I just started at an independent shop. Last week was my first week at full time. And this video was great. A few rules I follow myself is listen and observe. Ask questions, put tools away once u finish with it. Always clean up your work station, never stand around looking not busy. And most important, if you got time to lean, you got time to clean.
What helped me when I started working at the shop is giving the guys there complements about there tools and the speed they finish the job and they loved me because techs love that ego shit they are consided
Most of the advise provided is valid in MANY professions if not all. I'm a technician, not for automobiles, but at technician at last. Bravo Eric! The message is spot-on! Keep up the great work!
One thing I'll add to this one, if you end up working at a large enough shop where you have a dedicated building maintenance guy, befriend him. He might wonder what you're doing, and ask questions you think are ridiculously simple, but remember, you know how to fix the car, he knows how to make your tools work better. He may seem to be a PITA at times, might interrupt you on occasion, but he can make your life a LOT easier if you treat him decently. Need a better light? Wondering why your impact won't pull out every crank bolt? Break a shop tool? Want a bigger, better vise? Wish you had another air outlet in your bay? Have the end blow off an air line? Need a professional weld laid? Guess who you go to. If you're new to the industry, he may actually know more about the vehicle you're working on than you do, because he's been giving the techs there help for years, ask him questions if you need. He might even have a substitute for the tool you need but don't have, it won't be a Mac or a Snap-On, but it'll do the job. Remember this as well, if you are in one of these larger shops and treat him like a lower class employee, he's the only person that can make your job harder than it has to be. :)
jwalterus Totally agree with this! Our guy does a great job, and just befriending him and thanking him for doing the trash runs and sweeping the floor goes a long way!
Even though you are my UA-cam completion for automotive instructional videos I really like your style and hope to be as big as you one day, my channel is really taking off! Love your videos!
Great advice. I'm an 15 year electrician and have been lucky to work with some great teachers who all had the same advice to keep an open mind and remember that I don't know everything. Even apprentices have taught me things I only thought I knew. I like what you said here about keeping your mouth shut. Again great advice man. Thanks.
I'm from Serbia (ex - Yugoslavia, Europe) and been watching your UA-cam channels for years now. I just want to say that you are definitely one of the very best mechanics out there and your videos have helped me a lot! Thanks for all your effort and help. Wish I could meet you in person someday.
i have worked at a firestone for 3 years now and i love it, yes there is some pressure to sell but every one at my shop gets along awesome and to me that is more important.
Eric, you made some awesome points. In my garage (I don't have a shop) I have very simple rules. 1. Don't touch my tools. If I let you, you're respected. Respect me as such (i.e. own up to breaking/losing stuff, I won't get mad if you own up to it - if I tell you to stay away from a drawer, you best honor my request if you still want those privileges). 2. Don't move my $#!7. (Tools or parts) If I put something somewhere (and it's not in the way -if it is tell me, _I WILL_ move it), leave it. I'll get mad at myself if I forget where it is. If you've seen it, lemme know where it is, it's much appreciated. 3. You're in my garage because I respect you and allow you to be there. Respect my space. I can put holes in the wall if I want to (because I'll fix em). Don't be putting holes in my wall or hanging my air compressor from the rafters. It's not funny because you'll be taking it back down and fixing the wall _my way_. 4. Bring beer/Dr.pepper. The latter is best if we plan on going for a ride later (don't drink and ride/drive!).
ive worked in a handfull of different shops over my 16 year carreer as a professional small engine tech and my exp is this: the owners/managers are your best friend and take extra good care of you when the shop is busy and short handed but come down time they have no problem cutting your throat and be left to die, ive had one boss imparticular that if he hired you and he didnt like you he would make your life a living hell till you quit...
Im speaking as an 18 year old that took shop class all throughout high school, worked at small engine shop all throughout high school, restored 2 60s mustangs, and researched everything i could about how cars work and engines work and all that every night on the internet. I got a job at a Chrysler dealership right out of high school due to a program my shop class had with the local dealerships. I had far more knowledge of the trade and the work than anybody in that shop thought i had. Sure there were things i had to learn that were chrysler specific but for the most part, i knew what i was doing. But i didnt try to show off my knowledge by refusing advice and being cocky. Even though i knew how to do a front brake job on the vehicle, i would still listen to the techs speech about how to do it and what tricks he had for saving time. You dont have to prove to everyone that you know your shit. They will catch on to what you know on their own. Just keep your mouth shut at the begining and nobody will have any problems with you and be respectfull. Ive been there for about 8 months now and i consider all the other techs there as my second family. We are all very close and are involved in each others personal lives and nobody has any grudges against anybody. There are only 8 techs at this shop, its a small dealership, so that could be a reason why we all get along. But i know that its different in other places, right down the street is a bigger and much stricter dealership with about 25 techs, so i could imagine it would be different at that shop
I love my job due to the fact that we have welders, auto, truck and transport, and heavy duty mechanics under the same roof, working for one company, on that companies vehicles and equipment. We are like one big team. We all know who has what special tools that we may need, and aren't afraid to borrow and help the other guy out. There is no competition, we just focus on doing the job properly, and half the time we try to improve our repairs by doing that extra bit of preventative maintenance.
One of the best ETCG1 vids. Been dealing with the public for 35 plus yrs. Almost that long with fellow aquaintances nearly that long....great advice even though sometimes its hard to pull off..lol! Thanks
Everything that you sayed ist 100% true, now my experience was or is too short. I leave my Country (Panama) to prepare myself in Germany as a car mechatronics technician. I was learning a lot and I loved the job, but I Quit. I hope that in another Country is going to be better for me but now that I hear you it can be an international issue. In Germany is very very difficult to work with that (ego issued people), and as an Ausländer (extranger) more, I am thinking a lot about my future now, you are doing great with this videos, thank you a lot. You are realistic but in some way you encourage people too, keep doing it and I will stay dirty :)
Any career field will have dynamic people from difficult to easy to get along. I myself started as a culinary enthusiast with a culinary degree working through several restaurants and eventually joining the military with the same purpose. The core structure starts from the top down and if the top is narrow minded so will the rest of the environment and difficulties will arise compared to open mindedness the environment will be more relaxed and positive. Always be positive in all situations.
In my experience, it is easier to solve workplace problems in a small environment than a large one. Also, if someone you work with is paranoid, full of anxiety or ego, it doesn't mean you have to react in a similar way. Stay calm-they may borrow your calmness. If not, their loss. Good video Eric.
The shop I work in is in the industrial automation field, robot integration specifically. This applies 100% and many of our techs come from the automotive industry. Great video and so, so true! Shop etiquette, or lack thereof can more often than not be the deciding factor at any particular shop, in any industry... no matter how well skilled the individual may be.
I have worked in Many places, what I have found is that the dynamics boil down to the attitude and culture from Management and /or the Bosses, and how they treat other people, and there employees, that Generally is the way it is.
Worked at a high stress shop for 5 years as a tire guy. Me and the boss hated eachother. He had a vbery high turnover rate as far as employees go. He could bullshit anyone into anything. He learned his lesson when a a customer threw him outside and whooped on him for running his mouth. I quit there and became a military mechanic. I understand his ego thought though. For me it was more about finding the problem first or having a better mentality on diagnostics than who was better. I just wanted to be the best. 5 years at that place made me loath working on cars. It got better after I quit.
