Dr Phil hasn't had it easy with the Bricking It trainees. Tantrums, mishaps, and absenteeism are everyday challenges.
Dr Phil may get tough with the trainees at times, but he's just preparing them for the real world. As apprentices they will be expected to turn up on time, pull their weight and stick to the rules. The Bricking It project is no different.
With ultimate responsibility for the project it's up to Dr Phil to ensure that everybody's performing, and that they stick to the unforgiving construction schedule.
We asked him how he manages:
Any management tips?
Be fair, be consistent. Follow these rules and you can't go wrong.
Some managers get high and mighty, but I try to look after my people. I'm only here to facilitate them. I don't build anything, I just make sure they have what they need to get the job done.
Communication is a huge part of the job. I'll do whatever it takes to get it done, and if that means stroking feathers I'll do it. Although it's important to be firm, there's never any point putting people down.
I never lose my temper, but I do use the appearance of losing it for effect. If you shout all the time it has no impact. If you shout all the time it simply loses any impact. But if you hardly ever raise your voice, when you do it gets people's attention.
I'm not perfect by any means, but every team needs a leader and I think I'm a strong one. At the end of the day this is not a democracy. I'm the boss.
What if someone isn't pulling their weight?
In the course of my career I've had some diabolically bad people. But you have to see it as a challenge: I've never totally given up with anyone. If someone is a pain in the arse, I'll do my utmost to get the best out of them.
Never jump to conclusions. If someone isn't performing maybe something has happened to them. If a trainee turns up late I'll never just launch in.
I learned my lesson on this in the past, when something awful had happened in the man's personal life. Since then I ask, listen, consider and then act. However, if someone is simply breaking the rules no amount of excuses will wash with me.
It's important not to take rash decisions. The more pressure I'm under the longer I take to consider decisions. If someone shouts, I'll be quiet. If someone gets agitated, I'll relax. He who shouts loses the argument.
