Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You have a face-to-face talk with everyone on the project.
This is the real-life decision made by Mike Taylor.
"In the vast majority of cases, when you sit down with people they are
very reasonable," says Taylor, vice-president of the National Association
of Demolition Contractors. "But in a very few cases that just doesn't work."
One at a time, you sit down with the client, the contractor
and the technician to discuss the problems. With each one, you explain that
the project has to get moving, and ask them to tell you what they need.
Your plan seems to work. From what is said, you're sure you can give each
of them what they want. You tell your employees to get back to work.
Soon, all the old problems resurface. The client is unhappy with your work
methods. The technician complains the job site is too sloppy. The contractor
has his own list of complaints.
You are also behind schedule. There is no way you can meet your deadline
at this point. Everyone involved in the project is going to lose money.
Taylor made a decision never to work with this particular client again.
"The project was a disaster," he says. "But at least I did sit down with everyone
and make a good faith effort."