Since I'm at a tech school, there are some people who just don't or shouldn't be there . But I keepers my mouth shut and made good friends. It makes it a lot more enjoyable being there with cool people after all the others guys left.
I'm starting a new job in a few days. The shop forman gave me a tour of the shop and I got to meet some of the techs there. Just the first few seconds of meeting them I could see how cocky some of them appeared. I wasn't really comfortable in my shoes and I got some, what the heck are you doing here? stares.
Ben Silva First of all, I apologize if my comment has offended you; no such intention was meant. I am in no position to tell you whether you are right or wrong. However, judging from what you've expressed, I do not believe you are at fault for anything. I too, am quiet by nature but what's wrong with it? Like many Japanese people I'm rather quiet but think a lot. I think those who are rude to you are having more serious issues than you do. The best protection against such people is just to ignore them or think of them as pumpkins. That's what I do.
i am a manager and i do not tolerate egos. i also do not tolerate competitive people. prima donnas do not exist in my business and yes people have had to go because of it. it is all about leadership and backbone. i am just as quick to get rid of customers who think they are something special. i also highly respect the guys who service my car. my well being is in their hands just as it is in my doctor's hands.
@carryclass: You are correct. I have as much respect for an auto technician as I do a doctor. One helps me keep my body healthy and the other helps keep me mobile, so I can fulfill my duties and take care of business. On occasion, I pay for a tire rotation that wasn't done, but I just go somewhere else. I tend to go to the dealer who sells the brand I drive. I'm very ignorant of cars and engines, so I must trust the technician and it almost always works out well.
Hate to break you the news. By not tolerating others....you also have a ego/personality issue. Anytime we interact, somebody knows more than we do....or they believe. But, if they're paying you for what "they could easily do". Gotta grin and press on. Lol.
New guys buy doughnuts, bring them in on day 1 or day 2. If you are ever late, buy doughnuts. Keep your mouth shut and eyes and ears open. If asked to go out for a drink after work, buy a round. Even if you don't drink. Always return tools, especially shop tools.
Tracey Allen that was something my shop teacher would reiterate back in high school. I had his class first period, so if I was ever late I’d by a box of Krispy Creme Donuts for the whole class.
that being said , ive worked at some great shops with great ppl (independant shop) no need for names but they were like family.....when i put in my resignation they became very bitter and were not very happy about me quitting to make more money elsewhere as they said no to a raise after 10 years with the company
Like Go On Azure states, All workplaces will have a range of people that range from difficult to easy-going. If you treat work as going out to eat. You are in someone's business. That business is there to make money, but it is also there to establish integrity. The owner/boss sets what ratio they want. Some want 90/10%; some want 40/60%. If you have high integrity stay out of the 90/10% shops. If you want just a large paycheck, find the 90/10% place.
I'm cautious with tools, borrowing and lending both. I watch the new guys carefully. If they have a good eye for detail and half a brain I will give advice and encouragement. If they take a know it all attitude I just give them their space. I find that a joke every so often helps keep the shop moving forward. I avoid pranks and practical jokes. I have seen some serious personality conflicts come from those. As far as helping out another guy with lifting in a transmission or something involving a extra hand that is just something that everybody needs from time to time. I tend to eat lunch alone, not because I don't like anyone, I just need the time to clear my head. I will offer to get things for others if I run around the corner for a snack or something. I will get it, if they pay up front. Once I know them they can pay me when I get back. If they really helped me out of a jam then it's on me. I try to play by the rules, so to speak. If some one isn't working out I will let them dig their own grave. It's not my job to run the shop. I know that a lot guys were patient with me when I was starting out, it's reasonable to pay it forward. I will intervene if they are doing something obviously unsafe or illegal, such as theft.
I've never worked in a shop, I'm purely a DIY car-guy. But as a customer, I seek out independent shops to do the work that I cannot do on my own, specifically because the shop dynamic at those places is usually more laid-back. They have a direct link to the customer (me). There isn't some service-writer that gets between me and the guy who will actually be doing the work. I much prefer that.
If I might ask. What tools did you find in the grocery store? Do you or will you have a video on DIY or custom made tools to solve a specific problem? Cheers.
I got surprisingly lucky, about where I work. We hold the door for each other, help each other out, and we try to make a point to make it easier for the next guy to use special tools by purging the ac lines, or putting tools back where they go. We are not without our faults we gossip like high school kids. There's contempt for a few tech's. But I've grown to ignore most of it and get the job done
I have to say the collision repair business is very much the same way, and even worse with "my way or the highway" type attitudes. Every shop has their own way doing things and more often than not they are not the "right" way you learn in school because they're owned and ran by "old school" techs who didn't go to school. Best thing you can do is tread lightly and still keep and open mind, and if you're new, just do what you're told and try to adjust the best you can.
Never borrow tools and if you have to borrow always bring back in better condition than when you got them. I would always clean them and oil them. Another thing is when I brought them back I would always get the Technicians attention and tell him I was bringing them back ask them where they want me to put the tool. This would do 2 things.1 The tech gets there tool back where they want it so they dont have to hunt it down and 2 you get their attention and confirmation that you brought it back
I've always said car techs are like roofers - you'll never meet a more independent minded, bull-headed, ego-driven bunch in your life. What else can I say - it just comes with the territory. Personally I think we all (including myself) need to cool down and embrace more of what Jesus taught - and leave the ego out of it. Thanks, Rod
Its group dynamics, not just shop dynamics. Anywhere there are humans there will be ego, the arguments are known to be so vicious because the stakes are so small. A man who is spiritually balanced, vs ego run, will do well anywhere and others will learn from his example. Show great respect to those who deserve none, stroke their ego in the right way , thank them for their opinions (drawing attention to the fact they are spouting opinion ( not experience) and they will actually become aware of how they are behaving, they will become self consciouss, make them feel comfortable by accepting them as they are and they will accept you by modifying their behavior around you, it spreads and grows just as well as stupidity does. It all starts with me, if I am balanced I can affect others in a positive way. If I see 9 jerks in a row, I'm number 10. Just as one jerk can poison a shop, one spiritually balanced mature man can straighten it out without force, their Power comes from otherwhere.
There are very similar issues with ego in the IT world, but with one added piece of joy: laziness. Everyone I have ever met in the IT world (myself included) will put in massive effort to establish themselves, get some automation going, then the gaming and the wasting of bandwidth begins
I'm a car guy, I don't have a lift. If I take my truck in it's got to be something big. I don't go watch tires, but I might ask the tech if I can see under. How I figured out I needed a pinion seal and where what I thought was a head gasket was leaking.
We got a new guy just started at work (small rural garage and there's only 2 of us) he's really arrogant and keeps bragging about how his tools are better, how he knows more and basically walks up to every job I'm doing and try's telling me how to do my job. Not cool at all to the point I'm thinking of leaving. Going to have to have a word with him first I think.
I hope it did turn out well for you dude. What strikes me in a job I did before was the lack of effort management took to discipline misbehavior of coworkers with a reputation in the company. The cowardice to set boundaries does give the more established a free-ride to continue this misbehavior and turn it into a hostile work environment.
organization and cleanliness. Im management as well as a tech, when I hire a new guy thats the number one thing I look at. If their tool cart is oil soaked, with the shop supplied tools strewn all over it. It puts a bad taste in my mouth. Or when I notice things are not getting put away, chargers, battery cores, fluids on the ground,oil filters not crushed, etc... just keep it clean and take care of my equipment and tools.
