Following on from the subject started by Helen earlier
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=46442.0 Thought I'd come up with (from experience) the 6 ages of an employed window cleaner.
Month 1: New to the game and although inexperienced listen to what is told and try to copy instructor.
Month 2: Now nearly ready to be let lose on your customers. First signs of now trying to do it in a way not taught only weeks ago.
Month 3: Quick bit of re-training needed. Speed increases so does quality.
Month 4: Confidence outstrips ability. Suddenly think they can do twice the work in half the time to the same quality. Guess what they can't.
Month 5: First murmours of thinking they are the window cleaners window cleaner. (say it slowly and think about it)
Month 6: They now know it all. They think they've been doing it for years and aren't shy to tell you so. Infact they now think they own the business not actually work for it.
Month 7: Either the 1st written warning is issued or sacked and it's good riddence, time to find new recruit.
In 4 years of employing this has been the story of at least 10 employees.