What the world needs now is more respect, civility toward others

Recently, I received a call from a very excited person stating “I’ve had a pipe break in my house and I need you to get your (expletive deleted) over here. I tried to calm the homeowner long enough to get the needed support information, e.g., phone number, address, complete name, etc.

Because of the nature of the call I decided to go with my crew to the property. On arrival at the home, I introduced myself and started to introduce my crew when the male home owner said “I don’t give a (expletive deleted) what your name is, just fix the  (expletive deleted) problem. I looked at my crew and rolled my eyes and told them to get started.

While my crew was installing the equipment, I started testing the environment to see just how much water had penetrated various surfaces. The male homeowner rushed up to me and screamed “What the (expletive deleted)  are you doing?” I attempted to explain the drying process when he interrupted me be saying “I don’t give a (expletive deleted) about that.” I cut him off mid-stream and told my crew to pack everything up because we were leaving the site. I took out the work order that had been signed and tore it up and handed it to the male home-owner. He started screaming “I will (expletive deleted) sue you.” I looked him straight in the eyes and told him to get in line and we left the property.

Two hours after returning to the office, Mr. X called me and requested we return to his property. I told him the only way I would return to the job is if he maintained civility. I told him I did not expect him to be polite; however, he must be civil to me and my crew. He reluctantly agreed. I told him if he dropped the “F” bomb one time my crew would leave.

Because of other pending projects I could not return to Mr. X’s job. My female journeyman was very leery about returning to the property. I told her to call me if he did not keep his word.

When my journeyman arrived at the property she reported Mr. X was civil; however, his wife handled the transaction.

In today’s society, it seems something is missing. Manners and politeness have disappeared. Manners are defined as characteristics, style, behavior, and type of action or way of acting toward something or someone. Politeness is defined as:  relating to or having the characteristics of advancement as in society or culture or being marked by appearance of thoughtfulness or consideration and common courtesy and tactfulness.

Over the last year I bet I’ve explained to at least 20 clients, my politeness is a form of respect for them and others. For me it is common decency and tactfulness. It shows them that I’m there to serve them in a professional way and that I fully understand I’m in their home by invitation only. I briefly explain that my mother would beat the crap out of me if I didn’t address a lady as “ma’am” or a gentleman as “sir. I re-enforce that by telling them that I’m retired military and in the military, courtesy and tactfulness was enforced. Most of the time tension is relieved and we are able to do our job.

As I travel around the two counties, I frequently see people who are rude, disrespectful, crude, tactless, and belligerent. I often wonder why people act in such a thoughtless way. For me a kind word, act or gesture costs nothing, it only adds to our humanity as a people.

As an employer of people I will fire an employee who does not show respect for me, for my sub-contractors, themselves and especially for my clients. Maybe I’m old school; however, I strongly believe respect for others is an essential part of life.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to madan@nwees.com or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, and his new Handiman Services, check him out at NWEES.COM.

n Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.