6 Attributes For Success In The Trades

This video illustrates 6 attributes that will set you apart on a job site and in virtually any other
setting that you choose. String line Pro Tips here: • Using String Like A Pro
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[@JasonBlair]

This advice isn't just for the trades. It's for life. This is good wisdom.

[@stormdawg69]

Was just about to say that

[@berniestewart1738]

Absolutely brother

[@ChrisMac87]

"If you're not 10 minutes early you're late". That was drilled into me as a kid and has stuck with me now into my late 30's. That and "if you don't know, ask someone", " whether you're the prime minister or a bus boy in a diner, take pride in your work and put in an honest day" are the main things I learned from my parents that have served me well through my career in the trades.

[@OptimisteProductions]

I'm the opposite. I have never ever been on time at work. But I also never arrived later than 10 min after it started. Once my boss confronted me about it. I told him that everyday I would be there half an hour later than the others but would take the time to clean off the tools and the job site properly for the others the next morning.

[@Radioghost717]

@@OptimisteProductionslol

[@staples361]

@@OptimisteProductionsI don't want you to take this the wrong way, or not take it at all rather. But i think that's a less than satisfactory excuse to sleep in a little. Why not do both? 15 minutes less sleep each night won't ruin you. Better yet find yourself in bed earlier. Set the alarm, put your phone down and go to sleep. Read yourself to sleep with something boring if need be. And always be on time, if nothing else but for the respect to your name that could be gained.

[@alexarruda2432]

Dear Mr Wadsworth, my name is Alex and I wanted to say thank you for your encouraging and inspiring words and videos. I am 43 years old and I have two jobs. I do carpentry and light construction and I am a firefighter. I find myself taking words from your videos and using them to be better, in both of my professions. Just a few day ago I had an interview for a promotion and I used a few of your inspiring words to answer a few of the questions I was asked in said interview I'm proud to tell you after 13 years of being a firefighter and 9 years of grinding and staying hungry and taking promotional exams I am the newest Lieutenant on the fire department that I work for. Thank you again Mr Wadsworth for your inspiring videos "and keep up the good work"

[@TheCastedone]

Congrats. May you continue to be humble and successful.

[@MyWitsEnd.]

Just started carpentry 2 months ago. I realized I am a talker. I didn’t really have friends in high school and kept to myself. Then my coworker just happens to have a passion in my interest. Instead of remembering that we are at work, I get too excited to talk about what I never get to talk about and it really puts a strain on both mine and his efficiency. Knowing to shut up and keep the conversations to a minimum is really important. I have been working on this for the past two weeks and can already see that I am much more productive.

[@rogerbreedlove3642]

I don't remember where I heard this, but I think it is good advice. "It is better to be thought of as a fool, than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."

[@bobbates7421]

Mr. Wadsworth, I am 70 years old and run a fairly good size pest control company stretches from Ocala, Florida to book Raton, Florida mostly up the middle of the state and on the East Coast. I find your teachings refreshing, true, and full of just pure common sense. I’m going to use, your teaching on conventional wisdom here with my employees. Thanks, Robert Bates, Bates Exterminating, Jupiter, Florida.

[@narlycharley]

Honestly, the best attribute you can have in the trades, and life in general is "give a shit". Do everything from brushing your teeth to hanging drywall to the best of your ability, every time.

[@SterlingBall]

Mindfulness 👍

[@bobireland1256]

So very true! I worked as a general manager for a company. During my time there no one ever saw the owner. All the clients I had contact with assumed that I owned the company, not because I acted like a big shot but because I took ownership of everything that needed to be done and made sure it was done right the first time.

[@dittilio]

Thank you for this, I had been looking for a way to phrase the nature of my struggle with some things. And you hit the nail on the head. "Giving a damn", is such a core element that drives so much of our satisfaction, disappointment, pride and shame.

[@HVACDan]

Golly gosh darn it, you used profanity. You have a weak mind! Your point is now invalid.

