Head Mechanic
From Bikerowiki
The Head Mechanic is the leader of the shop during the open hours. While the shop is open she supervises projects, watches to make sure that volunteers are doing their jobs, problem solves, assists customers with projects, and has last say on any decisions. Usually they are the most skilled mechanic in the shop, and when other mechanics need advice or assistance they are available to share their knowledge or help creatively problem solve.
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[edit] The Job
The head mechanic (HM) is the ultimate authority and bears ultimate responsibility for shop operation during their shift. The HM's responsibilities break down into several broad categories:
- Opening and closing
- Coordinating volunteers
- Assisting in projects
- Educating
- Maintaining the shop
[edit] Opening and closing
Unless another shift is ending the HM arrives several minutes before the open hours begins and unlocks the shop. They then coordinate volunteer staff in opening the shop, including carrying bikes and other tasks, roughly according to Opening Checklist. When open hours are ending the head mechanic coordinates the volunteers in closing the shop, roughly according to the Closing Checklist and then locks up.
[edit] Coordinating volunteers
When the shop is open and customers are present the HM's primary focus should be on making sure that volunteers are assisting all the customers who need assistance. She should keep a watchful eye on customers who are working alone in order to make sure that they are assisted if needed, and to ensure that they are not misusing tools. She should also watch to make sure that customers are greeted and cashed out properly.
[edit] Assisting in projects
When tough projects arise which other mechanics cannot handle alone, the HM can either assist or lead, at their discretion & depending on the specific situation. When assigning people to assist customers in projects, the HM should first assign available volunteers competent in the necessary tasks. If none are available only then should the HM assist on the project, in order to remain free & available to oversee the shop and educate volunteers. The HM should also make sure that all Shadows are engaged in projects, and if possible with an emphasis on learning or honing their skills.
[edit] Improving the shop and educating
If the shop is running smoothly it is a good time for the HM to engage shadow mechanics and others in cleaning up messes, and maintaining the shop. (eg: organizing volunteers to dismantle wheels which have unusable rims but high quality hubs.) This could also be an excellent opportunity for educational projects, (eg: an impromptu workshop on basic wheel truing.)
The HM should actively reinforce the educational aspects of Bikerowave. Training other people in new tasks or in new mechanical skills rarely has immediate benefit, but later it will enable the head mechanic and Bikerowave immensely. Even skilled mechanics can benefit from some observation.
Often you'll find volunteer mechanics doing the bulk of a repair for a customer. The HM should actively discourage this. Customers who simply want their bike repaired for them, should take it to a shop. HM's need to be vigilant in reminding volunteer mechanics to encourage the customer do as much of the repair as possible, even if this slows down the repair dramatically. The goal is for the customer to learn by doing.
One good exercise is to observe a volunteer mechanic teaching a customer a new repair. While the mechanic is teaching the customer the head mechanic can observe the volunteers educational approach. The head mechanic can then make suggestions, and share positive and negative observations about the volunteers approach. Educating about educating! The HM can even reverse this by asking a volunteer to observe them training someone and comment. This not only provides the head mechanic an opportunity to learn, but gives the volunteer a chance to learn about teaching others to teach better. Get creative! Have Fun!
[edit] Qualifications
Accumulating sufficient mechanical skill to become a HM is laudable in and of itself. However, because much of an HM's job is management of volunteers, there are other character traits and skills that are necessary to be a good HM.
[edit] Mechanical Skill Requirements
Proficiency with the following:
- Brakes: Sidepull, Centerpull, V-brakes, Cantilever (Disk optional?)
- Shifting: Indexed, friction
- Dérailleur adjustment
- Dérailleur hanger adjustment
- Housing & cable assessment and replacement
- Tire & tube assessment and replacement
- Frame inspection and sizing
- Wheel assessment, truing, and discerning bent rims
- Superficial knowledge of wheel building
- Hub inspection and overhaul
- Bottom brackets, both sealed-bearing and open
- Headset adjustment, installation and overhaul, threaded and threadless
- Seat post adjustment
- Proficient use of Dial-Caliper or Micrometer
In addition to these basic skills HMs should have some basic problem solving skills, as they will occasionally face repairs for which they have little previous experience. An important aspect of being a good problem solver is recognizing the limits of one's knowledge, and being willing to acknowledge when you are outside your comfort zone.
- The ability to learn new repairs. (eg: from Barnett's or other manuals)
- Willingness to admit when they don't know how to approach a repair, rather than mislead a customer.
- An aptitude for creative problem solving.
[edit] Leadership Skills
The HM's main job is to delegate authority and coordinate the operation of the shop. Hence, in some ways their social and leadership skills are most important. They should be patient, comfortable in a position of authority, and moderately proficient at:
- Directing volunteers and making sure the tasks get done
- Instructing volunteers on how to accomplish tasks when clarification is needed
- Ensuring that volunteers are fully utilized (not loitering)
- Multitasking
- Doubling for the Host position when necessary
- Diffusing conflicts if they arise, and doing this diplomatically whenever possible
As always, the most important skill at Bikerowave:
- HAVE FUN!!!