The Rules of Flow in Construction: Adjusting Dosage for Operational Excellence
In the world of construction, managing multiple tasks and responsibilities is the norm. Yet, more often than not, this leads to mistakes, rework, stops, and restarts. The solution? Understanding and applying the concept of dosage in construction tasks—a critical component for ensuring operational excellence.
This blog explores how adjusting the focus or “dosage” of planning, executing, and finishing tasks can revolutionize productivity on a construction project.
What is Dosage in Construction?
Imagine you’re tasked with completing multiple activities. If you divide your focus too thinly across all of them, you’re likely to leave unfinished work in your wake. Over time, this results in increased work in progress (WIP), exceeding the capacity of your resources and spiraling into a productivity decline.
When WIP grows unchecked:
- You create clutter and inefficiencies (the “8 wastes”).
- Teams experience confusion and fatigue.
- Adding more resources or throwing money at the problem yields diminishing returns.
By focusing on one task at a time—and increasing the “dosage” of energy, attention, and resources for planning, building, and finishing—you can significantly reduce rework and unnecessary delays.
The Impact of Low Dosage:
When the dosage of focus is too low, both individuals and teams suffer:
- Individuals: Frequent task switching leads to lost time (15–45 minutes per interruption) and diminished productivity. This not only delays task completion but also disrupts personal commitments.
- Teams: Repeated remobilization and returning to unfinished tasks costs time and money. A crew spread too thinly leads to inefficiency and dissatisfaction.
In both cases, the root issue is a lack of concentrated focus on finishing tasks properly the first time.
How to Adjust Dosage in Construction:
To optimize project flow, here are actionable tips:
- Define “Done”: Establish clear criteria for what completion means. If tasks consistently fail to meet this definition, it’s a sign the focus or dosage needs adjustment.
- Limit Open Tasks: Reduce the number of simultaneous tasks. Fewer active tasks mean more attention and energy devoted to finishing each one properly.
- Increase Focus: If a task isn’t progressing, resist the temptation to move on. Instead, double down on planning, effort, and commitment to finish before starting the next one.
- Prepare in Advance: Effective preparation ensures that when it’s time to execute a task, you have all the necessary resources in place. This minimizes delays and allows for greater focus on execution.
Signs You Have the Wrong Dosage:
Not sure if you’re applying the correct dosage? Look for these red flags:
- Rising WIP: If unfinished tasks are piling up, your system is overloaded.
- Misaligned Incentives: Are you or your team rewarded for taking on more work than you can manage effectively? This is a recipe for inefficiency.
- Multiple Iterations: Tasks requiring multiple rounds of corrections suggest incomplete focus and insufficient planning.
A Case for Doing Less:
Large contractors often spread their teams too thin, relying on trade partners to make up for gaps. This creates low-energy teams with limited focus—essentially a “dumpster fire” waiting to happen. By reallocating resources to concentrate on fewer tasks, projects become more manageable, predictable, and successful.
Final Thoughts:
Adjusting dosage is not just about doing less; it’s about doing better. By focusing on planning, executing, and finishing each task with the right amount of energy and attention, you can create a smoother, more productive workflow.
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