Here's the thing, GR is an asshole, but he respects and responds to 1) people who work hard 2) people who listen to his advice
If you talk back or argue, he's going to come at you 10x. If you take ownership of what's going wrong, tell the truth, he'll buck you up and help you out. Look at Carlos at "In the Drink" dude was in over his head, didn't have the knowledge or training but still worked his ass off and did his best. Gordon didn't yell at him or talk down to him, GR treated him with respect and gave him the tools to succeed.