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
If my pizza was delivered a little cold, I’d suck it up and heat it up rather than giving the delivery guy grief. But if a flat panel is crooked I would’ve done what you did!
Good point about pizza. Would you make a fuss if you were in a nice restaurant and your food came out cold?
Not much of a fuss making guy! I might point that out and if the service was still poor, reflect that in the tip with a note as to why.
You did the right thing. When I was younger, I would have had a stong aversion to complaining or any type of conflict. I’ve been known as a “counselor” or keep the peace kind of person anyway.
That said, I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to nicely tell it as it is. Others will do it to you, so why not be assertive as well!
I’ve been known as the peacemaker as well. Great advice. Will try to stick with telling it like it is. You are right, others would do the same to me!
Good job! They were paid to do the job right so don’t feel bad about complaining. 😉
Thanks! Trying to retrain my brain as I’ve always been Mr. Nice Guy. Finally seeing being assertive is not bad.
Well-done, Buck. All you did was state a fact, not an opinion.
Thanks 101C! I need to get that in my head. Nothing personal, just statings facts here.
If it is on paper or email I take a very assertive role but when I am forced to confront in person I am usually way too passive and nice.
I often think I am too passive and nice. Thanks for sharing!