sal guillen

sal guillen

civil engineer, looking to improve skills, assisting others.

" There is noting noble in being superior to your fellow man. True nobility is being superior to your former self "
E. Hemingway

Location California, USA

Activity

  • Looking forward to sharpening my writing skills. esp. in my field.
    need good practice and constructive criticism...

  • @GozdeOz ...

    Another topic we did not touch on is the criminal aspect of the construction field.
    Negotiating, is the best way to deal with serious dilemmas one may not see as dangerous.
    "Crossing", especially one with wealth and power, can be hazardous. Saying "No", "Going Against the flow", or "Whistleblowing" can expose an individual with very little...

  • @GozdeOz ...
    If I can go higher on the "Food Chain" then I would.
    I will always try to remedy the solution, but continue looking for other options.
    If client did not want to budge from the proposal, and I had no more options out.

    Then I would consider a lost cause, waste of my time, and can use that energy to further find other prospects.
    I would not want...

  • Great course, I would recommend having more samples that can enhance critical thinking.

  • @OroyemiJohnson ...
    Unfortunately, doing business in Nigeria and other less organized, and low GDP countries, can be difficult to use Ethical relationships.
    It will take time for people to become better educated about Ethics, Construction Field, and properly addressing severe corruption. It happens everywhere. We as a species are flawed and need to...

  • I would agree, how they see 50% of their population is reason for concern.

    Jewish traditions are matter for concern just as much as Islamic. Other religions to a lesser extent. This is not an religious problem, but more cultural.

    But again I strongly state that not all are corrupt. Being able to marginalize someone, in this instants, is not ethical.
    There...

  • @GozdeOz
    Thank you Oz, for commenting. I hope I was not to forward in my answer.
    If someone wanted to get paid without work, input, or get payed just for the networking, should be removed, let go, or fired. But I would attempt to negotiate and not accept the client receive money unless put in written form, and all parties are aware of the situation...

  • Comment below with your thoughts on this interview?

    Most comments on here; is leaving it to leadership. That's not always the right way to a successful Organization.
    Sometimes , The Leader is incapable of leadership.
    Then what?
    We, as an Individual, need to be proactive.
    Start with people who, we get along with.

    Build a good lasting working relationship...

  • @IainWhittick ….Being able to communicate well with others, and knowing how receptive others are, is also important to directing minds and ideas.

  • -Stay at it.
    -Be Positive
    -Focus
    -Get Family Support
    -Education
    -Network
    -Licensure
    -Live by a code of Professional Conduct
    -Help a fellow Collogue..

  • -If you woke up tomorrow and a miracle had occurred.

    -Everything is how you wanted it to be(Utopia) and could be true to yourself,
    act in accordance with your own moral compass, what would you be doing,
    thinking and feeling on a daily basis?

    I would be much more busier, happier, full-filled,
    but living a full and balanced life with Family-Work.

    -What...

  • -What would the culture of the project team in which you are working be like?
    #1 Rule, Search for your Colleagues, Professionalism, Ethical/Moral Values,
    and Knowledge Contribution to further enhance Skills, Knowledge, and Construction Techniques.

    -What would the relationships with your client / supply chain be like?
    Utopian Construction Projects.
    No one...

  • @StuartMitchell ..
    Great comment, loved it...but how would you handle money issues, as it is the root for many bad things...and good things as well.

  • @BillHolden ...
    I do not think the reason it would probably be illegal was due to being ahead of the law. It would be illegal because government may not be able to get proper information to determine corruption. Second, from what I understand, Information locked in the Blockchain, can not be Breached, Modified, or Hacked currently, but the only people involved...

  • sal guillen made a comment

    Have you already been thinking about what you or your company need to do?

    Education or Orientation for Staff, including the President, should be Implemented on a minimum yearly basis.
    Also a dossier should be kept for discussions, analysis on a monthly semi-annual, or quarterly Cycle.

  • The most challenging was the question scenarios.
    It was too easy to have answered yes/no without really defining those two choices and possible repercussions. We need to have a better understanding on the response to the scenarios. Real life is much more complex then sitting in our ivory towers and say no, and then move on. It is never that simple. More...

