[LEAKYSEALS951]

While reading the "lack of common knowledge" thread tonight, it occurred to me I don't deal well with "too many cooks in the kitchen." Subtitled- "too many chiefs- not enough indians." For example- in the common knowledge thread, the home owner cut off the water at the source, and the OP cut the water off at the tank.

Obviously, we know that the tank is the issue. There would be little risk at this point in turning the main water back on (for the toilets), but this was not in the homeowner's comfort zone. So for the OP- the issue becomes "politeness vs. the better common good of toilet flow." In this situation, I would have stepped back and let the toilets run dry, and then step into a highly attended group talk (filled with engaged group members who could not flush) with the obvious solution of turning the main back on with the hot water heater cut off, attempting to sell it as a low risk, win win option for everyone. I would be the right man, at the right place, at the right time, with the right idea.

But what a hassle. In all reality though- that's a lot of effort to gain a simple plumbing highground.

It reminds me of a situation the other week where I drove up on a car that had veered off the mountain down into a ravine below us. Several drivers (including myself) came upon the scene simultaneously. I offered to get my tractor to pull the car out. Another chief wanted to call a wrecker. Another chief wanted to use his truck to pull them out. Based on the car's location and need not to trash the neighbor's lawn, I felt my idea would be best, however, truck guy wanted a shot. He was the alpha male and was in control. He drove up and when he realized the slope, wussed out and drove off. I waited politely (passively aggresively perhaps?) until all the other "helpers" had extinguished their ideas. At that point, when asked, I reiterated my original idea, and gladly got the GT and pulled them back up to the road.

It's not just me either. In general, I work with a bunch of women, who can be caddy as hell, but overall do fairly well- BUT, when a bunch of know it all guys get together, who are used to working alone, have to build consensus, things go to hell real quick.

So basically, I like to be in charge, but I'm not there to get in a d#$ waving contest, and if it comes to that, I generally just walk. How do you guys deal with too many chiefs/not enough indians type scenarios?