I have a hard time letting people show me "better ways" to perform repairs, but only because I've been mostly self taught and found my own efficient ways to do things. That goes directly back to the ego. You definitely opened my mind a little to seeing what other people have to offer. I will say though, that sometimes I have a shortcut (especially pulling motors) that saves me time, but the tech in the bay next to me is always trying to tell me to do it a different way. It wastes my time and his, and is frustrating and creates unnecessary tension. I'm not sure how do deal with this issue while saving face, because outside work he is my friend. Any advise?
Jeffrey Haas Hey bro, I've worked in a very similar situation...but more so on the end of your friend. I'd just listen, try it their way, and then decide which way is better.
Just like the IT industry. The owners set the tone and it filters down. Lots of egos too. If you manage to find a good boss, then you tend to stick around as an employee. Places with bad managers indicates that the owners dont know what they are doing. This much i have learnt in my working life.
The workshop, whether it's for cars or heavy goods, etc., is probably one the few male dominated careers left out there (I have only ever known/worked with one female mechanic). As a result, it can be hard if you can't develop a thick skin and be able to give a bit of stick back. Chances are, you will be "tested" by at least one person, which you will have to stand up to. Every shop I have worked in had an a*****e. Someone who seems to take pleasure in winding other people up, unless they knew how to handle them. My last place (a VW dealership) had 12 to 14 car mechanics, 3 van mechanics, a bodyshop downstairs as well as parts, used and new car sales staff, There were over 100 people working there. It is a highly stressful job, you are timed on every single little thing you do, you are expected to be at least 110% efficient (you basically do or sell 44 hours worth of work or more in a 40 hour week). It is natural for some to get jaded and have an edge to them at times. But most of them were, mostly, good blokes and I did make friends there. I did also punch one person, luckily I think he realised he deserved it and it never went further (obviously I could have gotten sacked), If I were to give a "newbie" mechanic going into a workshop for the first time - it would be to not give too much away, listen, and be pro-active as in don't hang around and wait to be told what to do, ask. Show you are willing to try and figure things out on your own (show initiative), but don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure (but not to the point where the mechanic feels hassled). As Eric said, the older mechanics have seen it all before, and sniffing out BS is second nature to them, so don't lie.
Nailed it. Ego is the cause of all negative things whether its fixing cars, politics, religion, or .... You are right and I am wrong, so you are better than me.
The shop I work in is real small. It's just one other guy and myself turning wrenches. He knows his shit real well, and is easy to get along with, always willing to give tips. The boss can be a bit grumpy from time to time, to the point I'd like to use my torque wrench for bad things.... but I can kind of see where he's coming from I guess.
High complements indeed. I'm a great admirer of Steve McQueen. His star is the only one on the Hollywood walk of fame I took a picture of. Thanks for the comment.
i think the egos among some techs is amazing. I worked with one tech who was hands down the worst mechanic I had ever worked with, (I wouldn't let him work on my bicycle) however he had this ego or image of himself that he was amazing, best tech in the business, diesel mechanic extraordinaire! He would tell everyone on a constant basis how "awesome" he was etc. He did such a good job talking himself up he got hired with a ridiculously high starting pay, As it turned out he didn't last long because the company was paying out an A-tech salary to essentially a lube tech.
What's my job? I'm actually a musician, but right now there is an old Nissan electric throttle body and a little but of my knuckle skin in my trash can....
I have a good friend who decided to go into automotive and light truck repair at a large, local shop. He was able to take it for about 6 months. He's quiet and reserved, but for the most part got along with the employees. However, the supervisor was a dick to everyone, including him, but he was the longest lasting new hire in the last few years.... The main boss and owner begged him to stay but he had to leave due to the politics and stuff. Amazing what one person with a huge ego can do.
I agree with Eric. I really hate the guys in the shop where its their way or its the high way according to Eric I always thought it was 'their way or no way" on the diesel side of the trade.
I have a strong ego, and it became a problem during my later career. There's nothing worse than knowing you know more about the work being done than the people already doing it. No matter how polite you are, your competence will put people on the defensive. All it takes is one relevant question or observation that they haven't considered. Once you become aware of people who are truly incompetent, it's very hard to stop it from showing, hard to resist fixing the problem. Any new employee with a strong ego will generate resistance, no matter how much experience he has. A solid tech would do well to take the advice to keep his mouth shut as much as possible until he learns the environment. A novice doesn't have that option; he needs to ask questions. If you're relatively inexperienced but well educated, on way to get past ego issues is to let more experienced people know that you would appreciate any suggestions about ways in which you could do your job better. If you do this sincerely and without brown nosing, you may acquire a mentor and possibly a professional friend or two. Once you demonstrate your competence, they might even be willing to learn some stuff you learned in recent training that's new to them.
A few things.An old guy that was short. I didn't realize it at first but he absolutely hated me because I am tall. He complained the whole afternoon because he thought I put cars on the lift too high just to bust his balls. I saw one of the older guys really struggling with a stubborn exhaust system so I went to help him and he bit my head off. There was a nasty old customer no one wanted to deal with. I soft soaped her and then she only wanted me to do her work. Everyone hated me after that.
Ego is an issue in just about any line of work. It's all about the leadership at a certain place, if the leadership doesn't promote diversity and alternative solutions then you are going to have people who say things like "I have been doing this the same way for 10 years! I'm not going to change ever!" even though there are better ways to do that thing or ways that are as good but just goes about it differently. Ego is the reason the world is such a dark place at times.
EMS is very similar with egos. You need to be confident in your patient care skills, and you're always working with a partner. EMTs and paramedics have a tendency to "armchair treat" patients someone else had to treat. "Oh you should have given him oxygen," or "well I wouldn't have given that medication for those symptoms."
Put a clipboard up and sign the tool out/in to put them at ease and for god's sake, clean the damn thing and put it back where you found it! How's that? In the Navy, we had to put the time, our name and time back in then lock the box. If a tool was missing we grounded the jets until the tool was found or until we could write up a report and keep our fingers crossed. A tool left in there could cause an accident.
Wow I make my living with my tools.I work in a very big diesel shop with three shifts so I work around a lot of personalities and have a you break it you bought it policy and I do'nt want to have to hunt you down to get my tool back.After three times of borrowing the same tool you should buy your own.
Most of my tools have lifetime warranties and if someone needs a specialty tool or an odd size wrench I dont mind if they use it as long as they ask me and bring it back broken or not. At the shop im currently at we will let each other use tools if needed and especially with guys like me (starting out) just doing tires, oil, and alignments if I have to use say another techs 24mm I clean it before I hand it back to him. Ive had to borrow specialty tools to take home for a night and they always come back the next day. I would much rather lend a tool and if it gets broken have the guy tell me he broke it than just stuff it back into the box for the next time Ill need to use it.