  • Building Long Term Relationships is vital to companies; that want to continue with Companies of all Sectors of the Construction field. Communication, and Transparency, are crucial to any business. And when found in an unethical compromising situation, one should open request alternative situations that can comply with both the law, and the needs of both...

  • Publishing a clear written policy, prohibiting gifts, expenses, or hospitality, which might influence or be seen to influence a contractual or material matter.
    Most importantly, gifts, hospitality and expenses whether given or received, or indeed refused, should be fully documented because transparency is key to avoiding suspicion.

    As, Simple Policy, No one...

  • Interesting how so few people replied to this section.
    And most of the replies where very generic in value and thought.

    I was hoping to have gained valuable and professional comments that could actually be applied to the conundrum. I only got one.... A VAT Receipt (@Lee Merriman) . But I live in the USA, and VATs are not applied here.

    Building Long Term...

  • Clients suggested that you use their brother to certify your standard which is a prerequisite for the tender by transferring the auditing(Site Approval) fee in two stages – One chunk directly to him and the other to his brother and they would ensure you would pass.

    Although, He got what he requested in "Networking". An "Offer" was proposed. Unfortunately, it...

  • Should more organizations consider using the acid test questions?

    Acid test questions:

    1. Would I be happy for my decision to be published in the media?
    2. Would I be happy for my friends and family to know about my decision?
    3. Is there any part of me that thinks this decision is wrong or that I am ashamed of it?
    4. If I implement this decision is my...

  • I agree with @Bill Holden, If I was to say no to any of the issues, I would have to reflect on the purpose. Attempt to remedy the solution or modify my Ethics, Believes, or Choices. There is nothing wrong, in the long run, making a bad choice. Its how we all learn. But not reflecting or analyzing the choices can be detrimental to career, and lifestyle.

  • We all need to remember that (SH), sexual harassment is not only a woman issue, but a man issue as well, though it may rarely happen. It still happens.
    Men can be accused of false SH. I have been a victim of this. I almost lost my job due to bantering between me and a girl at work. She was touching me inappropriately, and I told her I would get back, by...

  • At one of my very first jobs, while I was still in school.
    I ran into a contractor, who I thought was great.
    He was very nice very open.
    His weakness I believe was that he loved boasting about his experience and how he got wealthy in the industry.
    He had told a group of people, what he did once, he had substituted wood and animal carcasses for concrete...

  • @MarkSmith
    I think your insight on moods, and personal situations that can contribute to emotional distress, is right on.

  • @BillHolden ...
    Good point, on that the only reason why nudity or partial , should be at designated locations such as modeling agencies or outdoor beach environment.

  • @IainWhittick ...
    Thank you for your input.
    I agree, to bring it to the persons attention by bringing up what he thought about ethics, and ethical situations. Then I would remind him of his comment he made.

  • @JohnHall
    Scenario "C". (Phobia of Gender, Sexual Orientation, ) or ( Bantering).

    I am happy to hear that you would initiate an inquiry of the situation and would continue monitoring the situation.

    I would hope many more people would have the same mind set.

    Furthermore, I agree with you 100% with how you dealt with the situation.
    As I would follow...

  • @EmmaCoulson ...
    We all need to remember that its 90% male, and males are stubborn to accept change.
    The word "Love" to me would not be acceptable, unless you where dating, or both interested a romantic relationship. (Again not acceptable, but usually ignored by most employee, exceptions(Boss, and HR) ).
    I would see it as a red flag on the male who mentioned...

  • @KarenRhodes …. Good for You!!!
    That was a nice "BACK-SLAP" at a Male Chauvinist comment.
    Very witty, and great way to deal with the situation, other than bad office manners and harassment on his part.

  • @DeaneSales
    Scenario "B". (Sexy Male Firefighter Calendar) or ( Sexual Harassment)

    Personally I would use the opportunity to start an exercise program for myself, and compare my muscles weekly or monthly. After all I believe this is the reason why they are promoting a calendar showing muscles.
    To promote health and exercise.

    Now, if I noticed, males who...

  • @JohnRefaat ….
    Scenario "A". (Flirting, Frolic, Bantering). or (Harassment)

    True intentions, are critical of the situation.
    I see my self, as I am single, trying to flirt with a woman (bantering, frolicking), trying to start off a conversation, or get to know her.
    In my eyes..it would have been an innocent remark, requesting for information of the woman....