[@APerez89]

Yeah? Is that y you're broke commenting on stupid shit? 😂

[@MrDoakster]

Thank you. I’m 61 and need to hear this again and again. Helps keep us balanced. But today’s young generation needs to hear it, starting in junior high.!

[@kirkyorg7654]

boy do they ever, last two generations are a sad bunch, lazy, entitled unwilling to apply themselves to learning, and so on...!

[@tubyrusedays]

I am 41 and back during covid I was terminated from a job and corporate career that I had worked in for more than 15 years. Over 15 years I began to resent my decision to get a cush office job. I decided to turn the termination into an opportunity to go into the trades. 4 years later I'm a successful roofing contractor who is very gratified in my work. I appreciate the old school man of integrity way you conduct yourself and teach others to be. If I can reflect you when I am your age, I will be very pleased.

[@tyc4587]

Very inspiring sir. I’m currently a marine wanting to pick up a trade when I get out. Thank you for sharing and I hope your business continues to flourish.

[@willf9779]

Really respect your wisdom. I watch with my 14 year old son. Not only is it important to learn a trade, but also how to be a decent young man in a profane world. Thank you.

[@user-pq9zc3uc7m]

Happy Birthday, Scott. My 67 is coming up soon. Nothing earth shattering here, just good, solid, sage advice. Some of this my dad tried to teach me. But I was too smart to listen. Some of this I learned too late to have much impact on my working life, but any improvement at any time is a positive step. Knowledge and wisdom are the most important things to pass to the next generation and doesn't cost a penny to do so. Your presentation here was clear, well said, and on point. Thank you.

[@ZoliMusic]

That comment on waiting to be your own boss came at such the perfect moment in my career. Thanks! I could go on... But let's just say you're a treasure of a man. I owe you about a thousand more of these.

[@chriswilson9230]

Every time you open your mouth, you are interviewing, whether you like it or not. Choosing your words is very important. In my line of work, leadership training speaks of owning your mistakes. You are very correct sir. Thank you for sharing these traits. You really could teach leadership in the fire service. I just shared your video on my facebook page for my fire service friends to listen and see if they also believe that these are good traits.

[@stephenzbiegien5870]

"Great followers become great leaders." That incredible

[@lights80088]

I felt for you digging in the mud. To save on rent money, I dug a very long ditch about 3 ft deep connecting 2 houses, about 90ft. Ditch kept filling with water everytime it rained but I was commited and was short on rent. No whining, just did what it took. That's what we all need to do, whatever it takes.

[@Radioghost717]

Needed to hear this. Been laid off twice in last the last year and my hall is telling me gonna be a year outta work. Been bitter and cynical about the trade I’ve chosen but walked away from this video lifted up. Thank you

[@gadsdenconsulting7126]

I could tell a hundred stories from my past that solidify these points. Now I'm watching my own son, running his own business, learning how these things play out in real life. Thanks for sharing. I hope the younger folks listen!

[@timslice2020]

These insights can give a guy such an improvement in their work and character. Thank you

[@joehardhat5598]

I just found your channel. Lots of good words, lots of good advice. I've been working since nineteen seventy 9 I spent 15 years as an automotive technician. Im, in the building trades. Four28 years, the best advice I got when I got into the building trades heavy construction. Keep your mouth shut and your eyes and your ears open. I've built everything. From buildings to sea walls 2 tunnels. I have an opportunity to go to work for a school to pass on my skills that I have learned. Hopefully, there will be people in the class that are willing to learn and listen.

[@perrymaxwell4488]

As a laborer who became a superintendent through concrete forming, and a person who knows of Jeffery R Holland, but no longer lives by his counsel per se, don't discount someone's knowledge because of their word choice. Some of the most valuable knowledge I have found comes from foul mouths as well as sanctified. Some of it came from people who barely knew English. Some of it came without words at all. Keep an open mind. A fellow KZbinr and man that sang your praises called AvE put me onto you. Both of you have added to my toolbox with much different lexicons. His famous quote about you beyond calling you a silver haired fox with a wealth of hard earned knowledge is, "he wouldn't say shit if he had a mouth full of it."

