tend to discount the mastery you mention...until something goes wrong. A guy (or gal) who can get a job done efficiently, efffectively, and well is as valuable to our daily lives as a surgeon or researcher. Wish we could get the public to undersatand that!
Title: Wise words
By: Ron Kubitz
Posted: November 26, 2011 12:04 AM
Mr. Miller I agree 100%!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Ron
Title: Give thanks
By: Tony Corretti
Posted: November 29, 2011 12:08 PM
Too many construction folk have lost site of the fact that they are craftsman! get back the pride!