  • @StuartMitchell
    Agreed with your comment Scenario "A"......
    100%.
    Most people would not say anything because of competition.
    It was, in my opinion, gentlemanly like to ask a question of the woman.
    The woman could have dressed improper which lead to the questioning of possibly wrong location. First Orientation is usually very confusing, and people are...

  • @JohnRefaat ...
    Wow...
    Thanks for the example. Was he a licensed Architect?
    Normally a licensed Architect, are professional about conflict of interests.

  • sal guillen made a comment

    Looking forward to some real examples that will challenge our Ethical views.

  • This will be a good learning experience.
    Usually students learn based on real examples; examples that allows the learner to critically think for a solutions based on the tools given here...
    (Research, Values, Ethics, Morals, Experience).
    Not all examples should be Construction related. What we need to use more in the construction sector is how to implement...

  • The cost of compliance; What are the Impact and Risks this creates for industry?

    Compliance can be very detrimental to a company. Especially, if the company is small.

    This plays into the role of collusion, corruptions, and choosing a qualified contractor that will treat its client with transparency and value. Furthermore, this type of corruption is so wide...

  • @ComfortMweene....
    Furthermore...people who low bid, and win the project without accurately pricing the project are part of the problem for none compliance, manipulation, collusion, and corrupt.
    These companies are unfair to the companies who are more accurate of the actual cost of the project. Companies that become uncompliant, just transfer the cost to the...

  • @JudythMermelstein ...
    Well thank you for the thought...and information...very informative...

    Question..
    you think they can hack in again...
    if you got a new computer, virus protection, password changes,
    and not open email or go to the website that was possibly the culprit?

    Thank you again for your point of view!

  • Ethical leadership in practice?

    We all know Ethical Leaders through out our life time.

    -Teachers, who taught us to use our "Talented Minds to be Creative".
    -Coaches, that taught us that "We can do it" & "Never Give Up".
    -Parents, That we should always do the "Right Thing".
    -Heroes, That have led by example. (Einstein, Michael Jordan, Ali).

    Unfortunately, I...

  • It pays to be Ethical, It does not pay to be Not Ethical.

    A willingness to talk about Ethics, is usually the Catalyst to address issues at hand of that company.
    Receptive people will be willing to discuss and remedy Ethical issues that may arise.
    None receptive people are already past the safety zone of the problems at hand.

  • What is your experience of payment practices in the industry?
    Whether its Clients, Contractors, or Developers;
    Some tend to want to "Squeeze Down" Professionals for personal reason.
    To gain as much profit per work.

    Concessions. (Free Extra Work)
    Late payment.
    Bounced Checks.
    Miscommunication.
    Threats of Legal Action. (for no apparent or realistic...

  • @ElleIdan...
    Sounds more like Corruption and Profit Margin at the expense of living beings. Not Globalization or too many people.
    Since the dawn of civilization, there has always been slavery.
    (Using Human Labor at Zero Cost and 100% Profit.)
    To me that's Plain and simple GREED.

    Remember Money is only Fake Paper that people have put trust and value on it....

  • @AdrianMontague ...
    I am happy to hear that CIOB is attempting to address some of those issues of Modern Slavery!

  • @LeeMerriman ….Immigration has little to do with it. Most people who do the most difficult work have been undocumented workers, but not many people would like to do hard labor for minimal pay and no health insurance.
    Would you?
    Many Companies choose or cannot find the labor they require. Even if they pay more. Most citizens don't have the stamina, drive, or...

  • @DeaneSales ...
    I think the People taking advantage of other peoples rights, and sweat of their labor, know that they are Ethically & Morally wrong. Their justification is the "Dollar is mightier than the soul"

  • What are your views on Modern Slavery. Does it happen?
    Modern Slavery still exist in all fields of every industry.
    Once you "Clock-In", you are now the legal property of the owner(Boss) of that company. He can decide when & where, you take breaks, how long you work, how much to pay if he wants to pay, He can "Kill, Destroy, or Terminate" your Identity, when...

  • How many of these companies do you think are talking about ethics?