[@gtbkts]

My Pa could never say a single sentence without cursing somewhere. But, he is a never ending wealth of knowledge from complete house building to vehicles and heavy equipment. He just can't help but swear in every breath he takes. Heck, I'm barely able to keep myself from swearing alot because I got the habit from him. Thank God my mom taught me when it's ok to swear and when you need to be respectful and speak smartly. Sorry for rambling. Have a great day!

[@smartgorilla]

so so true. you need to have a bit of everything. i get moaned at for even talking... its so so annoying

[@216Numbskull]

@perrymaxwell4488, No bout a doubt it my friend. I heard it, seen it & know all to well about harsh & stern loud foul mouth voices in the trades being a journeyman Ironworker for the past 24 years. There was still so much for me to learn on job sites from the OG's even after I completed my apprenticeship & now a journeyman. Who I'm still very grateful for all their knowledgeable lessons in the trade & life lessons by helping me grow up in general as a man. I also believe some they gave me most likely kept me & others alive at least a few times. Not to mention being a loud foul mouthed with tough skin & a noggin that's a little coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs comes with the territory in Ironworker's. Sure we have to stay cool, calm & focused when we're walking & swinging on beams 50 stories high in the sky. But we also have to be very loud & stern & foul mouthed at times in order to get our point across. Whether some may think it's the wrong way to approach a situation or not, it just is what it is & needed in our trade. You can't approach Ironworker's by quietly coddling them or telling them it'll be OK just don't do it again in certain situations. That's when people get hurt if you try some BS like that in our trade. As they say there's a time & a place for everything. Many times I'll take an apprentice aside so not to embarrass him or save an argument & fight from happening. But, when we're are up in the air high in the sky you have to use tough love for everyone's health & safety. Just keeping it a buck! +Peace & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Soul My Friend+ 🤘😜🤘

[@FidoHouse]

Not in The Trades, and retired from Nursing a few years ago (but Nursing is a soft trade if there is such a category). Regardless, your wise words resonated with me - I even took notes - thank you for sharing these. 👍💕

[@arubaguy2733]

It's so refreshing to hear a master craftsman speak to attitudes. Your advice applies across the spectrum of job skills. Great message to ALL who want a career, not just a job.

[@57Dalv]

Happy belated birthday Scott. 66 here as well, and started out as a Bricklayer in 1979. 40+ years and now a CM for the last 20 years. Planned on retiring in May but they talked me into staying another year to finish the 6 projects currently started. CEO said he was worried about "replacing the knowledge". Made me proud and the result of the years we have put in to learn our trades. Fitting with your wisdom for the young. Keep up the good work.

[@arustydodge2111]

Happy Belated Birthday, SCOTT! 🎂🎂🎂 At 63, and a retired Local Union #134, IBEW Journeyman Electrician, I truly relate to you channel, your knowledge and all that you share with us, your viewers. 👍👍🙏😇

[@kansasscout4322]

Excellent advice. I'm a retired laborer, then Carpenter then Supt then PM. Communication is key. Poor communicators are always held back. Always. Or they don't last long. Problem solving ability should have been mentioned. Its an attitude where you never throw up your hands but move forward dealing with things as they are and to put the train back on the track or even improve where things are going ok. Keeping emotional control is another one you should add. I had a few significant failures there that I wince about still. A calm mind and controlled emotions are key. Thanks for the post. Old school is still the best school.

[@paulkelly1702]

True words all, Scott. At 66 soon and in the trades for 38 years, I have learned that mistakes happen. And when they do, it is how they are handled that makes all the difference. Thank you for the inspirational words.

[@vajoiner_2312]

Dad always said u have to rise to the occasion! Thanks Scott!