I'm in highschool and work at a restaurant. I've learned that there is a sort of caste system if you will in every establishment but if you work hard you will earn respect. Also, people always notice honest hard work whether you think they do or not. Same goes for laziness
I do feel fortunate working in my current situation. We get along pretty good. Their dark side did come out though recently when I ended up in a really ridiculous bet that I couldn't go a week without swearing. They just wanted me to lose, the bastards. We're mechanics, but we're basically national guard working full time on military equipment, so there are some differences from normal automotive shops/dealerships.
my thing is as long as you are buying tools, you are free to use mine provided you put them up clean..... there are thousands of dollars i presently need and working on buying. there is no logical way that i can get all those tools in 3 weeks, because i happened to use most of them atleast twice. so, as long as you are buying them
You want to survive this field be the best service tech there is. Nothing says I'm good at my job then when customers bring you presents and you don't have comebacks. Do it right the first time. Don't break shit and give it back clean to them. The rest of the stuff is just like Facebook lip smackers. Nobody gives a shit!
Could be as I use my phone to type. In cases where I'm in a hurry and I'm not writing to earn a PhD in physics. I'm pretty sure people get the message. Least I hope so in the age of acronyms, metaphors and Ebonics.
I think a lot of this can apply to the IT world as well, computer repairs and what not. There's a LOT of ego issues in that industry among the technicians.
notice for new techs read the directions! do not replace parts at customer expense with out testing. Be honest when you do make mistakes. your name is more important than your job. shops talk. do not work for free! 1hr diag is what you start with ask from more time when needed.
Eric, great vid. How a video about technicians eating their young? It seems most of the new guys get insulted and disrespected by the guys who have been In It awhile. When I was a new mechanic (15 years ago) I thought the journeymen were awful. Stepping into this profession was down right scary.
His videos are all about gas vehicles and very little pertains to class 3 trucks like I have. He hasn't save me money, but I love watching because he's a plain old good guy.
I'm just really curious. What tool did you find in a grocery store? As to your advice, it applies in other situations also. I work in electronics repair, have been in many different shops over the years. The same stuff applies, you get some cranky guys who are fussy about tools (me?) and just some personalities that might be a bit of a challenge. Listen more, talk less, learn how the shop works, they're all different.
1. own up to your mistakes 2. don't ask for help on every single car you work on, i have my own to do 3. don't grab all the gravy work because you can't do big jobs 4. clean up after yourself, i'm not the maid/mommy 5. don't start shit, won't be shit
Out of it all, and it's all valid, I think the advice of stfu and don't talk... show up and work and listen = good advice for any new job. Feel of the environment and flow of the work place will show and you won't make yourself look stupid (as much)
Personalities matter so much. A textbook case of Smallman Syndrome can mess the dynamic up so much. Fortunately his own resulting lifestyle made him go away.
I know in a shop people curse like crazy the only thing that I dont do well is GD and JC Those are holy names and the only thing that can save you. You can lay down the F bomb talk about my mom what ever. But dont use those words around me or in a conversation with me. I will call you out on it. Thats my only quark and alot of people dont like that. But I agree 100% with you. As a new guy keep quite and study how everyone works together.
It bothers me after college and 9 years in shops, when someone just plain thinks you don't know anything and all the other person is lube tech in past. They didn't even know enough to even tell I replaced a clutch and head gasket in front of them. What gives?
My addition has to be, SHOP EQUIPMENT!, there's very few things that will really set me off, but I remember an instance while working at a Toyota dealership that a tech before me had used the tire maching ( a hunter "semi automatic" ) and had broken off one of the guards on a steel wheel and never replaced them. I was being rushed by a service adviser and just threw a prius wheel on the machine and trying to get it done.... well the broken guard the guy prior to me left a gouge in the 600$ Prius wheel I had to eat... Just like we always said in the army, dont fuck your buddy over.. if you break a plastic guard on a tire machine, or know you damaged an adapter on the brake lathe, or the shop press is f-ed up, fix it,or at very least tell the foreman. My incident was 50% my fault for not checking the wheel guards prior to use, but, I know if I had used the machine and broken the plastic wearable guard I would of replaced it prior to leaving the machine... that's a very good way to piss off fellow techs.
crkerriklein, I have a set of "loaner tools" that I let people use (they're usually harbor freight). It's great because if they break em and they come back and own up to breaking them to me, they gain respect and I tell em to not worry cause it cost me a buck to get! (if they don't own up to it they get "listed") :)
Everything you said about the different environments is pretty much dead on for most professions where you have independent variants and corporate variants. The biggest thing I learned when working for anyone who has a environment that leans more towards the "business" feel, it's that NO ONE is your friend. They might be nice people and maybe even the nicest people on this planet, but there's always a chance that one day they will throw you under the bus even if you have never done anything wrong just to save their own ass. I've quit probably half a dozen jobs just because people think they can throw blame wherever they want without evidence and you end up with the short end of the stick because some douche has no integrity. Not putting up with that crap when there's dozens of jobs out that pay just as well if not more.
I'm a young collision tech in Ohio and I have to say that I've been to a number of shops and my number one reason for leaving so far has been the people are just unbearable at times. Sometimes it's management likes to scream at you and sometimes it's somebody as stupid as a painter. Drives me nuts. What sucks is it's not me but their personal lives that make them that way.
My shop etiquette is "Don't be a dick" When I first came into this shop, everyone let me use their tools. As such, now that I have amassed some of my own, I let them borrow whatever they need as long as they put it back. I have some gear that the other techs don't have and they have some gear that I don't have.
I worked at a dealership and it was like a family environment. We screamed and fought but at the end of the day we helped each other and spoke openly about issues. watch?v=RXfA80W7Nfc
Bluntly to the 11 thumbs down. You 11 people and myself were or are a big problem. I got fired in several jobs and finally learned where my issues where. Those coworkers of yours are not attempting to control you but get your ire out of their face and you back in your own relational yard. Consider each person as though they are a country and do not cross the boarder unless they invite you across. Otherwise they will first exile you before even thinking of listening to you.
Imo, the best way to take care of those "salty" people is to find what makes them laugh, and make them laugh. It works, just use it sparingly. A little goes a long way
I just started at an independent shop. Last week was my first week at full time. And this video was great. A few rules I follow myself is listen and observe. Ask questions, put tools away once u finish with it. Always clean up your work station, never stand around looking not busy. And most important, if you got time to lean, you got time to clean.
And absolutely no cell phone on me.
Wow, this is not only applicable on autoshop. We could also apply this at office work and even in our neighborhood. Great message Eric.
What helped me when I started working at the shop is giving the guys there complements about there tools and the speed they finish the job and they loved me because techs love that ego shit they are consided
Felix Elizondo You mean conceded? lol
+Neziwi i doubt it... conceited.
wow I can't believe I forgot how that word is spelled
Felix Elizondo
"There", really?? I think you mean "their".
Most of the advise provided is valid in MANY professions if not all. I'm a technician, not for automobiles, but at technician at last. Bravo Eric! The message is spot-on! Keep up the great work!
One thing I'll add to this one, if you end up working at a large enough shop where you have a dedicated building maintenance guy, befriend him.
He might wonder what you're doing, and ask questions you think are ridiculously simple, but remember, you know how to fix the car, he knows how to make your tools work better. He may seem to be a PITA at times, might interrupt you on occasion, but he can make your life a LOT easier if you treat him decently.
Need a better light? Wondering why your impact won't pull out every crank bolt? Break a shop tool? Want a bigger, better vise? Wish you had another air outlet in your bay? Have the end blow off an air line? Need a professional weld laid? Guess who you go to.
If you're new to the industry, he may actually know more about the vehicle you're working on than you do, because he's been giving the techs there help for years, ask him questions if you need. He might even have a substitute for the tool you need but don't have, it won't be a Mac or a Snap-On, but it'll do the job.
Remember this as well, if you are in one of these larger shops and treat him like a lower class employee, he's the only person that can make your job harder than it has to be. :)
jwalterus Totally agree with this! Our guy does a great job, and just befriending him and thanking him for doing the trash runs and sweeping the floor goes a long way!
Even though you are my UA-cam completion for automotive instructional videos I really like your style and hope to be as big as you one day, my channel is really taking off! Love your videos!
Great advice. I'm an 15 year electrician and have been lucky to work with some great teachers who all had the same advice to keep an open mind and remember that I don't know everything. Even apprentices have taught me things I only thought I knew. I like what you said here about keeping your mouth shut. Again great advice man. Thanks.
I'm from Serbia (ex - Yugoslavia, Europe) and been watching your UA-cam channels for years now. I just want to say that you are definitely one of the very best mechanics out there and your videos have helped me a lot! Thanks for all your effort and help. Wish I could meet you in person someday.
Thank you!
i have worked at a firestone for 3 years now and i love it, yes there is some pressure to sell but every one at my shop gets along awesome and to me that is more important.
Eric, you made some awesome points. In my garage (I don't have a shop) I have very simple rules. 1. Don't touch my tools. If I let you, you're respected. Respect me as such (i.e. own up to breaking/losing stuff, I won't get mad if you own up to it - if I tell you to stay away from a drawer, you best honor my request if you still want those privileges). 2. Don't move my $#!7. (Tools or parts) If I put something somewhere (and it's not in the way -if it is tell me, _I WILL_ move it), leave it. I'll get mad at myself if I forget where it is. If you've seen it, lemme know where it is, it's much appreciated. 3. You're in my garage because I respect you and allow you to be there. Respect my space. I can put holes in the wall if I want to (because I'll fix em). Don't be putting holes in my wall or hanging my air compressor from the rafters. It's not funny because you'll be taking it back down and fixing the wall _my way_. 4. Bring beer/Dr.pepper. The latter is best if we plan on going for a ride later (don't drink and ride/drive!).
ive worked in a handfull of different shops over my 16 year carreer as a professional small engine tech and my exp is this:
the owners/managers are your best friend and take extra good care of you when the shop is busy and short handed but come down time they have no problem cutting your throat and be left to die, ive had one boss imparticular that if he hired you and he didnt like you he would make your life a living hell till you quit...
Im speaking as an 18 year old that took shop class all throughout high school, worked at small engine shop all throughout high school, restored 2 60s mustangs, and researched everything i could about how cars work and engines work and all that every night on the internet. I got a job at a Chrysler dealership right out of high school due to a program my shop class had with the local dealerships.
I had far more knowledge of the trade and the work than anybody in that shop thought i had. Sure there were things i had to learn that were chrysler specific but for the most part, i knew what i was doing. But i didnt try to show off my knowledge by refusing advice and being cocky. Even though i knew how to do a front brake job on the vehicle, i would still listen to the techs speech about how to do it and what tricks he had for saving time. You dont have to prove to everyone that you know your shit. They will catch on to what you know on their own. Just keep your mouth shut at the begining and nobody will have any problems with you and be respectfull.
Ive been there for about 8 months now and i consider all the other techs there as my second family. We are all very close and are involved in each others personal lives and nobody has any grudges against anybody. There are only 8 techs at this shop, its a small dealership, so that could be a reason why we all get along. But i know that its different in other places, right down the street is a bigger and much stricter dealership with about 25 techs, so i could imagine it would be different at that shop
I love my job due to the fact that we have welders, auto, truck and transport, and heavy duty mechanics under the same roof, working for one company, on that companies vehicles and equipment. We are like one big team. We all know who has what special tools that we may need, and aren't afraid to borrow and help the other guy out. There is no competition, we just focus on doing the job properly, and half the time we try to improve our repairs by doing that extra bit of preventative maintenance.
One of the best ETCG1 vids. Been dealing with the public for 35 plus yrs. Almost that long with fellow aquaintances nearly that long....great advice even though sometimes its hard to pull off..lol! Thanks
Everything that you sayed ist 100% true, now my experience was or is too short. I leave my Country (Panama) to prepare myself in Germany as a car mechatronics technician. I was learning a lot and I loved the job, but I Quit. I hope that in another Country is going to be better for me but now that I hear you it can be an international issue. In Germany is very very difficult to work with that (ego issued people), and as an Ausländer (extranger) more, I am thinking a lot about my future now, you are doing great with this videos, thank you a lot. You are realistic but in some way you encourage people too, keep doing it and I will stay dirty :)
Any career field will have dynamic people from difficult to easy to get along. I myself started as a culinary enthusiast with a culinary degree working through several restaurants and eventually joining the military with the same purpose. The core structure starts from the top down and if the top is narrow minded so will the rest of the environment and difficulties will arise compared to open mindedness the environment will be more relaxed and positive. Always be positive in all situations.
In my experience, it is easier to solve workplace problems in a small environment than a large one. Also, if someone you work with is paranoid, full of anxiety or ego, it doesn't mean you have to react in a similar way. Stay calm-they may borrow your calmness. If not, their loss. Good video Eric.
The shop I work in is in the industrial automation field, robot integration specifically. This applies 100% and many of our techs come from the automotive industry. Great video and so, so true! Shop etiquette, or lack thereof can more often than not be the deciding factor at any particular shop, in any industry... no matter how well skilled the individual may be.
I have worked in Many places, what I have found is that the dynamics boil down to the attitude and culture from Management and /or the Bosses, and how they treat other people, and there employees, that Generally is the way it is.
Worked at a high stress shop for 5 years as a tire guy. Me and the boss hated eachother. He had a vbery high turnover rate as far as employees go. He could bullshit anyone into anything. He learned his lesson when a a customer threw him outside and whooped on him for running his mouth. I quit there and became a military mechanic. I understand his ego thought though. For me it was more about finding the problem first or having a better mentality on diagnostics than who was better. I just wanted to be the best. 5 years at that place made me loath working on cars. It got better after I quit.
Since I'm at a tech school, there are some people who just don't or shouldn't be there . But I keepers my mouth shut and made good friends. It makes it a lot more enjoyable being there with cool people after all the others guys left.
You seem like a humble down to earth guy keep the vids coming bro!
DONT TOUCH MY TOOLS
Calm down, put your pants back on
Wayne, have you bought any quality ones lately?
I'm starting a new job in a few days. The shop forman gave me a tour of the shop and I got to meet some of the techs there. Just the first few seconds of meeting them I could see how cocky some of them appeared. I wasn't really comfortable in my shoes and I got some, what the heck are you doing here? stares.
"Respect" resolves 99% of workplace relationship problems.
Some people don't even know the concept of it however.
Ben Silva
First of all, I apologize if my comment has offended you; no such intention was meant.
I am in no position to tell you whether you are right or wrong. However, judging from what you've expressed, I do not believe you are at fault for anything. I too, am quiet by nature but what's wrong with it? Like many Japanese people I'm rather quiet but think a lot.
