The List Makers

The Power of List Makers

Today I want to talk about something that might sound simple but is actually one of the most powerful tools you can use on a construction project: list making.

I picked up this habit years ago from a superintendent I worked with. He was a list maker through and through. He’d walk the jobsite with a recorder, write down what needed to be done, and then delegate tasks to the right people. Sometimes he’d even hand me a list directly. It wasn’t about dictating, he always gave me the “what” and trusted me with the “how.” That combination of clarity and trust was a game changer.

Over the years, I realized list making shows up everywhere in construction. Writing scopes for bid packages? That’s making a list. Drafting contracts? That’s making a list. Planning the first 90 days of a project, lining out craft workers, putting together startup activities all of it comes back to making lists. It’s how we connect vision with action.

But here’s the key: it’s not just about scribbling tasks down. Effective list making requires visualizing the project, understanding sequence, and providing context. When you build that habit, your brain wires itself to think in order, anticipate needs, and stay a step ahead.

Think about what happens without lists. Scope gaps appear. Assignments get missed. Safety requirements fall through the cracks. Steps in the production plan get skipped, leading to costly stops and frustrating restarts. With lists, those risks shrink dramatically because clarity replaces confusion. And like Brene Brown says, clear is kind, unclear is unkind.

Lists also elevate leadership. A superintendent making a list for their team isn’t shoving tasks down people’s throats, it’s providing clear direction and context. A detailed list for a new intern helps them succeed instead of leaving them lost. A quality checklist for trade partners ensures everyone understands expectations without micromanagement. In each case, the list is a tool for empowerment, not control.

Preparation is where true speed comes from. Not from rushing, pushing, or panicking, but from planning, sequencing, and staying ahead. And list making is one of the most practical, repeatable ways to prepare. Just like keeping a field book, reviewing drawings daily, or walking the site regularly, it’s a discipline that builds confidence and prevents chaos.

The next time you’re starting a project, ask yourself: where’s my list? Because when you make lists, you’re not just organizing tasks, you’re shaping outcomes.

On we go.

Key Takeaway

List making creates clarity, prevents mistakes, and keeps projects moving forward by turning vision into actionable steps.