Ep.300 - Calumet "K" Series, Chapter 8

Jason shares Chapter 8 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. Saturday afternoon: every worker knows Bannon pulled a gun on Riley. Some angry, most relieved, "a good workman is surer of himself under a firm than under a slack hand." Max and Hilda disappointed, don't understand difference between dropping hammer (careless) vs overloading hoist (calculated risk). Bannon builds wooden elevator box to take Hilda up 90 feet to distributing floor. Max guides box from ladders with rope. Hilda tours the framing, sees Peterson working shirtless on high girders. Awkward dynamics: Peterson interested in Hilda, tension with Bannon growing. Reorganizing for three 8-hour shifts: midnight-8am, 8am-4pm, 4pm-midnight. Bannon takes 7am start (controls all three shifts during day), Peterson takes evening. Peterson moves out of shared room, sullen and defiant. New system runs smoothly despite Peterson's complaints. "Honest Hilda, I don't see how he does it. I don't believe he ever takes his clothes off."

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why firm authority improves morale: workers "cowed" initially, but majority relieved because "a good workman is surer of himself under a firm than under a slack hand"

• The elevator box principle: when you invite someone to see the work, build the infrastructure to make it safe and impressive, 90-foot wooden elevator instead of dangerous ladders

• Understanding calculated risk vs carelessness: overloading hoist to keep up with carpenters (calculated) vs dropping hammer into bin (careless), Max and Hilda don't see the difference

• Three-shift scheduling strategy: Bannon takes 7am start to control day work and oversee all three shifts, Peterson takes evening (operational control, not personal preference)

• Managing personal dynamics without explaining: Bannon knows Peterson thinks it's about Hilda, but "it was important that he should control the work during the day"

"I don't see how he does it. I don't believe he ever takes his clothes off."

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