I think those who are rude to you are having more serious issues than you do. The best protection against such people is just to ignore them or think of them as pumpkins. That's what I do.
i am a manager and i do not tolerate egos. i also do not tolerate competitive people. prima donnas do not exist in my business and yes people have had to go because of it. it is all about leadership and backbone. i am just as quick to get rid of customers who think they are something special. i also highly respect the guys who service my car. my well being is in their hands just as it is in my doctor's hands.
I want to work for you!
Knowing there is fairness in management to correct misbehaving peers, allow you to grow. If not, survival is your #1 priority..
I wish there were more managers like you.
@carryclass: You are correct. I have as much respect for an auto technician as I do a doctor. One helps me keep my body healthy and the other helps keep me mobile, so I can fulfill my duties and take care of business. On occasion, I pay for a tire rotation that wasn't done, but I just go somewhere else. I tend to go to the dealer who sells the brand I drive. I'm very ignorant of cars and engines, so I must trust the technician and it almost always works out well.
Hate to break you the news. By not tolerating others....you also have a ego/personality issue. Anytime we interact, somebody knows more than we do....or they believe. But, if they're paying you for what "they could easily do". Gotta grin and press on. Lol.
New guys buy doughnuts, bring them in on day 1 or day 2. If you are ever late, buy doughnuts. Keep your mouth shut and eyes and ears open. If asked to go out for a drink after work, buy a round. Even if you don't drink. Always return tools, especially shop tools.
Tracey Allen man thats horrible. is this actually what new guys do? im about to get a job in the heavy duty industry as the new guy. fuuuck
Tracey Allen that was something my shop teacher would reiterate back in high school. I had his class first period, so if I was ever late I’d by a box of Krispy Creme Donuts for the whole class.
that being said , ive worked at some great shops with great ppl (independant shop) no need for names but they were like family.....when i put in my resignation they became very bitter and were not very happy about me quitting to make more money elsewhere as they said no to a raise after 10 years with the company
I try to learn something new every day, whether it's learning from my mistakes, or better yet learning from somebody else's mistakes.
Like Go On Azure states, All workplaces will have a range of people that range from difficult to easy-going.
If you treat work as going out to eat. You are in someone's business. That business is there to make money, but it is also there to establish integrity. The owner/boss sets what ratio they want. Some want 90/10%; some want 40/60%. If you have high integrity stay out of the 90/10% shops. If you want just a large paycheck, find the 90/10% place.
I'm cautious with tools, borrowing and lending both. I watch the new guys carefully. If they have a good eye for detail and half a brain I will give advice and encouragement. If they take a know it all attitude I just give them their space. I find that a joke every so often helps keep the shop moving forward. I avoid pranks and practical jokes. I have seen some serious personality conflicts come from those. As far as helping out another guy with lifting in a transmission or something involving a extra hand that is just something that everybody needs from time to time. I tend to eat lunch alone, not because I don't like anyone, I just need the time to clear my head. I will offer to get things for others if I run around the corner for a snack or something. I will get it, if they pay up front. Once I know them they can pay me when I get back. If they really helped me out of a jam then it's on me. I try to play by the rules, so to speak. If some one isn't working out I will let them dig their own grave. It's not my job to run the shop. I know that a lot guys were patient with me when I was starting out, it's reasonable to pay it forward. I will intervene if they are doing something obviously unsafe or illegal, such as theft.
Thank you Eric for sharing your thoughts, this was very helpful and makes me feel better some.
I've never worked in a shop, I'm purely a DIY car-guy. But as a customer, I seek out independent shops to do the work that I cannot do on my own, specifically because the shop dynamic at those places is usually more laid-back. They have a direct link to the customer (me). There isn't some service-writer that gets between me and the guy who will actually be doing the work. I much prefer that.
If I might ask. What tools did you find in the grocery store? Do you or will you have a video on DIY or custom made tools to solve a specific problem? Cheers.
I got surprisingly lucky, about where I work. We hold the door for each other, help each other out, and we try to make a point to make it easier for the next guy to use special tools by purging the ac lines, or putting tools back where they go. We are not without our faults we gossip like high school kids. There's contempt for a few tech's. But I've grown to ignore most of it and get the job done
I have to say the collision repair business is very much the same way, and even worse with "my way or the highway" type attitudes. Every shop has their own way doing things and more often than not they are not the "right" way you learn in school because they're owned and ran by "old school" techs who didn't go to school. Best thing you can do is tread lightly and still keep and open mind, and if you're new, just do what you're told and try to adjust the best you can.
Never borrow tools and if you have to borrow always bring back in better condition than when you got them. I would always clean them and oil them. Another thing is when I brought them back I would always get the Technicians attention and tell him I was bringing them back ask them where they want me to put the tool. This would do 2 things.1 The tech gets there tool back where they want it so they dont have to hunt it down and 2 you get their attention and confirmation that you brought it back
I've always said car techs are like roofers - you'll never meet a more independent minded, bull-headed, ego-driven bunch in your life. What else can I say - it just comes with the territory. Personally I think we all (including myself) need to cool down and embrace more of what Jesus taught - and leave the ego out of it. Thanks, Rod
Its group dynamics, not just shop dynamics.
Anywhere there are humans there will be ego, the arguments are known to be so vicious because the stakes are so small.
A man who is spiritually balanced, vs ego run, will do well anywhere and others will learn from his example.
Show great respect to those who deserve none, stroke their ego in the right way , thank them for their opinions (drawing attention to the fact they are spouting opinion ( not experience) and they will actually become aware of how they are behaving, they will become self consciouss, make them feel comfortable by accepting them as they are and they will accept you by modifying their behavior around you, it spreads and grows just as well as stupidity does.
It all starts with me, if I am balanced I can affect others in a positive way.
If I see 9 jerks in a row, I'm number 10.
Just as one jerk can poison a shop, one spiritually balanced mature man can straighten it out without force, their Power comes from otherwhere.
There are very similar issues with ego in the IT world, but with one added piece of joy: laziness. Everyone I have ever met in the IT world (myself included) will put in massive effort to establish themselves, get some automation going, then the gaming and the wasting of bandwidth begins
make a video about shop etiquette for costumers. Keep them out of the work shop.
Customer *drives into open bay door* - "Do I just leave my car here"
Me - *Facepalm (Again)*
and stop sales people bringing customers into workshop. and letting customers walk wherever they please
I'm a car guy, I don't have a lift. If I take my truck in it's got to be something big. I don't go watch tires, but I might ask the tech if I can see under. How I figured out I needed a pinion seal and where what I thought was a head gasket was leaking.
We got a new guy just started at work (small rural garage and there's only 2 of us) he's really arrogant and keeps bragging about how his tools are better, how he knows more and basically walks up to every job I'm doing and try's telling me how to do my job. Not cool at all to the point I'm thinking of leaving. Going to have to have a word with him first I think.
I hope it did turn out well for you dude. What strikes me in a job I did before was the lack of effort management took to discipline misbehavior of coworkers with a reputation in the company. The cowardice to set boundaries does give the more established a free-ride to continue this misbehavior and turn it into a hostile work environment.
organization and cleanliness. Im management as well as a tech, when I hire a new guy thats the number one thing I look at. If their tool cart is oil soaked, with the shop supplied tools strewn all over it. It puts a bad taste in my mouth. Or when I notice things are not getting put away, chargers, battery cores, fluids on the ground,oil filters not crushed, etc... just keep it clean and take care of my equipment and tools.