    Very few, in my opinion, actively focus on proper Values, and Ethics.
    Some may touch or briefly mention them.
    But for the most part, avoid, or neglect Values or Ethics, in fear that it may interfere with their profit motives.

    How many of them know what they have to do legally?

    Knowing and...

  • @AdrianMontague....
    Do you believe if you are part of an organization, you are likely to follow ethical values; or do some people use it just to gain more work?

  • @FlávioMacaringue...
    Its true, that Leaders are the lynch-pin that determines who, what, how, to be a responsible, ethical, and moral views.
    But, they are also the first to be corrupted or pressured into unethical circumstances.

    A Strong Willed, Moral & Ethical Leader, is always a great person to follow. Akin to a Strong Willed, Moral & Ethical: Coach,...

  • In my opinion, the greatest violation encountered in the industry.

    Corruption:
    manipulation of payment applications, collusion to share & divide the market.

    Fraud:
    billing fraud, bid/contract rigging, bribery / corruption, fictitious vendors, change order manipulation, theft or substitution of materials, false representation, money launder / tax...

  • Ethics issues & regulations in the UK & Internationally.

    Good Reference Sheets. (1-10p).

    Although, a brief explanations of charts; pages (7-10p), would be helpful in order to maximize the use of the charts.

  • What did you enjoy most/least this week?

    I enjoyed the search with in ones self.

    Many people, including myself, only show the rosy side of their personal life. No one wants to show negative characteristics, fear of rejection and not knowing what or how to exchange it for something more positive or healthier.

    The course has helped me evaluate, understand...

  • Why are these values important in construction?

    Professionals are in the forefront to battle corruption in construction field.
    This allows professionalism, in tandem with Ethics, Morals, and Values, to govern the industries purpose, and Regulations of Professional Competence and Conduct.

    Behaviors expected:
    -Keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
    -Be...

  • @ElleIdan ...Thank you for that summary code of conduct. I will be using it as a quick way to remind me of my duties and obligations to society and myself.

  • I live in the USA, Is there an American version of the CIOB?
    Regardless, I will be joining the CIOB.
    If there are fees, I may defer until I have allocated for this, well invested membership.

  • @MariaCoulter ….is there an equivalent American Version of the CIOB?

  • I have been working inside the USA, for most of my career, but what I have notices is that many people who have been involved in corruption, bribes, conspiracies, and collusion have been , in most part, been from middle east areas. I believe its more of a cultural way of doing business, but here in the USA, many of those tactics are frowned upon. (not saying...

  • @DavidGirling
    Exactly!...
    Contractors/Developers are notoriously known for being extremely corrupt. there have been countless times where my boss was threatened in his own office in front of me. where I was actually shaking. Architect/Engineers are usually the only professionals that can defend and protect their client as we are taught Morals, Ethics,...

  • Do any of your values match those that are required or wanted in construction?

    -Information sharing and open communication.
    My experience is mix on this topic.
    Some companies are not willing to train, they want experience or vice versa.
    Many, want to find out what the new person knows to appropriate.
    Instead of focusing on project accomplishments.

    ...

  • @HelenHainsworth-Millar ...I agree as well.
    I have a dutch friend (84)...
    what a great honest ethical person he is.
    Glad to have him in my life.

  • @AleksandraSitko ..Very nice...nice company to work for!!

  • @DavidShipley ...
    I have noticed that as you get older, you become part of the industry, and now have courage, to speak up, stand your ground and help mold the industry.
    Tall order though.
    when your new ...you want to cater, in exchange for knowledge which you really don't get unless you actively(aggressively) search for it, but this can also get you fired,...

  • I really liked the section comment of 2.8.

    It puts it in a diplomatic reality.

    There many issues from modern day slavery, (as one of my professors would say), to out right bullying ( as many contractors are ).

  • In my personal experience; There are a lot of Bad companies who are very corrupt, but in their eyes, they are just being shrewd. Once you join their company, you either adjust to their corruption or leave. The majority will conform, and become as corrupt and see things as being "Normal".
    Now, not all are like this, but too many do not address the issue.

  • @ChristinaK …. I knew a Christina Cramer who was a great civil engineer!

