What or who is a blue-collar worker? I am sure many tradesmen have been at a function and someone says they know a particular craft or trade. They feel they know the trade,even if they once did a remodel on their home years ago. I once sat at a conference and the speaker claimed to be from the field. I assume this was to provide some form of blue-collar cred, as the audience was comprised of construction workers. Ironically, if you listened carefully, the speaker’s story for street cred did not add up. The speaker’s years of experience in executive positions left no time for working in the field, unless he started in the trades while in grade school.

I have found that many people claiming to own a blue-collar degree are not really from the trades. Yes, I used the term “degree” and meant it as intended. These people want to claim a blue-collar cred, even if that background was only a few weeks in the summer while on vacation from school. I hate to be the bearer of bad news; that is not what people from the field call a blue-collar worker. It is annoying when that same person is desperate to claim construction cred and then waves the college degree when it suits a purpose.

The Pain of Blue-Collar Work

I have been to events where some are even ashamed that a family member is in the trades. It is as if they are mentally challenged or have a lack of character. I have been to many white-collar events and have no issue stating my son is a carpenter. I have had people make comments indicating that they understand my shame. Shame? I am proud of him and his blue-collar degree.

To claim blue-collar cred, a person will remember the pain and even humiliation of the first days of work, using muscles they did not know they had. Enduring heat, wondering how the journeyman workers twice their age are doing twice the work and seem immune to all pain. Your mind wanders from “How can they do this?” to “I am returning to school ASAP.” However, then you keep at it and every day gets a little better. In a few years, you spot the new kid on the crew who is dying on a hot summer day. They look at you, and you know what they are thinking.

This is real blue-collar work, not just pretending or showing up for a reality TV show. It is real life with pain, sweat and suffering. I am not unique in this experience; thousands have done this and are doing it now. The difference is that I can write about my experience as a blue-collar worker today. So why do some want blue-collar cred and those with authentic cred get a bad rap?

What Blue-Collar Workers Could Do Better

I have done defect litigation for construction and noticed blue-collar workers make consistent mistakes. When asked why they did what they did on the job, they too often answer, “I have always done it that way.” What makes that statement harmful can be the tone it delivers. Some are beyond confident and reach to arrogance. Some even believe they have just schooled the courtroom lawyers. When they lose the case, they claim the system is rigged. They may even be justified in how they installed the work but failed to effectively communicate why they did it that way. The proper explanation of why,blended with experience, has an impact and shows thought. “Believe me because I say so” is poor communication.

Decades ago, most construction managers rose through the ranks of the construction trades. There was a good blend of trade knowledge and academics or theory to construct structures with engineering principles and practical knowledge.

What We Could Learn From Blue-Collar Workers

Today, it seems that we have two worlds at odds with each other. Academics should pay attention to the workers who fight in the trenches, which could help improve processes and efficiencies through practical, hands-on experience. An example would be the project manager who thinks improving production is easy: add more workers. Blue-collar workers also need to better explain how they work efficiently and focus on why it works best. If the project manager suggests putting more people in the room to improve production rates, you might ask, “Are you looking to improve productivity? There are probably better ways than overcrowding a workspace.” Overcrowding typically leads to inefficiency and reduced production.

An example of overcrowding would be having several white-collar workers work at the same desk. According to the logic presented, production should be improved, even though they know that it won’t. So why would overcrowding a work area or work in the field improve production? We all know the answer: it won’t. We need to work together, share ideas and be honest about our experiences, or lack thereof.