I have a hard time letting people show me "better ways" to perform repairs, but only because I've been mostly self taught and found my own efficient ways to do things. That goes directly back to the ego. You definitely opened my mind a little to seeing what other people have to offer. I will say though, that sometimes I have a shortcut (especially pulling motors) that saves me time, but the tech in the bay next to me is always trying to tell me to do it a different way. It wastes my time and his, and is frustrating and creates unnecessary tension. I'm not sure how do deal with this issue while saving face, because outside work he is my friend. Any advise?
Jeffrey Haas Hey bro, I've worked in a very similar situation...but more so on the end of your friend. I'd just listen, try it their way, and then decide which way is better.
Just like the IT industry. The owners set the tone and it filters down. Lots of egos too. If you manage to find a good boss, then you tend to stick around as an employee. Places with bad managers indicates that the owners dont know what they are doing. This much i have learnt in my working life.
The workshop, whether it's for cars or heavy goods, etc., is probably one the few male dominated careers left out there (I have only ever known/worked with one female mechanic). As a result, it can be hard if you can't develop a thick skin and be able to give a bit of stick back. Chances are, you will be "tested" by at least one person, which you will have to stand up to.
Every shop I have worked in had an a*****e. Someone who seems to take pleasure in winding other people up, unless they knew how to handle them.
My last place (a VW dealership) had 12 to 14 car mechanics, 3 van mechanics, a bodyshop downstairs as well as parts, used and new car sales staff, There were over 100 people working there. It is a highly stressful job, you are timed on every single little thing you do, you are expected to be at least 110% efficient (you basically do or sell 44 hours worth of work or more in a 40 hour week). It is natural for some to get jaded and have an edge to them at times.
But most of them were, mostly, good blokes and I did make friends there. I did also punch one person, luckily I think he realised he deserved it and it never went further (obviously I could have gotten sacked),
If I were to give a "newbie" mechanic going into a workshop for the first time - it would be to not give too much away, listen, and be pro-active as in don't hang around and wait to be told what to do, ask. Show you are willing to try and figure things out on your own (show initiative), but don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure (but not to the point where the mechanic feels hassled).
As Eric said, the older mechanics have seen it all before, and sniffing out BS is second nature to them, so don't lie.
Nailed it. Ego is the cause of all negative things whether its fixing cars, politics, religion, or .... You are right and I am wrong, so you are better than me.
The shop I work in is real small. It's just one other guy and myself turning wrenches. He knows his shit real well, and is easy to get along with, always willing to give tips. The boss can be a bit grumpy from time to time, to the point I'd like to use my torque wrench for bad things.... but I can kind of see where he's coming from I guess.
I'm Native American. Your the coolest car guy in north America, better then Steve McQueen.
High complements indeed. I'm a great admirer of Steve McQueen. His star is the only one on the Hollywood walk of fame I took a picture of. Thanks for the comment.
i think the egos among some techs is amazing. I worked with one tech who was hands down the worst mechanic I had ever worked with, (I wouldn't let him work on my bicycle) however he had this ego or image of himself that he was amazing, best tech in the business, diesel mechanic extraordinaire! He would tell everyone on a constant basis how "awesome" he was etc. He did such a good job talking himself up he got hired with a ridiculously high starting pay, As it turned out he didn't last long because the company was paying out an A-tech salary to essentially a lube tech.
What's my job? I'm actually a musician, but right now there is an old Nissan electric throttle body and a little but of my knuckle skin in my trash can....
I have a good friend who decided to go into automotive and light truck repair at a large, local shop. He was able to take it for about 6 months. He's quiet and reserved, but for the most part got along with the employees. However, the supervisor was a dick to everyone, including him, but he was the longest lasting new hire in the last few years....
The main boss and owner begged him to stay but he had to leave due to the politics and stuff. Amazing what one person with a huge ego can do.
i worked in maintenance for 12 years and tool room etiquette was so important. we fired guys over this issue. there needs to be harmony.
I agree with Eric. I really hate the guys in the shop where its their way or its the high way according to Eric I always thought it was 'their way or no way" on the diesel side of the trade.
I have a strong ego, and it became a problem during my later career.
There's nothing worse than knowing you know more about the work being done than the people already doing it. No matter how polite you are, your competence will put people on the defensive. All it takes is one relevant question or observation that they haven't considered. Once you become aware of people who are truly incompetent, it's very hard to stop it from showing, hard to resist fixing the problem.
Any new employee with a strong ego will generate resistance, no matter how much experience he has. A solid tech would do well to take the advice to keep his mouth shut as much as possible until he learns the environment. A novice doesn't have that option; he needs to ask questions.
If you're relatively inexperienced but well educated, on way to get past ego issues is to let more experienced people know that you would appreciate any suggestions about ways in which you could do your job better. If you do this sincerely and without brown nosing, you may acquire a mentor and possibly a professional friend or two.
Once you demonstrate your competence, they might even be willing to learn some stuff you learned in recent training that's new to them.
A few things.An old guy that was short. I didn't realize it at first but he absolutely hated me because I am tall. He complained the whole afternoon because he thought I put cars on the lift too high just to bust his balls. I saw one of the older guys really struggling with a stubborn exhaust system so I went to help him and he bit my head off. There was a nasty old customer no one wanted to deal with. I soft soaped her and then she only wanted me to do her work. Everyone hated me after that.
Ego is an issue in just about any line of work. It's all about the leadership at a certain place, if the leadership doesn't promote diversity and alternative solutions then you are going to have people who say things like "I have been doing this the same way for 10 years! I'm not going to change ever!" even though there are better ways to do that thing or ways that are as good but just goes about it differently.
Ego is the reason the world is such a dark place at times.
EMS is very similar with egos. You need to be confident in your patient care skills, and you're always working with a partner. EMTs and paramedics have a tendency to "armchair treat" patients someone else had to treat. "Oh you should have given him oxygen," or "well I wouldn't have given that medication for those symptoms."
Put a clipboard up and sign the tool out/in to put them at ease and for god's sake, clean the damn thing and put it back where you found it! How's that? In the Navy, we had to put the time, our name and time back in then lock the box. If a tool was missing we grounded the jets until the tool was found or until we could write up a report and keep our fingers crossed. A tool left in there could cause an accident.
I am currently a sales associate (service advisor) at Firestone. What advice do you have working at Firestone.
Wow I make my living with my tools.I work in a very big diesel shop with three shifts so I work around a lot of personalities and have a you break it you bought it policy and I do'nt want to have to hunt you down to get my tool back.After three times of borrowing the same tool you should buy your own.
I'm a welder and I'll tell you this video applies to that as well.
Most of my tools have lifetime warranties and if someone needs a specialty tool or an odd size wrench I dont mind if they use it as long as they ask me and bring it back broken or not. At the shop im currently at we will let each other use tools if needed and especially with guys like me (starting out) just doing tires, oil, and alignments if I have to use say another techs 24mm I clean it before I hand it back to him. Ive had to borrow specialty tools to take home for a night and they always come back the next day. I would much rather lend a tool and if it gets broken have the guy tell me he broke it than just stuff it back into the box for the next time Ill need to use it.
