In this blog, I’m not going to talk about what typically happens on a construction site. Instead, I’ll share what a really nice pattern could look like for a day in the life of a foreman. If you want to know what’s expected ahead of the workday and how to keep your crew motivated, while also finding a win-win for you and your employer, then keep reading.
I absolutely love this topic! I previously covered a similar concept for superintendents, and it resonated with many. Now, it’s time to focus on the foreman, the second most crucial position on a construction site. Everything rises and falls on your ability to get work done. This industry is built upon your expertise, and I hope you’ll find something valuable in this blog.
Overview of the Planning Process
Before diving into a day in the life of a foreman, let’s quickly review what happens in the lead-up to the work. The process begins with understanding the work package you’re going to build. This means you have a specific timeline and set of tasks to install. To effectively manage this, you need to work backward.
1. Day Planning: The day before, you engage in day planning to ensure all preparations are in place.
2. Weekly Work Planning: A week prior, you create a weekly work plan, ensuring commitments are scheduled correctly.
3. Look-Ahead Planning: This step involves addressing roadblocks and making the work ready before you arrive on site.
4. Pull Plan and Pre-Con Meeting: Three months to three weeks in advance, you participate in a pull plan and conduct a quality pre-construction meeting. This ensures alignment on all expectations.
5. Initial Inspection: This is where you ensure everything is on track and ready for execution.
It’s vital to remember that all tasks are predicated on following a structured pattern: plan, build, and finish.
Weekly Tactical Meetings
Within this overall cycle, it’s essential not to overlook the weekly tactical meetings. These are typically referred to as trade partner meetings, where all parties come together to discuss progress and plan for the upcoming week.
During these meetings, you should have a clear plan from one week to the next, ensuring that all commitments are understood and agreed upon.
Afternoon Foreman Huddle
A critical part of the day is the afternoon foreman huddle. This meeting should occur the day before to ensure that everything is ready for the next day. Your huddle should involve confirming that you have the necessary people, tools, materials, equipment, and information in place before the workday begins.
Morning Routine: Worker Huddle and Crew Prep
In the morning, it’s crucial to start with a worker huddle. This should involve all trades on-site, allowing everyone to get aligned with the day’s objectives, safety concerns, and any critical updates. After the worker huddle, conduct a crew prep session to get everyone oriented with their tasks and responsibilities.
1. Stretch and Flex: This prepares everyone physically for the day.
2. Pre-Task Plans: Discuss quality expectations and clarify any doubts.
3. 5S Practices: Implement these to eliminate waste and organize the work area.
Daily Habits of Successful Foremen
Throughout the day, successful foremen follow three essential habits:
- Stay on Plans: Regularly check and read the plans.
- Align Materials: Ensure all materials are organized and ready for the crew.
- Conduct Walks: Make rounds to see how the work is progressing and address any issues.
Importance of Training
Training should also be a priority. Ensure that your crew is well-prepared and that you regularly check in with each team member to uphold quality standards.
Afternoon Check-Ins
Most accidents happen after 11 AM when fatigue sets in. It’s crucial to do check-ins with your crew during the afternoon to keep them focused and organized, ensuring they are staging materials for the next day’s work.
Ideal Day Recap
In summary, an ideal day in the life of a foreman involves:
- Starting the day right with worker and crew prep huddles.
- Ensuring all preparations are in place for the tasks ahead.
- Staying connected with the crew throughout the day, making adjustments as necessary.
- Conducting training and check-ins to maintain productivity and safety.
By following these steps, you can create an effective work environment that benefits both you and your team.
If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go!
