8.27.17
Topics
Harassment on site
Winning (what that feel and looks like)
Changing and hitting the ground running
Relocation
“Getting your bird on” are the words that came out of the man’s mouth as I started to climb the metal stairs behind Train 1 on project A. I smiled and continued my journey up the steps behind my Super. As we hit level one, I asked him what the guy had stated. Super repeated the spoken words. My immediate reaction was to cringe. Never feels good to be called out and harassed for doing one’s job. As my Super says “Zero Fucks Given”. I have to agree with this phrase. In this business, being soft (vs vulnerable two different things) is not an option.
Constant aggressive behavior comes from all sides. I have been thrown under the bus by other Supers because they felt their objectives were priority and I was preventing their ability to meet them. Of course they have no idea what all is involved with Post Weld or Preheating of Pipes. The amount of cables, what machines are where, and how long it takes to deal with just one pipe.Then mix the several other Supers and their components that need to be cooked as well. On the same note I made a running start to create a reputation that has served me well. I get work done and I know my shit. When attempts were made to derail me, I immediately backed my self up, stepping to the plate, confronting the issue(s) brought up by the Super/Manager. My back up was limited but fortunately I had established a great connection with two Supts. that I sat next to in the job site trailer. As a woman you have to know the what, how, and why to stay on top of your game. Even then you can still be hung out to dry.
Always watch your back and check those who may or may not have it. Caution is always an asset in our toolbox. As a woman we always have to be careful. Can’t let them catch you off guard or watch you sweat. Being cussed out on the radio for all to hear was a fantastic milestone to achieve my fourth week on site. Usually, for me it means one of two things; I am doing something right or someone has issue with my authority. As the Foreman cussed me out and while I politely waited for him to finish his rant, in that moment, I realized how much I have grown in my experiences since my days as a Welder. The bridge from young lady to Woman seemed to be confirmed in an instant.
I wasn’t going to back down and cry in a corner. Instead I joyously responded to him AWESOME! Happy Friday! When he didn’t like me bluntly responding, I told him to take the issue to my Super., I went on with my business. Turning to my Foreman, observing his support and valve (pipe component) concerns, he didn’t even flinch or respond to what took place. Instead he smiled and commented on how the Foreman wants a single source dedicated to him and his crew. This was precisely what I was trying to convey to the Foreman over the radio. His indignant nature won out, full of piss. As someone close to me has stated, “two fingers can turn that tiny little knob to another channel”.
When my Super reported to me the chunk he took out of the Foreman’s ass and the quivering chin that bobbed up and down when he didn't get his way, was a laughable image. Later that day we had so much hooked up ready for Preheat, same Foreman had to tell us to stop, he didn’t have enough welders. Talk about sweet victory. Each day has been a tremendous learning experience. Some days are good, with progress moving forward, others feel like we took 10 steps back.
I remember a few weeks back and I made all the correct connections to get things going for my second Foreman to come in a half hour early. In the moment, felt like I won a million dollars. Emotionally I felt so content. If that doesn’t tell you how seriously I take my role on site. My crew’s success is my success. Failure is not an option.
*Project A references a site I was on in Richmond, California.
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