Bricklayer
Bricklayers need to be able to follow instructions, read charts and
graphs, and understand complex building codes and bylaws. All this takes good
communication skills.
Imagine that you're a bricklayer with a contract
to build a fireplace and chimney. The client doesn't understand why you have
to do the bricklaying in a particular way.
The client is making a
fuss about the way you're doing your job. So you pull out a copy of the local
building code. It's written in a way that's hard to understand. You've got
to explain it to your client so that he can understand it.
Here's the
code:
Section 11 a, Private Residential Property
Building
of Areas Used for Combustion
The City of Buffalo, New York, hereafter
referred to as the legislator, requires that all areas of private residential
properties that are used for recreational or applied purposes adhere to the
following regulations:
- All containers in which combustible material is placed must be constructed
from non-flammable materials.
- All containers in which combustible material is placed must be positioned
not less than three feet from any surrounding objects, such as support beams
or walls, including household appliances.
- The airborne waste of combustible materials must exit the private properties
through:
- a vent attached to the container exiting the house, the exit being not
less than one foot away from the building in which the container sits
- a chimney leading away from the roof by not less than four feet, the chimney
to be constructed from non-flammable materials and having on it air control
functions.
Rewrite the bylaw in your own words. This way, everything
should be clear to your client. Maybe then he'll stop bothering you so you
can do your work!