I really like the filtering process HUGEHomePros mentioned. Creating those initial barriers is a great way to weed out the short attention spans before they ever step foot on your job site.
In my experience working with younger guys in the trades, it’s a mixed bag—some are really impressive and others are completely useless. A lot of it comes down to how they were raised, but there are definitely good kids out there.
My approach to managing them is a bit different: I make sure to take the time to 'bust their balls' a little. I use humor to get my points across and keep things light. The goal is to poke fun at the mistakes without actually bringing them down or making them feel small. It builds a bit of a thicker skin and helps the lessons stick better than a dry lecture or a deer-in-the-headlights explanation. It’s all about building that rapport so they actually want to learn from you.
This is how I generally go about it. I am just bad at joking around, and I tend to be non-confrontational. Your approach to busting their balls a little in a “teach them how to laugh at themselves” kind of way is smart. I am just not that great at adding jokes or phrases into a situation to lighten the mood. 75% of the time the problem really boils down to me not making certain they understood the assignment.
Do you have a couple good one liners to make guys laugh at their mistakes?
