Best foreman qualities

[PUClimber]

I was wondering what you guys think are important in a foreman. As far as what things have good foreman you've worked for or worked with or had work for you did that really set them a part and made them stand out?

 

[familytree]

please rent the movie brave heart, take in its message, pay close attention to how he rallies the troops and incorporate that into your daily routine

no. im not kidding, you gotta be brave heart son. first one to raise their hand to the crappiest jobs, first one to offer to stay late, leading by example makes you a leader worth following, not a title

 

[tcsafety]

I agree with familytree.

I would also add experience, honesty, humor, sees safety as a moral virtue and not just a bumper sticker, doesn't believe they know it all but is confident in what they do know, a willingness to learn more themselves, a willingness to listen to their guys, will work with their guys to increase their knowledge, understanding, and safe work habits.

Also will encourage their guys to do what they are actually capable of, will not put them into situations they are not capable of doing safely or correctly, and will back their guys to the boss (or a jerk customer) when they know they're right.

 

[southsoundtree]

Additionally,

organized,

fair,

someone that finds the right challenges and opportunities to challenge employees, e.g. letting the newer climber take down trees within their abilities as stepping stones, without putting them in a situation with too much pressure such as time demand, obstacle that will be too hard to work around, etc. Giving people spars to fell for practice, building their skills,

firm on expectations of employees, backed with good praise for jobs well done.

 

[John_Paul_Sanborn]

The above are walk on water criteria.

A foreman has to be a guy you can trust to leave on site with the crew.

She will keep them working without being a PITA, unless it it required.

Has a basic understanding of the job, and is willing to take time with workers to ensure they are doing things right.

Overblown egos do not run a crew smoothly.

The biggest criteria is that the person is one that you can work with.

What do you want out of the team leader? Will he be the top climber too, or spend most of the time on the ground?

 

[marlinspiker]

a cool haircut and buys beer for his crew on fridays

 

[moonfarm]

A friend of mine says that you can teach someone a job, but you can't teach them to be the kind of person you want to work next to for 40 hours a week.