Sketching Your Way to Productivity
Have you ever spent hours running around, repeating instructions, and fixing mistakes that could have been avoided? One of the most powerful habits I’ve discovered in construction (and in life) is deceptively simple, sketching and writing down instructions.
I’ve waited a long time to share this concept, and it’s something every builder, superintendent, or team leader can start implementing immediately. Here’s how it works.
Start with the Right Tools
Head to Staples, Office Depot, or OfficeMax and grab some large art pads 24×36 sheets of thick cardstock are perfect. Keep 4–5 pads on your desk. These will be your canvas for providing instructions to trade partners, foremen, carpenters, or anyone on your team.
Sketch and Write Instructions Clearly
Even if you’re not a natural sketcher, you can practice this skill. Draw visuals, label them, and add bullet points for clarity. I’ve seen this approach work in every setting:
- At home: With 11 kids, chores were chaos until I started sketching instructions per child. A five-minute drawing saved hours of confusion.
- At events: Church festivals and community gatherings used to be stressful. Sketching everything from floor layouts to task assignments freed me up to actually enjoy the event.
- At work: On construction sites, this method ensures that trade partners understand exactly what’s expected, reducing mistakes, frustration, and wasted time.
Real World Example
Randy Gonzalez, a general foreman at Hensel Phelps, taught me this approach. He would sketch instructions, explain them, and then ask the carpenter to repeat back what they understood. Once confirmed, the task proceeded smoothly, while other teams around him often operated chaotically. The result? Higher quality work, fewer mistakes, and a calmer, more organized workflow.
Make It a Habit
Keep your large pads, markers, and printed site plans or floor plans on your desk. When giving instructions:
- Sketch and annotate the tasks.
- Capture a quick photo and share via WhatsApp or another messaging tool if needed.
- Encourage your team to follow the visual guide rather than relying solely on verbal instructions.
Why It Works
- Reduces misunderstandings
- Minimizes wasted time
- Cuts down frustration
- Prevents rework
- Keeps projects on schedule
- Frees you from constant monitoring
Even if it takes five minutes to sketch out a task, it can save hours in follow-ups and corrections. This approach is a tool every real superintendent should have in their toolkit.
Key Takeaway
Clear, visual instructions transform chaos into productivity. Sketching tasks whether on-site, at home, or at events saves time, reduces mistakes, and improves team communication. A few minutes of thoughtful planning on paper can save hours of confusion and frustration.
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