Steve’s Story-Stop the Noise

‍ ‍The construction boss had set up the day’s crews. I drew a plumber, an electrician, and an HVAC technician. I was tasked with supervising the crew and functioning as a jack of all trades. The plumber and the electrician had some work history together and got along well. The HVAC technician was new and a wild card. Time would tell how well he fit in.

It didn’t take long. The sound of deafening heavy metal music came blasting up the stairs to where I was working. The music was soon followed by an agitated plumber and electrician. They reached the top of the steps and headed to my work area to register their complaint. “Get that guy to turn off the boom box, or at least turn it down, so it doesn’t drive us crazy!!”

I went down and instructed the HVAC technician to turn down the volume and to show some respect for his coworkers…including me. The tech had turned off the boom box to hear me. It wasn’t long after I had returned upstairs that the blaring returned. I was halfway down the steps again when I met my plumber and electrician coming up. They didn’t need to say anything to me as I was already making my way to the HVAC man. I gave him a second warning and told him that any more disruption would result in disciplinary action up to and including his termination.

I was never comfortable with taking my people problems to the boss, and I am sure he appreciated not having to deal with them. Today might be different. I would have to get his permission to fire the insubordinate tech if he persisted. The boom box started blaring once again, and then I decided to call upon the real boss…and through prayer I asked for His help. After prayer, I thought…then I would call the construction boss.

When my prayer was over , and I had said “Amen,” the blaring music stopped.

Maybe I should level with the boss someday and let him know I don’t solve all my people problems by myself.