  • @NasirTailor ....
    Even on here..
    I have been following several people on here..and rarely have I seen them participate or comment about anything.
    My feeling is, that they are just reading..and gaining knowledge without them participating in the debate and help us gain knowledge also.
    Now some, in there defense, may have dropped out; but most, are not...

  • @HelenHainsworth-Millar ...
    What I also have noticed about websites...is that they paint the best picture..then you see their work...not their office..
    but their service product...and I find it very incomplete.

    I asked one of my bosses why that was the case...(thats not how I was trained)...and he said ...because he needed to charge for change orders. To...

  • I found "Unleashing Human Potential for Performance and Profit " pdf format, very insightful and accurate. I will use it as a baseline on how to review friends and family. where they may be deficient and strong in, and how I can help or have them see their weaknesses.

  • @ElleIdan ...Very similar situation with me. It has been a little tough getting that ideal job I once had. now I have to create that dream myself.

  • Does the way you spend your time reflect your values?
    I would say "No". I wish I was further ahead of my goals and situation. As of now I am putting all my time to my career/work and a lot less on family and friends. This has caused my network to shrink considerably. Hoping that this is only temporary and that I can include other loves of live, like family,...

  • Very informative.
    Although it may not always be correct, based on mood, personality on that day. It does become a datum on where you can reflect and measure yourself.
    As Hemingway said:
    " There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man. True nobility is being superior to your former SELF"

  • This is a great idea.
    I feel that i may have some negative habits I would like to get ride of but it is difficult to replace it. I think its because I do get a sense of enjoyment. Finding the root cause may give me a psychological advantage on getting rid of bad habits or values.

  • sal guillen made a comment

    Values denotes the degree of importance of some thing or action, with the aim of determining what actions are best to do or what way is best to live (normative ethics), or to describe the significance of different actions.
    Values, can be positive such as fairness, honesty, creativity, challenge, communication, freedom. They can also be negative such as,...

  • @JohnMort ...well I was hoping it would be an adware or free...but thank you for getting back to me with a response!

  • Yes, my awareness is more acute, I find myself questioning the morals, ethics, thought patterns of others. Especially, when someone says or insinuates something vague, that can be interpreted in a good or bad way. Which forces you to challenge the individual or do what my be unethical. This is a very uncertain situation someone may find themselves.

  • @Takalanimagoro ...Very True..

    Because we work in a male dominant industry.
    There are many Alpha's in the industry. (Some Good, Some Bad)
    Alpha males don't like being told what to do, or be corrected in front of others. Alpha males tend to make a lot of enemies, because not everyone one is out to embarrass the person.
    People just want to do the right thing....

  • @JohnHall ...Great example of possible collusion....if done in the wrong way.
    Thank you for that!

  • @BillHolden.... Yes, very true.
    Sometimes I prefer to ignore the issue I see at hand.
    This is usually with friends, because I don't want to lose or upset them.
    You also don't always want to correct them or else they can become annoyed.

    At work, it may be a little more easier, by calculating and preparing for a rebuttal or reason to do it a different way....

  • @StuartMitchell … when in a meeting, ethical issues may not be apparent. some issues are like weeds. you see something growing but not sure if its a good thing or bad. its not until the plant grows when you determine that its not good for you or the situation. Some can see it right away, but that takes experience, knowledge, and aware that not everyone have...

  • sal guillen made a comment

    Q: have you ever identified your personal values before & does this interest you?

    Yes, I try to think about them constantly, but I have found that other peoples values are not always the same as mine. For example, some people only call me to do things, have fun, spend time on things I'm not really interested in doing.

    Others are syndical, (some family...

  • @ChristinaK ...interesting!
    What where the 10 original values?
    what did you end up with number one value?

  • Monday-Thurs.:

    8:30am
    wake up grabe some coffee.(Wake up earlier)

    9:30am
    read email, return calls plan for the day/week.

    11:00am-2:00pm
    continue with work (research, drawings, calcs., Future Learn, or Study-time for other)

    2:00pm-3:30pm
    lunch

    3:30-8:00pm
    continue with work (research, drawings, calcs., Future Learn, or Study-time for...

