A great business mentor, Stan Cox of Callander, Ontario sent this to me.  What perfect timing for a weekly Leadership Tip on the topic of Positioning Yourself for Good Play.  PLAY NICE is a system for working through issues when the going gets tough. 

Here’s a construction site story that exemplifies the lesson of a business owner, teaching his employee (his son) how to manage bullies on the job. 

“It’s laughable how we do not want to face problems but rather retreat to our corner when things go bad.  I spent most of my business life in a very rough and tough environment although I am not by nature rough and tough. I remember a lesson I taught my Son about bullies.

I was threatened by an irate sub-contractor who had called me from a bar and wanted me to meet him at the bar so he could ‘straighten me out’.  Of course I wouldn’t meet in a bar, but told him what I would do, which was meet him at 7am next day, onsite.  This was sixty miles away, but I learned it was important to meet him, on ‘professional’ ground.  My son and I arrived onsite at 6:30am, prepared to deal with the reputation this sub-contractor had of being a bully and brawler. 

As soon as his truck stopped we walked to his door. Before he even stepped from the truck there I stood, my Son at my side.  

Before he could speak I spoke, and said “I hear that you are not happy with the way the project is progressing.  I have the solution in my hand.  Here is a cheque for the work you have completed.  You do not have to get out of the truck as you no longer work here.  I believe I have been fair with the amount of work you have completed.  Do you agree?” 

He was befuddled and stuttered and stammered as he looked at the figures. “More than fair” he said. 

“Goodbye” I said, as I turned and walked away.  

I did not go to my corner because I’ve always believed that we must face problems head on.  If we can negotiate then negotiate.  If it is obvious that we cannot we must have a plan B.”

I liked this story enough to share it because it shines a light on wisdom that we have in our own networks and communities.  Stan is a very wise and successful business man, husband, father and grandfather.  He’s worked his way through millions of dollars in business transactions, and he values relationships, honesty and hard work. 

He’s right when he says we have to position ourselves for good play by facing issues head on.  We can’t do that by retreating to our corner.  If people chose face to face meetings over bullying attempts by phone or in cyberspace, these older and more wise strategies for ending disputes would take root, and the workforce could be more productive, profitable and … peaceful. 

Thanks for sharing Stan, you’re a wise man!