How to Handle Being the "Bad Guy"?

MeyerFire University | FX103.07

By Aaron Johnson

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TRANSCRIPT

How to Handle Being the “Bad Guy”? 

UNCLEAR COMMUNCATION

The easiest solution is to never become the bad guy in the first place. So, how do we do that? Lets first define what the “bad guy” looks like, then contrast those traits and experiences with what the good guy looks like.  

When we talk about the bad guy, or a bad inspector, or a negative experience dealing with a code official, there are usually three traits that make this experience so bad.   

The first is unclear communication. 

This is communication from an inspector that only tells you what's wrong, what the problem is. He does not offer a solution, he does not provide any reference to demonstrate what he's trying to enforce.  If its a plan review he's the guy that marks them as failed, but doesn’t clearly say why or where. There’s not type of a page number or drawing number or any type of code reference that points out what's actually wrong. This forces contractor, architect, engineer to  have to go back through and review the whole plan to try to find out what the problem is. These inspectors are often phone adverse. So many problems or issues can be solved with a phone call. A simple phone call is all it takes to turn a plan from fail to pass.  

Unclear communication. 

BAD TIMES

The second thing that makes inspector the bad guy is when they only see you at the bad times, when there’s a problem, or somethings wrong.  

The contractor, architect, engineer, only hear from or see the code official at the bad times every interaction they have with him seems to be negative, he's only there to enforce a problem, there's never a friendly visit, there is no community involvement. It's more of a me versus you mentality. When that code official shows up on site, you get that phone call, you see that email immediately you’re filled with dread, because you know it cannot be anything good. 

You only see the bad guy at the worst times. 

Third, he has a “fail” mentality.  

There two types of inspectors the type of Inspector that gets up in the morning and his first thought is who am I going to fail today. The other other type gets up in the morning and his first thought is who am I going to pass today.  

The bad guy is the first kind, he has that fail mentality. He knows he’s going to fail your job or project before he even shows up at the office. This mentality does not lead to being helpful, it doesn’t lend itself to service or serving. Rather, it leads to an inspector who he knows all, and it has to be that way because he said so. This fail mentality is really what makes the bad guy experience so bad.  

Unclear communication, only showing up at the bad times, and a fail mentality. These are the traits that lead to the “bad guy” experience.  

Lets contrast these with a good guy experience, by looking at traits that make a “good guy” code official. 

CLEAR COMMUNICATION

Number one is clear communication. 

This inspector is solutions-based, not problem-focused. He spends time to clearly show you where the problem is, what the issues are, and making sure that you understand what he's looking at, that you understand the problem. He then takes it a step further to offer solutions. He shows what the code allows, or alternative ways that it may be applied. Maybe he connects you with other people in the community who had the same problem, or who can provide a solution.  

RELATIONSHIPS

Second is, the good guy inspector knows that the fire protection industry is all about relationships. It’s about building those relationship and being involved in this community. This inspector shows up to events, he stops by to check in on projects, and follow-up on issues that the contractor, or building owner may be having. The good guy focuses on building and fostering healthy relationships with the community 

PASS MENTALITY

Third, he has a “pass” mentality.  

The good guy wakes up with a pass mentality. He wakes up every morning planning to pass, or help everyone to, pass. He sees himself as a partner in your success. He wants you to succeed, as much as you do. He's going to be helpful,  he's willing to go above and beyond and take things a step further to make sure you find solutions to your problems. 

So sometimes and inspector may have to be the bad guy, he might have to deliver some bad news, but if he has spent the time being involved in the community, building healthy relationships, and starting every day with a pass mentality he willl never really be that bad, of a bad guy. 

I'm Aaron Johnson this is Meyer Fire University.