[@EssentialMountainHomesteading]

Jeffrey Roy Holland has a mountain of wise words. I have always enjoyed hearing him speak, I really apriciate the positive and uplifting thoughts you have to share, please keep it up.

[@thegreatestever4887]

Honestly, your words of encouragement have inspired me to improve my CV truthfully, NO JOKE😊

[@ICWeld]

I really appreciated this video, very good points, especially on word choice. We indeed are living in a profane world. Profanity can hide ones intelligence and value by turning off those around them. Its very saddening to see the potential in what the individual is trying to express but then is muddied by their words. If only they chose better words. Thank you for the video. Good points to keep at the forefront of our minds. It's a good daily exercise.

[@brianmillard2699]

Amen Brother on this video. This is wisdom that applies to all careers, not just the trades. We're fortunate you have an outlet to teach these lessons.

[@tylerbrisson1228]

This man is a hidden gem

[@chuckmuckamuck8001]

I've been designing and implementing software systems since 1990. Everything said in this presentation is completely true in my career.

[@simonbrueggemann249]

Happy Birthday Scott!! Thanks for being the Essential Craftsman.

[@jCrItCh5]

Very Inspiring videos Scott.. You even make stringing a line, Sound Profound...

[@orvillevoyles9451]

I always love the advice you have I hope the younger generations are listening also

[@berniestewart1738]

I appreciate you sharing your wisdom with us. I was in the cabinet business for about 5 years and have worked for the gubment for nearly 20 years now. I do drive a snow plow when it does snow. The loader and I started out at around the same time and we get along. While the rookies are getting loaded with salt my truck is already loaded. My uncle taught me that profanity is the sign of a man who has no vocabulary.

[@LKBHD]

You are a good honest man Scott. My thanks as an 3rd year electrician apprentice

[@RCDriftChaser]

terrific video. i would like to add 'reading people's moods and motivations.' this skill set has made it easier to work with a partner and/or team.

[@markjackson8833]

Couldnt Agree More. From Australia.

[@86rix]

Anyone keeping a list of quotes this man spits out? Gold. A perfect mix of scripture and the best of the world.

[@user-uj4kg3pc7l]

Whenever I’m having a bad day at work I throw this guy on and he always helps me remember why I chose to work for myself as a handyman/ builder. Helps remind me the stress of deadlines payroll mistakes etc is way better then stress of working all week not having enough money

[@21Casey50]

Professionalism, Respect, Integrity. Scott you set a great standard for all! Your Reputation Your Honor. Priceless!

[@perrydoerr8668]

I’ll second the “Take responsibility for your actions” Back in the late 80’s while working in a custom millwork shop fabricating some arched framing I screwed up 25 sheets of fir plywood. What did I do…Went straight to the owner of the company because I didn’t want him to find out second hand. He said quote. “Thank you… If that’s the worst you do you’ll be fine” Clear conscience and a good day. 👍👍

[@Dreadlock1227]

It’s remarkable how far you can get in construction simply by showing up

[@jimmyg3855]

Whatever it takes mentality is in our hands.

[@mattvarney8613]

Profanity-particularly the “F” bomb- used to be rare. Growing up, IF I heard someone around cuss, I knew they had reached their limits of frustration. In 1998 I moved to Columbus OH and landed my first real job in a truck shop. I quickly realized that some people were dropping the f bomb so often, that if they dropped that one particular word from their vocabulary, they could communicate in half the words. Needless to say, I purposed to not communicate that way, and I’ve made sure my boys know that it’s not professional to act that way. Awesome advice. Love the channel 🙌🏻

[@dustindemoe2643]

Excellent points made. I spent several years as an electrical apprentice learning some good and some bad from my leaders. After many more years in the field as a Journeyman electrician I got the opportunity to teach in a classroom setting. I teach more than the required curriculum. I make sure to teach the “tricks of the trade” also.

