Real-Life Decision Making
Decision-making skills are very important to building demolition experts. Besides having a thorough knowledge of the industry, individuals who run their own demolition companies must be able to make tough decisions when dealing with a difficult client or subcontractor.
You're a demolition expert who owns and operates your own business. You specialize in removing asbestos from homes and buildings. While we now know asbestos is a hazardous substance, it is found in the wall partitions and ceiling tiles of many homes built prior to 1970.
You have been hired to remove asbestos from a building. Removing asbestos is a tough job. You want to do it as quickly as possible, so that there is little chance of your workers being exposed to the fumes.
Right from the start, everything seems to go wrong. To begin with, the client says he is unhappy with the plan you developed for removing the asbestos. This is despite the fact that he has already signed a contract agreeing to your plans.
The consultant you've hired wants you to switch to another brand of air filtration device. You refuse, sticking with the brand you've used in the past with good results.
Finally, the technician hired by the consultant to oversee safety procedures is young, inexperienced, and in your opinion, completely unreasonable. You feel he won't be satisfied with anything less than a perfectly prepared work site.
"He acts like we're getting ready to put in the Sistine Chapel, instead of just taking out some asbestos ceilings," you complain to a friend.
As an employer, the safety of your workers is a top concern. But you have done everything that is required -- including covering all the work areas in plastic.
The project quickly becomes bogged down in arguments and disagreements. What can you do to get back on schedule?