Ability to Impart Knowledge to Other Framers
• When teaching someone, start with the basics. Assume nothing. Explain in clear and simple language exactly what the job is, and how it is to be done.
• The easiest way to lead may be to give orders, make demands, and threaten. However, it creates an unsettling atmosphere that is not conducive to a cooperative, self-motivated crew. Request that framers do tasks; do not order them.
• Assume that no framer intentionally does something wrong. Help your crew correct errors and show them how to avoid making them again.
• Treat each framer with respect. His time may be less valuable to the company, but his worth as an individual is equal to yours.
• The words “please" and “thank you" can make a framer feel much better about working for you. It is an easy way to let him know that what he does is important and appreciated.
• Do not give the hard, unpleasant jobs to the same framer time after time. The entire crew should share such tasks.
• When a framer asks you a question, give him the answer, but then explain how you got the answer so the next time he can figure it out himself.
Ability to Motivate Other Framers
To produce good work efficiently, a framer must be motivated. To be motivated, a framer must:
• Feel good about himself
• Feel what he is doing is important
• Be respected by his lead framer
• Feel he is being treated equally
You are a lead framer, not a therapist, but your attitude toward your crew should have a positive effect on his motivation. A crew whose members take pride in their individual and collective skills will invariably produce quality work and take pleasure in doing it.
Feel what he is doing is important
Every task, no matter how small, is necessary to complete the job and, therefore, important.
Be respected by his lead framer
Take time to listen and teach. If, as lead framer, you are called upon to solve a framing problem, it is better to let the framer explain his solution first and, if it is an acceptable solution, let him do it his way. There are often several ways to solve a framing problem. If you have a way that is much faster or easier than the framer’s way, explain it to him and tell him how you came to your conclusion.
Directions should be given in terms of the job, not the individual. For example: Negative—“I told you five minutes ago to build that wall." Positive—“We need that wall built right away so we can finish this unit."
Framers like to feel that the person supervising is concerned about what they think and how they feel. Convey this through your words and actions.
Feel he is being treated equally
Don’t show favoritism when assigning tasks. Make every effort to treat all framers fairly. Deal with any complaints impartially.
