The Long Spoon Approach

Construction was one of the last industries to be included in the stop work order during the Covid-19 shutdown and was largely business as usual even through the worst weeks in early April. It was also one of the first industries back to the detriment of many builders’ health.

We felt helpless as former co-workers and friends risked their health in order to complete punch-lists. We heard rumors of clients offering to pay the city’s steep fines to continue work regardless of the shutdown. We thought of our own families well-being, many of whom are skilled tradespeople and often work alongside us. How do you delegate when faced with considerable risk?

It brought to mind the classic allegory, in which guests arrive to a feast, prepared and set in an extravagant hall, eager to enjoy the meal until they realize their spoons are too long for them to feed themselves.

They starve only until they realize that they may eat if they reach their spoons toward their neighbors and feed each other.

This past Thanksgiving we found that even on Zoom, with our people just out of reach, this principal still rang true.

It is a parable we’ve taken to heart at KSB, a company formed by friends during the height of the pandemic. Our love of beautiful spaces cannot contend with our love of people. Whether our clients, workers, friends or family – it is paramount that our work is done in the safest conditions, virtually when possible, and in gallant unity.

You can read more about our Covid-19 Preparedness Plan here.

-AK