How often, dear colleagues and construction managers, do you get emotional on site?
Do you raise your voice, react sharply to workers’ mistakes?
After many years in the field, I can say I’ve learned to manage construction projects calmly — without shouting, without tension, without unnecessary emotion.
My team hasn’t seen an outburst from me in a long time.
But today — there was an exception.
The situation
On site, the foreman asked a new worker to clean a bucket before filling it with water for the mortar.
The worker replied:
“What’s the difference? You can use any water — even dirty. It’s just mortar.”
At that moment, a wave of emotion rose inside me, and I couldn’t hold back:
“And when you cook soup — do you also take any water? Even dirty?”
The worker froze, surprised.
Later we talked calmly, and I explained my point.
But that moment once again revealed a deep mindset problem I often encounter in construction.
The philosophy of quality
Many people think: “It’s just construction — it doesn’t need to be perfect.”
But that very mindset destroys quality.
Respect for the material – respect for yourself
For me, preparing concrete or mortar is almost a ritual.
It’s the moment when not only the physical strength of the structure is created — but also its energy.
Because mortar isn’t “just dirt.”
The way you treat it determines how it will treat you.
With respect — you get strength, durability, beauty.
With indifference — you get cracks, disintegration, and complaints.
Conclusion
Quality doesn’t begin with materials or technology.
It begins with a culture of attitude toward work.
Dear builders,
treat concrete, mortar, and every process with respect —
and they will reward you with longevity and strength.
See you at construction sites across the country!
Sincerely,
Sergey Starodubov,
Head of “VERTICAL CONSTRUCTION
TECHNOLOGIES”.
