Vent: got told my mud work was sloppy by a GC 2 years ago and it still bugs me

I had this GC named Rick call me out on a job in Austin back in 2022. He said my taping was lazy and I needed to tighten up my corners. I was pissed at first cause I thought my stuff looked fine. But he walked me through how he wanted it done with a 6 inch knife and way less mud per pass. Tried his method on the next house and damn if it didn't cut my sanding time by almost half. Still hate that he was right but I use that technique every job now. Anyone else have a critic who actually knew their stuff?

3 comments

3 Comments

ruby_jones4d ago

I read a book about this one time, actually something about ego and feedback. The author said the best craftsmen welcome criticism because it means the other person cares enough to help you get better. It sounds like that Rick guy did exactly that, even if he was a bit blunt about it. You got a free lesson that stuck with you for two years, so that says a lot about how good his advice was. I think a lot of people would have just brushed it off and kept doing their own thing, but you actually tried it and improved.

cole_baker4d ago

Yeah you're totally right about that. I actually saw this YouTube video from a guy who studied how professional athletes handle tough coaching and he talked about the same thing. He said the best performers don't just accept feedback they actually seek out people who will be brutally honest with them. It's like they see critical feedback as a shortcut to getting better instead of some attack on their ego. I think a lot of people get defensive right away and miss out on those lessons. But when someone takes the time to point out what you're doing wrong that's a gift even if it stings a little at first.

vera_lewis24d ago

Wouldn't it be nice if my ego took criticism that well instead of just pouting for an hour first?