Flat Panel Mounting Pain

The other day I had to put my facilities manager hat on. My company had an old, heavy, plasma monitor that needed to be wall mounted in our conference room. We contracted the work to a home theater installation company. I’m not a very handy or a home theater kind of guy, so this mini project was very eye opening for me.

Audio Video Wizards

The main installer and his assistant came by and assessed the wall. They were like Picasos working their tape measures, screws, brackets, level, and dry wall cutter. They even brought a device that they tied the necessary cables to so they could funnel it down the wall and have it come out of a hole they bore out right next to the power outlet. Like I said, I’m not very handy so this was like magic to me. Not Magic Castle Magic, audio video magic.

Does It Look Straight?

After working a few hours, getting everything just right, the two installers lugged the heavy plasma screen and mounted it up. It was a tall order as it looked pretty heavy. They also needed to huff and puff it up over the shoulders and on to the rack, mounted through the drywall on to some studs. They were relieved as the masterpiece hung from its perch. They turned to ask, “Does it look straight?” I went into the think tank.

Passive Or Assertive

In the past, my passive self would feel bad for them after such a hard task. Even though the monitor was not leveled, I would ignore my senses so I wouldn’t have to be a bad guy and tell them to redo the tough task. I would pat them on the back for a job well done and hope none of my co-workers would notice. Good luck with that. I would then be ribbed for awhile for not seeing it or even worse, the installers would be called back in to touch it up. I’m not even sure if they would charge for the second run.

Thankfully, I am applying Assertive Crisis Management these days. I went against my nature and told them the bad news, “Sorry guys, it looks a little off.” They whipped out their level and sure enough, it was. They sucked it up, took it back down, tweaked a few items, and lugged it back up. We all looked at it again with the level and Viola! Job well done.

Final Thoughts

I’m glad I’m finally being more assertive as it is the way to go. As I look back, I am still shocked at how many times I would go another path rather than trust myself. Furthermore, my dislike or fear of confrontation played tricks on my senses as well. No matter what you do, whether it is blogging, working your day job, or dealing with your financial issues, trust your instincts and don’t turn away just because it may be uncomfortable. In the end, everyone wins because we don’t waste any more precious time, money, and energy.

Stay Inspired!
Buck