[@sealisland1]

20 years as a self employed car painter and I watch a lot of repair videos. You never know when a nugget will pop up.

[@christophergruenwald5054]

I wish I would have had some of this advice when I was younger. Being the employee longer may have been beneficial. But I was too hungry and started my own business at 23. Still in business 14 years later, but I learned a lot of hard lessons along the way. The biggest, just the management of people. That’s something I didn’t see a lot of yet.

[@addisonweir6132]

amazing advice.never gets old

[@GiovanniGiorgo]

The Essential Craftsman I love is still here, and I hope you’re here to stay for a lot longer. Thanks for what you do 🤙

[@JuanDeLaGarza-gq3lp]

Awesome advise, I’m turning 74 this month, still working in my businesses, auto repair, and have hired a few hundred people over the decades, I encourage my staff to continually improve themselves in all areas of their lives by listening to wise people around them. Videos like this one are free and can be life changing for those who take it to heart.

[@billhealy4831]

Well said, particularly your criticism of the “F” bomb.

[@chadsummers7981]

The world needs more Scott’s. I’ve had a father and mentors all my life. But no man I’ve ever met has this level of wisdom and is as articulate In his wisdom. God bless you. -Chad Summers Apprentice carpenter local 425

[@irietropicals4255]

All your hard work throughout your life has paid off, now you are spreading wisdom with over a million subscribers. I salute you.

[@Salmomlox]

Happy Birthday 🥰🥰🎂🎂🥳🥳🎈🎈You provide so much for us and keep us balanced. This is good for younger generations to hear this and pay attention. Thank you.

[@konkandesi]

Happy Belated Birthday to you. Thank you for imparting your wisdom and knowledge to the online learning community. You are an inspiration. God Bless you!

[@user-nx5uy7qr9b]

"Jack of all trades and a master of none, A master of none is better than a master of one" As a fellow carpenter I must say well said Sir.

[@GeorgeQH]

Great video, thank you. I have a lot to learn but enjoying working to better myself each day.

[@svantenordstrom]

These advice maps on every job and workplace I ever had. As on every relationship and friendship.

[@kathleensmith370]

Thanks so much for yor videos, your example and your character

[@TheTickpicker1]

Thank you, I spent my life in construction. You get two chances to do the job right, the first time you get paid for it.

[@spdglez6663]

Admiration for your work.Thank you for the video.

[@crystalhawkkingadventures996]

Your wisdom is very much appreciated. Thank you

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Lots of great lessons here, including some things that made me stop and look at myself again.

[@markbrown1011]

Thanks Phil, I am 71 and I really appreciate what you shared in this video. There is no exception for learning without having someone to ride you to understanding, keep up the good work.

[@ethanhunt8560]

Thank you!

[@chazlyle41]

35 year old welder finishing up Construction Engineering and Management Masters. Your tips are welcome and appreciated, sir! Hoping for a decent career as a FE, Sup, whatever opportunities ahead! Body couldn’t take the labor much longer, and pay was great but not enough to survive in this economy with a kid on the way. Your channel and insights are greatly appreciated! :)

[@EdEM90]

I hear ya. Been working in construction for some time now. Im working with an electrician at the moment but my elbow has been killing me for some time. Thinking about going civil engineering. Im almost done with an AA in engineering.

[@chazlyle41]

@@EdEM90 Keep pressing onward and upward! One nice thing about today is there’s very little competition when it comes to competent leaders! Haha

[@user-cr4xy1wp6s]

Thanks Mr.Wadsworth for your words of wisdom

[@Cesarbelle832]

Man great stuff. Giving me grandfather vibes. In a good way , thank you

[@cleanmikeandtheboys3165]

Good networking skills will exponentially increase the amount of influence you have over your future and how much practical knowledge you gain from working with people.

[@ga5743]

Your one of the best teachers out on the KZbin Scott, and Happy Birthday may you have many many more.

