What to say if a job is beyond you?

[Coletti]

So I'm sub contracting atm and the job in hand is a large sycamore reduction. The lead climber has turned the job down and now I have been asked to do it. I only have a year's experience and to be honest it's beyond my experience but I don't want to seem like a let down. It's the first job I've been asked to do that im not comfortable with and feel I can't do but don't know how to explain it without upsetting the boss or sounding like a chicken so to speak . Any ideas?

[Daniël Bos]

Maybe you could find a middle way?

If you let your boss know that you're not 100% confident but are willing to give it your best, and does he still want you to do it?

 

It gives you a carte blanch to make mistakes, without losing face. And if you get it all perfect it shows your employer you're able and willing to push your boundaries and thrive under challenging circumstances.

 

I've had people work for me who told after they'd made a right mess they'd never done that job before. Infuriating to say the least, if they'd told me in advance I'd have set them up for success for both them and me.

 

 

PS I'm mildly worried about your postcount......

[pie eater pete]

Honesty is always the best way...

[wardyc1]

You have just got to be straight up, completely honest with the gaffer. he aught to be grateful hes got an honest employee and you should gain more of his respect for it. If you are up for it, ask if there is any way that he can get somebody else to do it but that you want to do it with this other more experience climber so you can gain a bit more knowledge, experience and confidence. Im quite sure that this way you will be up for and capable of doing jobs like this in the future. Best of luck. :)

[Kenty]

I agree with all of the above in respect of being honest. You have to think about your own safety as well as others & undertaking work in which you are out of your comfort zone can sometimes lead to accidents.

[Scott Walker]

Honesty is your best option, it wouldn't worry me if my sub contractor said he didn't feel confident doing a reduction, id rather he told me before then after he come down from the butchered tree.

 

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[wardyc1]

As above.... safety of yourself and others is the absolute priority. But a up no matter how small can have a negative spiralling effect on your confidence.

If you do the job under the wing of an experienced climber, you do a good job and any mistakes are explained well to you, you can learn heaps and that spiral of confidence will be a positive one and you will end your day buzzing. Goosed, but buzzing!!!

Edited March 3, 2014 by Stephen Blair

[Coletti]

Cheers for the supportive words of advise, has really helped. Was kicking my self and getting a bit down about it so thanks to you all . As disappointed as I am at my self for not having a go I'm also glad I decided not to carry on and make a mess of things. I'd also like to add that the tree wasn't in the best of health with lots of included bark, rot pockets and splits which was my main worry. I'll be back again though only with a more positive attitude and a more experienced climber . Thanks again, it's greatly appreciated 👍

[ukminch]

Sound like you've made the right decision, you can't stick it back on after you've cut it. Recognising your weaknesses usually leads to strengths IMO..

[mad matty]

Not to worry coletti....I turned one away the other day,said the only safe way was a cherry picker....still not done.