Recently becoming "retired until my next contract", and downsizing and purchasing a flat, the need was raised for the services of certain tradesmen such as plumbers and carpenters. Being very much aware of the poor service delivered today by un- or under-qualified workmen I wondered what selection measure I should use.
"He's old school," was a recommendation I heard and subsequently applied. It certainly worked in our favour. The awkward and often torturous work in our small flat was undertaken by professionals for whom nothing was too much. We also paid them an unquibbled amount on the turn. "Old School" is a valued label and I like to think it applies to me too.
Integrity, trust and obligation were the unwritten hallmarks of any agreement. This expectation characterised much of my corporate life in the 70s and 80s, and even when we built our house in 2002 on a handshake between the contractor and myself. In the present litigious and fraud-ridden climate these traits have become wishful thinking. Hence the need for today's excessive, but apparently ineffective, regulation.
Let's use more phrases like "My word is my bond" and live to it. Then you too can earn the right of being called Old School.
