A Day In The Life Of A Superintendent

You’ve likely come across many blogs showcasing a superintendent walking through their day on a project. These are usually insightful, but sometimes, they miss the mark when it comes to what a superintendent should be doing. This blog is here to cover exactly that: what the day of a superintendent should look like and where some might go wrong. So, if you want to know what a superintendent’s day should involve and how to avoid common pitfalls, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in!

1. Start with a Solid Morning Routine

A productive day starts with a focused morning routine. Whether it’s enjoying some sunlight, avoiding the phone first thing, or taking time for exercise and a good breakfast, this sets the tone for the day. You could also incorporate spiritual thoughts, self-improvement reading, or whatever works for you. The key here is starting the day right.

Pro Tip: Practice Box Breathing

Box breathing is a technique I highly recommend. It helps center the mind and allows you to focus. Here’s how it works:

• Inhale for five seconds.
• Hold for five.
• Exhale for five.
• Hold for another five. Do this three to five times, and you’ll start the day with a clear mind.

2. Maximize Your Drive Time

On your way to work, make use of this valuable time. Listen to a podcast or audiobook to feed your mind with knowledge. Imagine the impact if you dedicated your commute to learning for an hour each day! By the time you get to your job site, you’ll be energized and ready to tackle the day. And as a fun tip—why not end the drive with a “pump-up” song? Whether it’s a motivational tune or something from a movie soundtrack, music can help you hit the ground running when you arrive.

3. Create a Day Plan

Once you reach the office (or your project trailer), it’s time to plan the day. Hopefully, you’ve already mapped out your tasks the day before, but now’s the time to review and tweak as needed. Your day plan should allow for buffers and focus time—don’t fall victim to back-to-back meetings and constant email interruptions. Having a structured plan ensures you maintain focus and productivity throughout the day.

4. Lead the Morning Worker Huddle

Next comes the morning worker huddle. This is where you meet the team and discuss the plan for the day. You’ll also provide feedback, shout-outs, and any necessary training. This is your chance to establish the project’s flow and ensure everyone is aligned.

5. Do Zone Control Walks

After the huddle, it’s time for zone control walks. Walk the project site, check logistics, and ensure everything is set for the day. If you need to manage any zone transitions or handoffs, this is the time to do so. A smooth handoff process helps keep the project flowing.

6. Team Huddle

Once zone control is complete, it’s time for a team huddle. Bring any roadblocks or issues to the project management team to discuss. This ensures everyone is on the same page and can work together to solve problems.

7. Focus Time

Between 9:00 AM and lunch, and then again after lunch, it’s critical to schedule focus time. Use this time to review project drawings, update schedules, and handle any other planning tasks. Having undisturbed time to focus on these details is essential to ensuring the project stays on track.

8. Afternoon Foreman Huddle

In the afternoon, hold a foreman huddle to plan for the next day. This is a key moment to ensure everything is ready for the following morning. The foremen can take care of any necessary logistics, like refueling equipment, before they return the next day.

9. Wrap Up the Day

Before heading home, finalize any permitting or documentation tasks that need to be completed. Finally, take a few moments to plan the next day, if you haven’t already.

Final Thoughts: Crucial Components of a Superintendent’s Day

• Morning routine: Start your day with intention.
• Day planning: Always plan with buffers and focus on creating flow.
• Zone control: Don’t just spot problems, actively manage handoffs.
• Focus time: Carve out undistracted time for high-priority tasks.
• Foreman huddle: Finish strong by preparing for the next day.

Remember, if you don’t follow this approach, your day will feel chaotic. You’ll spend more time putting out fires than making progress. But if you adopt these strategies, you’ll bring order to your day and see better results.