So as a part of this blog post, we’re going to cover what are the 16 key items that it takes to be a good superintendent, and how can a Superintendent take those 16 items, and also be firm, but fair and connect in a vulnerable way with the people on the project site in a psychologically safe environment. So stay with us, because that’s what we’re going to discuss right now.
I am super into lists, I love lists, I think it’s a jam. So we’re going to go ahead and get this done.
Qualities Of A Good Superintendent
1. Keeps A Personal Organization System
To be a good superintendent, you have to keep a to-do list and have a personal organization system. In fact, in the description below, I’ll also link you to resources that will help you with that. But the best of the best have to-do lists, are focused, and have a personal organization system.
2. Connects With People
Good superintendents really know how to connect with people. They know how to develop relationships, develop rapport, and connect. They know how to lead a group of people. They’ve probably read “How to Win Friends and Influence People” and books by Patrick Lencioni. The great superintendents really know how to work with and through people towards a common objective. The days of the pushy, yelling superintendent are gone. Supers have to be good with people to be good.
3. Knows How To Be Part Of A Team
Good superintendents know how to be part of a team. The old image of supers going rogue and doing whatever they want is outdated. Nowadays, we want supers that can be part of a team and be an ideal team player—humble, hungry, and smart. They will have an idea of how the project should go but will ask the team how to do it together, gather information, listen, make a collaborative plan, communicate it to everyone, and adjust together.
4. Continuously Learning
Good superintendents know what they’re doing and are always learning. They’ve received training, done layout, lift drawings in the field, frontline quality and safety management. They do at least $1,500 worth of training annually, ranging up to $15,000. They are constantly learning throughout the year.
5. Well Read
They are well-read. The best in the industry read books on lean, leadership, teaming, business, and more. They read books like “How Big Things Get Done,” “The Toyota Way,” and “The Goal.” Good superintendents are well-read.
6. Make, Own, & Run Their Own Schedules
Superintendents make and own their own schedules. They should use scheduling software, create flow, understand scheduling concepts, and communicate it through all last planner meetings. A superintendent must schedule; it’s like a hairdresser without scissors if they don’t.
7. Manages Procurement
Good superintendents manage procurement. They do not leave it solely to the project manager and engineers. They are responsible for logistics and getting materials to the site. They need to be involved in procurement meetings, aligning labor and materials as needed.
8. Teaches Others
Superintendents teach people. They should always be showcasing best practices and transferring knowledge to the next generation.
9. Lean Thinkers
They are lean thinkers. They read lean books, attend LCI Congress, and learn lean methodologies. The best superintendents do lean training and implement lean on their projects.
10. Leads Great Meetings
Superintendents lead great meetings. They cannot shove it off to the field or project engineers. They must know how to lead meetings themselves.
11. Uses Technology
Technology is key. Superintendents must know how to use computers, office products like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, scheduling software, Bluebeam, and more. They need to know how to use snipping tools, send emails, and write emails.
12. Holds People Accountable
Superintendents hold people accountable. They must ensure that everyone knows the plan and collaborates effectively to achieve it.
13. A Bit Stubborn & Vulnerable
They must be stubborn about site conditions like cleanliness, organization, and safety, but vulnerable and approachable when it comes to people. They should command and control circumstances, not people.
14. Has Good Builder Experience
Superintendents need to have good builder experience. They must have run remarkable projects with good results in the past.
15. Highly Organized
They must be organized. A messy personal space often translates to a messy work environment. Superintendents need to be organized to handle multimillion or multibillion-dollar projects.
16. Drives People To Success
If a superintendent follows these guidelines, they will drive, not push. When driving, people are motivated and moving forward together. Superintendents who use these techniques drive forward with urgency, not by pushing people.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these 16 key steps. Dig into them and elevate your position as a superintendent to the next level. So you can be good and then take good to great. I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post.
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!