  • @Takalanimagoro …& @AliaksandrKorzhun
    Don't let your education go down..keep learning, and when you are ready...
    the opportunity will present its self.
    So be prepared for that moment...or else it may pass you by..
    Good Luck on your search and keep working hard.
    Don't let others affect you in a negative way.
    Stay with positive people. or else you will fall...

  • @ImogenFairweather ...Time to get cracking!
    What has helped me, is taking small portions or goals at a time.
    ex. (house cleaning) min. of 20-30min a day when I get home first thing I do. (before I cool down and get lazy)
    then I can eat and relax. that way house stays clean and all it takes is 20min per day.
    (use things and put them back right away or don't...

  • @MarkSmith ...Yes! Life is a journey not a destination.
    I hope you enjoy the journey and reach your destination in the shortest amount of time.
    "NEVER GIVE UP NEVER GIVE IN"

  • @OluOYEWO ...Very well done..Thank you for that format.

  • What I learned was the difference between Morals/Ethics, and where they come from. Before it was just do not hurt others, but never really questioned where in my mind or heart or emotion It would come from.
    Now I recognize the difference, where they come from:
    (Family, Culture, Society, Life experiences)

  • Ethics is not always a piece of cake to implement.
    In our minds eye, yes!
    it is because there is little to fear, after all its only "what I would do".

    But, to implement, knowing the effects it would cause, sometimes negative for your company or boss, especially if your boss or employee tell you to go the direction you are not in agreement. sometimes it...

  • Ethics: Behavior, values, rights/wrongs, principles, ideals

    -moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.
    -the branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles.
    -a set of moral principles, especially ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct.

    (Example): "many scientists question the...

  • @CristinaChitimus
    I believe that many people use childhood upbringing to make decision all the time, especially when they are dangerous or questionable decision making.
    for ex. if you saw a 12year old with matches..
    would you think that's a good idea?
    (First thought that would be, my parents would never have me play with matches at that age. repercussion...

  • @ScottIssom as a rule of thumb Scott, its really not a good idea to bring up Politics or Religion...because as soon as you do...others put walls right away and see you as a friend or foe. but there is nothing wrong with having your religious belief drive you to making a good decision. That's what religion is for.(well one of the good things its used for)

  • @JohnHall ...we have all mostly ignored the real reason why good honest people go bad or corrupt. That is how you see "Money", whether you need it or require it at the moment. What I am saying its much easier to make better ethical decisions if you have no worries about money. your motive would not be about money but about protecting others.

  • @StuartThompson ….
    sometimes using the golden rule helps.
    others use faith or religious backgrounds.
    my cliché is "do no wrong to others"
    remember that as a professional you must think of the well being of
    (1) society first,
    (2) Client confidentiality
    (3) Companies honesty/integrity
    (4) Boss integrity

    just something to put as a mental note. =-)

  • sal guillen made a comment

    Bribery
    Corruption
    Procurement/tendering practices
    Workers’ rights
    Conflict of interest
    Collusion
    Corporate social responsibility

    Here in the USA, Corruption and Collusion, in my opinion, is the biggest issue facing construction companies.

    I have personally witnessed this in my line of work. when being witness to this type of unethical business exchange,...

  • @StuartMitchell ...I have personally experienced underpayment, corrupt dealings, abuse to employees, and personal family members.

  • (10)- Rules To Professional Ethics:
    -Always strive for excellence
    -Be trustworthy
    -Be courteous and respectful
    -Be honest
    -Always be ethical
    -Be competent and improve continually
    -Always be honorable and act with integrity
    -Be respectful of confidentiality
    -Set good...

  • @BronaghPurcell ….if you like to address the issues of bullying. Then I suggest to limiting the amount of bantering with employees during working hours. The most important skill to address bullying is to be mindful of what people say and the reaction people give to the comment. You will become aware of the jokers, quiet ones, timid, and aggressive ones....

  • When was the last time I spoke about ethics?
    It as been a while.
    I found that the companies that I would work for where only financially driven.
    They would talk about how "honest", " I believe in karma", " God is seeing", speeches, but when observing or listening how they spoke to their employees, contractors or others in the field, it quickly turned to...

  • @ImogenFairweather...hmmm interested point of view. yes that is a possibility about people saying one thing and doing another in practice.