WTF is the problem with this!!!

**TechMaster** · January 28th, 2009, 10:38 PM

Hey guys look I do not really even work in the contract locating field anymore. I still use my locating skills but no more chaseing down tickets. With that said I am sure I should not even give a flip about what one of my friend told me the other day. I was told by him that his new manager has never located nor does he know anything about locating. Hell he has never even worked for a utility company. Am i the only one that sees something wrong with this picture. Is this what contract locating has gone to?

**AULupstate** · January 28th, 2009, 11:44 PM

I hate to say this but you must have been out of the game for while. That's common practice.

**TechMaster** · January 28th, 2009, 11:58 PM

Yes fo awhile now. How can these managers know what is going on out in the field. I guess it is really easy to get one over on these guys. Also how can these managers know what is a ticket load? How can the know what day in and day out extra steps the techs do? When a damage happens how can the manager not be able to relate with the tech what happened? Or even understand what the tech saw. Most of all how does this person gain the respect of the supervisors and techs? This is just nuts to me. Please tell me the supervisors still know what they are doing?

**Bubba** · January 29th, 2009, 12:01 AM

Shortly after starting with Steve, Mike, and Pat I found out that my DM had never located before. Just happened to "know someone" and that is how he got his position. He came to my work area to "evaluate" me one month after training and I needed help with a pretty nasty crossbox and a duct run. When I asked for his help it looked like I kicked him in the nuts. Nine years later I am still having fun playing the game.

**TechMaster** · January 29th, 2009, 12:08 AM

Is he still the DM?

**Bubba** · January 29th, 2009, 12:50 AM

He left, but I heard through the vine that he is back in the same position.

**AULupstate** · January 29th, 2009, 03:42 AM

Alot of them come from places like FedEx or UPS. Where routing, efficient use of time (i.e. how many packages get delivered in an hour), fleet management, budget mangement are the HIGHEST concerns.

What I have come across in my dealings with those types is they think a cast iron (active) gas line can, should be marked out in 3 minutes (along with every other utility). QUALITY of work is NEVER a priority (unless a damage occurs of course), but QUANTITY is what really counts. After all that's what pays the bills.

**Dave72** · January 29th, 2009, 08:02 AM

I have to agree with AUL, its common practice in more than just locate companies.

I think its about downloading work in the management chain.

**TechMaster** · January 29th, 2009, 08:03 PM

Does not make sense to me when I was locating my manager came from the field. I could go to him for advice. Also do they not know that poor quality will get your ass ran off? That is the best way to lose a contract.

**TheCableVine** · January 29th, 2009, 08:40 PM

I had a manager a few years back who was fresh out of college with a psych degree. She never located before and didn't know what a locator was til she saw one... and eventually did one.

**yahoo** · January 29th, 2009, 10:27 PM

our dm here is an x att upper management guy who is very smart and doing a fine job here in louisiana!!!!! no exp. at all in utility contract locating......

**sprayandpray** · January 30th, 2009, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by yahoo

our dm here is an x att upper management guy who is very smart and doing a fine job here in louisiana!!!!! no exp. at all in utility contract locating......

How's the view down there where your nose is?

**cablemagne** · January 30th, 2009, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by TheCableVine

I had a manager a few years back who was fresh out of college with a psych degree. She never located before and didn't know what a locator was til she saw one... and eventually did one.

Did you at least get a good raise out of the deal? lol