Business 101: Getting Your Foremen and Leaders on the Same Page

Look at your eight- to 10-hour work day as made up of four quarters. Therefore, you have four quarters of 90 to 120 minutes each. Make it a new habit to touch base with those you most need to talk to at the beginning of each "new quarter." This gives you a chance to review what is recent history (the last 90 to 120 minutes) and what needs to be addressed over the near future (the next 90 to 120 minutes).

Now, lest you think I'm joking, consider how fast instructions can go bad. If you can catch your people earlier, rather than later, in making wrong decisions or taking the wrong actions, then you can raise your overall performance and productivity.

(For more on the "Four Quarter Strategy," see the Business 101 column in the August/September issue of Concrete Contractor or visit www.ForConstructionPros.com.)

5. Document your daily, weekly, and/or monthly game plan

Such planning is often captured through a daily goals list or a more formal look-ahead schedule. No matter your method of choice — and you should use a schedule method — be sure to document your future tasks and projects and give a copy to each person reporting to you if necessary.

There is simply no excuse for not documenting our daily or weekly schedules. This effort can't even be argued in light of all the data available, and training workshops that can be taken that reinforce and teach proper scheduling. Such tools are the nonverbal communication tool that clarifies "what page you are on." Still better is to work with your people to develop such schedules. There are no magic pills to take when it comes to getting everyone on the same page. There is a great amount of time wasted and rework experienced in construction when much of it could have been eliminated had everyone involved been focused, attentive, and clear about the direction or information.

Don't let people get away with not taking notes or not giving you their undivided attention. Such behavior speaks of poor behavior and performance. Take charge of your communication and strengthen the effort to get everyone on the same page by being more active in your communication by using the five tips presented here.

For more information about getting people on the same page, contact Brad Humphrey by e-mailing him at brad@pinnacledg.com. Brad, a former construction company owner, is president of Pinnacle Development Group, a consulting and training organization specializing in the construction industry. Brad is a highly requested speaker at many construction conventions across North America.