Jason shares Chapter 10 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. Grady sees opportunity: rush job plus Peterson's leaked information equals blackmail leverage. Visits Peterson trying to manipulate him into ousting Bannon. Peterson refuses: "You was the boss here now, and I was only the foreman of the night shift." Peterson finally tells Bannon about Grady's visits. Bannon confronts Peterson directly: "Why don't we pull together better? What is it you're sore about?" Repairs relationship: "I want to feel that I've got you with me. Come around and tell me what I'm doing wrong." Peterson: "I never knew you wanted to consult me about anything." Grady sends note demanding Sunday meeting, Bannon ignores it. Grady waits in Bannon's room Monday evening demanding $5,000 to prevent strike. Bannon: "They'd be willing to pay fully that to save delay. Do you think you're going to get a scent of it? I'd have settled it up for $300 and a box of cigars right at the start. But as long as I knew you'd sell out again if you could, I didn't think you were even worth the cigars." Marches Grady to stairs: "I wish you were three sizes larger."

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How leaked project information becomes blackmail leverage: Peterson's casual mention of January 1st deadline and "doesn't care what it costs" gives Grady exactly what he needs

• Direct confrontation repairs relationships: Bannon doesn't dance around Peterson's resentment, asks straight out "What is it you're sore about?" and invites consultation

• Spotting extortion early: "I had your size the first time you came around. Don't you think I knew what you wanted?"

• Why you never pay blackmailers: "I might pay blackmail to an honest rascal who delivered the goods paid for, but as long as I knew you'd sell out again if you could, I didn't think you were even worth the cigars"

• The reconciliation principle: "I want to feel that I've got you with me. Unless we pull together, we're stuck for sure"

"I'd have settled it up for $300 and a box of cigars right at the start. But I didn't think you were even worth the cigars."

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free, and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw