Quick run down. I'm a contractor and I install structured data cabling. Last year I met this guy on a job site whom just happened to live on my corner. We became friends and car pooled to work. Into the the job, a little drama went down and I left. He did as well and we lost contact. Ran into him this year and I hired him to assist me with some ongoing gigs I've got. He's knows his stuff and I don't have to worry about babysitting him. Way better than just hiring some stranger off the street. Plus we're friends and practically neighbors. Except there's just one small hitch. He likes to question my work procedure a little too much. A few times I've told him, "I don't pay you to worry about it, let me worry about it"
So, we're doing a job yesterday requiring a lift in a box store during the store hours and I let him drive it while I managed the cables on the ground. I wanted him to go a specific way and he basically argued and debated why I should do it his way instead. I ended up letting him have his way. This is now the second time.
I realize I'm balancing a delicate act hiring a friend so I'm keeping my cool not to let things escalate. However, I can see this becoming a pattern. Advice or suggestions is one thing, but this guy literally complains or tries to dominate my decisions. Dragging out the time involved to just do it already. Even last year I had to tell him to stop working against me and just follow my instructions please. I've got 10 years on him in age and probably the same amount of time in work experience in this field. He does know quite a bit about technology and perhaps even more than me in some areas, but it goes to his head a bit.
So,I'm trying to figure out a way to nip this in the bud before this becomes a bad habit. Worst case scenario is very real here. Friends are quick to envy and stab you in the back. It's almost like he's got a "I can do it better than you" attitude.
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[–] Banned4Truth [S] ago
I agree 100% But didn't I say I already let him have his way? There's other factors you're not considering. Personality, time constraints, experience, among others. It's not just about wanting to feel "obeyed". I assure you, obeyed is the wrong word to describe it. It's about doing a job seamlessly that matters. It took 5.5 hours yesterday for 2.5 cables competed. Too much talking. I have to invoice the customer, not him. I understand what you're saying but I can have a plan in my head and then get bombarded with all his ideas. Should I just make him in charge?
[–] Le_Squish ago
If the problem is him talking too much at inappropriate times then make time.
There are many times when your plans experience don't mean shit and can often times cause a leader to become bias and closed minded.
Other people have ideas and plans and because we have aptitudes it can be better to delegate.
You might not be a good as you think you are but if you learn to give a listen, you can be as good as he thinks you can be. Even if you don't agree on the fix, you might find agreement on the problem or inefficiencies being identified.