I'm in highschool and work at a restaurant. I've learned that there is a sort of caste system if you will in every establishment but if you work hard you will earn respect. Also, people always notice honest hard work whether you think they do or not. Same goes for laziness
100% agree with Eric , well said .
Can you do a video on hand tools
can you do an apprenticeships in a shop and take the tests on your own?
i was made for this business. i love it been doing it for alot of years
I do feel fortunate working in my current situation. We get along pretty good. Their dark side did come out though recently when I ended up in a really ridiculous bet that I couldn't go a week without swearing. They just wanted me to lose, the bastards. We're mechanics, but we're basically national guard working full time on military equipment, so there are some differences from normal automotive shops/dealerships.
my thing is as long as you are buying tools, you are free to use mine provided you put them up clean..... there are thousands of dollars i presently need and working on buying. there is no logical way that i can get all those tools in 3 weeks, because i happened to use most of them atleast twice. so, as long as you are buying them
You want to survive this field be the best service tech there is. Nothing says I'm good at my job then when customers bring you presents and you don't have comebacks. Do it right the first time. Don't break shit and give it back clean to them.
The rest of the stuff is just like Facebook lip smackers. Nobody gives a shit!
Could be as I use my phone to type. In cases where I'm in a hurry and I'm not writing to earn a PhD in physics. I'm pretty sure people get the message. Least I hope so in the age of acronyms, metaphors and Ebonics.
I think a lot of this can apply to the IT world as well, computer repairs and what not. There's a LOT of ego issues in that industry among the technicians.
great video, great information, i agree. thank you!
I'm doing pretty good! How the heck are you!?
notice for new techs read the directions! do not replace parts at customer expense
with out testing.
Be honest when you do make mistakes. your name is more important than your job.
shops talk.
do not work for free! 1hr diag is what you start with ask from more time when needed.
Eric, great vid. How a video about technicians eating their young? It seems most of the new guys get insulted and disrespected by the guys who have been In It awhile. When I was a new mechanic (15 years ago) I thought the journeymen were awful. Stepping into this profession was down right scary.
+Will Hewitt Welcome to the world of Morons, Psychopaths, and Mental Defectives. ;)
Absolutely!
This man saved me $10,000 and counting.
I'm happy to help.
His videos are all about gas vehicles and very little pertains to class 3 trucks like I have. He hasn't save me money, but I love watching because he's a plain old good guy.
I'm just really curious. What tool did you find in a grocery store? As to your advice, it applies in other situations also. I work in electronics repair, have been in many different shops over the years. The same stuff applies, you get some cranky guys who are fussy about tools (me?) and just some personalities that might be a bit of a challenge. Listen more, talk less, learn how the shop works, they're all different.
Turkey baster
great videos
1. own up to your mistakes
2. don't ask for help on every single car you work on, i have my own to do
3. don't grab all the gravy work because you can't do big jobs
4. clean up after yourself, i'm not the maid/mommy
5. don't start shit, won't be shit
Out of it all, and it's all valid, I think the advice of stfu and don't talk... show up and work and listen = good advice for any new job. Feel of the environment and flow of the work place will show and you won't make yourself look stupid (as much)
what that v8 is doing over there?
this "advice" is applicable to any job. FYI when your new - just take is one day at a time and listen to the people who have been there longer...
what next, read the product directions? sheesh, [Lol]
what next, read the product directions? sheesh, [Lol]
??
Personalities matter so much. A textbook case of Smallman Syndrome can mess the dynamic up so much. Fortunately his own resulting lifestyle made him go away.
I know in a shop people curse like crazy the only thing that I dont do well is GD and JC Those are holy names and the only thing that can save you. You can lay down the F bomb talk about my mom what ever. But dont use those words around me or in a conversation with me. I will call you out on it. Thats my only quark and alot of people dont like that. But I agree 100% with you. As a new guy keep quite and study how everyone works together.
It bothers me after college and 9 years in shops, when someone just plain thinks you don't know anything and all the other person is lube tech in past. They didn't even know enough to even tell I replaced a clutch and head gasket in front of them. What gives?
My addition has to be, SHOP EQUIPMENT!, there's very few things that will really set me off, but I remember an instance while working at a Toyota dealership that a tech before me had used the tire maching ( a hunter "semi automatic" ) and had broken off one of the guards on a steel wheel and never replaced them. I was being rushed by a service adviser and just threw a prius wheel on the machine and trying to get it done.... well the broken guard the guy prior to me left a gouge in the 600$ Prius wheel I had to eat... Just like we always said in the army, dont fuck your buddy over.. if you break a plastic guard on a tire machine, or know you damaged an adapter on the brake lathe, or the shop press is f-ed up, fix it,or at very least tell the foreman. My incident was 50% my fault for not checking the wheel guards prior to use, but, I know if I had used the machine and broken the plastic wearable guard I would of replaced it prior to leaving the machine... that's a very good way to piss off fellow techs.
open the drivers window while coming into the shop
Anyone who has ever owned tools has had a too "permanently borrowed" or brought back broken, but sometimes it just happens.
crkerriklein, I have a set of "loaner tools" that I let people use (they're usually harbor freight). It's great because if they break em and they come back and own up to breaking them to me, they gain respect and I tell em to not worry cause it cost me a buck to get! (if they don't own up to it they get "listed") :)
Everything you said about the different environments is pretty much dead on for most professions where you have independent variants and corporate variants. The biggest thing I learned when working for anyone who has a environment that leans more towards the "business" feel, it's that NO ONE is your friend. They might be nice people and maybe even the nicest people on this planet, but there's always a chance that one day they will throw you under the bus even if you have never done anything wrong just to save their own ass. I've quit probably half a dozen jobs just because people think they can throw blame wherever they want without evidence and you end up with the short end of the stick because some douche has no integrity. Not putting up with that crap when there's dozens of jobs out that pay just as well if not more.
I'm a young collision tech in Ohio and I have to say that I've been to a number of shops and my number one reason for leaving so far has been the people are just unbearable at times. Sometimes it's management likes to scream at you and sometimes it's somebody as stupid as a painter. Drives me nuts. What sucks is it's not me but their personal lives that make them that way.
Having the owner working in the shop makes a big difference. A boss that has no idea how auto repair works sucks.
My shop etiquette is "Don't be a dick"
When I first came into this shop, everyone let me use their tools. As such, now that I have amassed some of my own, I let them borrow whatever they need as long as they put it back. I have some gear that the other techs don't have and they have some gear that I don't have.
I worked at a dealership and it was like a family environment. We screamed and fought but at the end of the day we helped each other and spoke openly about issues.
watch?v=RXfA80W7Nfc
Bluntly to the 11 thumbs down. You 11 people and myself were or are a big problem. I got fired in several jobs and finally learned where my issues where. Those coworkers of yours are not attempting to control you but get your ire out of their face and you back in your own relational yard. Consider each person as though they are a country and do not cross the boarder unless they invite you across. Otherwise they will first exile you before even thinking of listening to you.
SirDeanosity sounds like American ideology
I always worked hard, helped when I could, talked way too much, and watched anything they'd let me. How I got where I am now.
Business is business i try not to take anything to. Personal cuz i would also be all about the money
Imo, the best way to take care of those "salty" people is to find what makes them laugh, and make them laugh. It works, just use it sparingly. A little goes a long way