Alec Caldwell
Rob Ford's latest controversy: What if it happened to you?
Canadian Contractor ProfessionalAct in a professional manner and move away from a bad situation. When it comes to allegations like this, there never are any winners.
While the jury is still out on the accusations made against Toronto mayor Rob Ford (I’m talking about “Ass-Gate,” as the Toronto Sun has dubbed it), the whole thing raises an important question.
What if this happened to you, as a contractor, with a homeowner possibly taking advantage of you that way?
Would you find it an uplifting experience? Would it bolster your ego? Would you be taken by surprise and try to ignore it? Perhaps the client just wanted to reach over and grab the tape measure hanging on your belt. And, you know, missed it.
Let’s say you found yourself on the end of such an unsolicited move. How could you deflect the situation without causing embarrassment? Without losing the job? Would you say, “Listen, give me a moment and I’ll draw up a Change Order to cover this?” Would you say, “I carry safety cards for WHMIS and Fall Protection but is this really a new requirement from the Ministry of Labour?”
While I’m only trying to bring some humour into the situation, it really is all about acting in a professional manner and about moving away from a bad situation, as when it comes to allegations like this, there never are any winners.
Email alec@carahs.org
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From the Toronto Region Board of Trade LinkedIn Group
Lauri Sue R Comments: “In a work environment where someone is hiring me to do a project, I would just move away, maybe say something about my jealous husband, and act unimpressed. Most people would get the hint and stop trying. Our mayor appears to be impervious to hints, and everything else!”
From the Contractor Discussion Group. For Plumbers, Electricians LinkedIn Group
Candis N. Comments: “The government is now making it more difficult to not hire a worker when the background check you did came back negative”
From the NATIONAL WHOLESALE PLUMBING, HEATING & HVAC GROUP LinkedIn Group
Sanjay N. Comments: “Nice thing you have started. Such situations do arise in the course of business”
From the Contractor Discussion Group. For Plumbers, Electricians, Remodelers, Roofers, HVAC, & Handyman LinkedIn Group
Ross S. comments:
“LOL – My mind would be racing – flattered and terrified all at once. Fortunately I’m now a grandfather so I simply let it pass and start chatting about my kids and grand kids. In my younger days I’d joke about almost having a heart attach and move on quickly with the job. If life were easy – it wouldn’t be fun!”