If all you had was a Hammer

Sometimes it amazes me how little some Operators have in their trucks in terms of "tools" in their "tool box". Do they think that they can use the same procedure(s) on each and every job situation, or is it that they take short-cuts because they are in a lazy rut?

When one thinks about it, even a Carpenter --to a--Brain Surgeon has many different tools to do different situations.

Think about this: "If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail!"

Cut it or slice it anyway you wish but it still boils down to an over reliance on the familiar. If we have only one way to do things (hammer) then we might think all problems (nails) have the same solution (hammer). Therefore, we always choose the hammer even if the problem needs a totally different kind of solution. The lesson learned from this is to understand that different problems require different solutions---not just one way---not just one solution.

I have witnessed many Operators approach to stains, spots, discolorations, etc.....and only a few will rely on "speciality" products (tools)while others may push them aside by using their extractor or scrubber. I wonder why. Is it because they already have the floor wand in their hand, or is it because they are just plain lazy?  Or, do not have the proper education?

A true Professional always and consistently separates themselves from the competition by taking that extra step. After all the customer looks to them to solve their problems. That's called: Responsibility.

Something to think about. (???)

Best to all;
Ed Valentine

cross-american.com

Ed hasn't worked a tool for so long. LOL!

Ed Valentine wrote: When one thinks about it, even a Carpenter --to a--Brain Surgeon has many different tools to do different situations. Think about this: "If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail!"

My father was a carpenter and he had tools - wouldn't drive a nail with a saw, wouldn't cut wood with a hammer, wouldn't get a skilsaw out for something a handsaw would handle and wouldn't use a roughsaw for what a finishsaw would be the best result saw.  And the thing I learned that I still remember at the age of 60 - measure twice, cut once.  I guess that means any job worth doing is worth doing right.  Oh, and as far as carpet cleaning equipment goes, do you use the most abrasive sandpaper you have to get the finish service before staining or painting the wood?  What you may need for water and smoke damage has little or nothing to do with carpet cleaning.
Another question - do you see yourself as a laborer, foreman, superintendent or the general contractor?  I grow tired of this "my tool is bigger than yours" played by boys who will never be men.

Soil Lint Green wrote: MR. STEAMER wrote: Ed I hate to ask... how many things do you need in your truck ??? I have 3 maybe 4 chemicals... what should a tech have??? Should call your outfit MacGyver Carpet Cleaning and All Around Get-Er-Done Good Guy.  A swiss army knife and what else is in that truck or is it a van?