[@disqusrubbish5467]

I'd add - "be cheerful". Everybody's day will be better.

[@TIG2MAN0]

Sir this is a GREAT way of conducting one self in life!!!!!

[@mchilly]

Thanks for being a light to this world!

[@chadjelliston5652]

All these years of watching you’d I never knew you’d guided for elk. Very cool. So much stuff in your life very cool.

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for all the awesome videos and the essential content!!

[@jonathanniska623]

100% agree with your comments on profanity. It tends to keep potential leaders from breaking from the pack.

[@Whatsintheshop]

Happy Birthday! I love these talks you do. Much respect to you

[@billborn7363]

I very much appreciate your sometimes 180° outlook on some of your topics. You're a very good wordsmith and enjoy listening to your logic. Wish you were around when I was a young man in the 70s.

[@tommybounds3220]

Thank you for the video.

[@xbbjdf8]

Thanks for all of your videos, your sage advice comes from earned experience. I have learned a lot from you and I really appreciate it.

[@magnet8170]

Aside from being subscribed, I am certainly grateful for your videos. Keep the knowledge coming🙏🏾🫡

[@AARONJL92]

Happy birthday scott. Thank you for another great video.

[@Backswell]

Thank you sir this is priceless information

[@CorneliusFudgePop]

Happy Birthday EC!

[@wendelmsall2716]

Well spoken. Thanks for the video.

[@jamesengland7461]

Keep up the good work. Scott!

[@johnrice6793]

Sir - spot on.

[@K7RXF]

Your philosophies and "teachings" seemed very familiar and I wondered if . . . And then when I heard you quote Jefferey R. Holland, I knew. Thank you for your example of living a higher law.

[@robertwazniak9495]

67 years in construction and construction management as an engineer. Everything you said is spot on. On profanity... there is a time and place for it. The problem is it is used so often that it is ineffective. If I used it once a year it was a lot, but when I used it, people sat up and took notice. Using the correct tool for the job is just as important in language as in fabrication. My daughter is becoming a welder and I tried to instill this in her... just because everyone else does it... if you do it, make it effective and not just a waste of breath. Teaching others is the best way to discover how much you don't know. Some people teach by repeating the same words louder. If you can't explain your job to a kindergarten kid, a high schooler, an apprentice, your wife, and a seminar of professionals and get your point across, you need to learn more of what you are speaking on.

[@user-wk2yj2zr6h]

Very much enjoying this content. Just hearing your observations

[@lovemycountryhatemygovernment]

When you make these kind of 'wisdom sharing' gems and I just happen to stumble on them, it's always at the right time that I needed them. THANK YOU for sharing. I'm grateful for your selflessness. I promise to pay it forward.

[@codyw5799]

Owning mistakes is big. My father once told me he has never seen anyone get fired when they come to their foreman admitting a mistake and asking how they should fix it. It’s only when you try to hide your mistakes you really get in trouble or fired. His words have held true in my working years.

[@cdalton3169]

Well, well said!!!

[@bobireland1256]

“…take responsibility for your actions…” Many years ago I made a huge mistake on a job. Upon discovering the issue I went back to fix it. When the owner asked what happened I responded “I screwed up.” He paused for so long I thought he was going to explode all over me. He finally took a deep breath and said “Them’s 3 of the hardest words to say. Is everything alright now?” I said, with considerable relief “Yes Sir.” He replied “Good let’s sit down and talk about what’s next.” Please add “Sage” to your resume. Pray maintain speed and course.

[@neby_nebs]

i'm probably one of your younger viewers (24) and wanted to say happy birthday!! i'm an assistant superintendent now, and the only reason why my boss was willing to hire someone as green as me is because of all the traits you listed. i bookmarked this video as a reminder for (hopefully) more birthdays to come.

[@georgegaskell8379]

Can't think of a better way to express appreciation for this message but to say " I luvvvvv you" !!!

[@Mrwesmrwes]

This was excellent!