Work Camper Advice: Don't Be Afraid to Admit you don't know how to do something
11-03-2017
Author: in Henley's Happy Trails
When taking a job as a camp host, you will inevitably be asked to do a few things that you are not familiar with performing. Many tasks are pretty straightforward and easy to figure out, even if you have no experience doing them. On the other hand, some tasks appear easy until you try to do them.
Scenario One
Take the example of escorting a guest to their site. Every RV is different and therefore each will fit into a space differently. One may assume that the person driving knows how to handle their rig and its limitations, but that isn’t the case all of the time.
In order to escort someone to their site, you must be familiar with how multiple types of rigs are driven as well as their space limitations as far as branches and other obstacles go. That knowledge really only comes after you have escorted many RVs.
Escorting someone to their rig is not a difficult task by any means, but if you haven’t done it before it may be a good idea to ask the current camp host or owner for some demonstrations. They will most likely share some tips that will make the task easier. Many RV parks are aware of this hidden difficulty and have new employees shadow the current ones so they learn these nuances and tips.
Scenario Two:
Sometimes, as a camp host, you could be asked to do something that is simply out of your expertise and comfort zone. Case in point, I have been asked to change 30 amp, 50 amp, and GFCI outlets. This job requires some electrical knowledge. There is a right way and wrong way to wire those plugs. Wiring them wrong can cause issues that damage rigs or even risk fire. I personally am not an electrician; I only know enough to know I can mess it up.
In the past, when I have been asked to do something like this, I have never hesitated to inform the supervisor about my inability or inexperience performing a given task. I always follow that statement with, “If possible, I’d like to learn how to properly perform the task.”
By admitting that I am inexperienced in that subject, I help keep the park safe and myself safe. I also give myself the opportunity to learn how to perform tasks correctly.
How does the saying go?
The Chinese philosopher Lao Tsu said, “The wise man is one who knows what he does not know.” Many people feel lack of knowledge is embarrassing and are therefore hesitant to admit ignorance. In most cases, the boss or fellow employees will appreciate someone honestly admitting what they don’t know and will be willing to help him/her gain that knowledge. So in my opinion, one should never be afraid to admit they don’t know how to do something.
As a work camper, have you ever been asked to perform a task that was beyond your capabilities?
Scenario One
Take the example of escorting a guest to their site. Every RV is different and therefore each will fit into a space differently. One may assume that the person driving knows how to handle their rig and its limitations, but that isn’t the case all of the time.
In order to escort someone to their site, you must be familiar with how multiple types of rigs are driven as well as their space limitations as far as branches and other obstacles go. That knowledge really only comes after you have escorted many RVs.
Escorting someone to their rig is not a difficult task by any means, but if you haven’t done it before it may be a good idea to ask the current camp host or owner for some demonstrations. They will most likely share some tips that will make the task easier. Many RV parks are aware of this hidden difficulty and have new employees shadow the current ones so they learn these nuances and tips.
Scenario Two:
Sometimes, as a camp host, you could be asked to do something that is simply out of your expertise and comfort zone. Case in point, I have been asked to change 30 amp, 50 amp, and GFCI outlets. This job requires some electrical knowledge. There is a right way and wrong way to wire those plugs. Wiring them wrong can cause issues that damage rigs or even risk fire. I personally am not an electrician; I only know enough to know I can mess it up.
In the past, when I have been asked to do something like this, I have never hesitated to inform the supervisor about my inability or inexperience performing a given task. I always follow that statement with, “If possible, I’d like to learn how to properly perform the task.”
By admitting that I am inexperienced in that subject, I help keep the park safe and myself safe. I also give myself the opportunity to learn how to perform tasks correctly.
How does the saying go?
The Chinese philosopher Lao Tsu said, “The wise man is one who knows what he does not know.” Many people feel lack of knowledge is embarrassing and are therefore hesitant to admit ignorance. In most cases, the boss or fellow employees will appreciate someone honestly admitting what they don’t know and will be willing to help him/her gain that knowledge. So in my opinion, one should never be afraid to admit they don’t know how to do something.
As a work camper, have you ever been asked to perform a task that was beyond your capabilities?
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Author: Levi and Natalie Henley
