What Do The First Few Weeks Look Like For A Brand New Assistant Superintendent?

What Do the First Few Weeks Look Like for a Brand-New Superintendent?

Starting a new role as a superintendent especially when you’re new to both the job and the company can feel overwhelming. In this blog, I want to share some real advice, encouragement, and tactical steps to help you navigate the first few weeks and come out strong on the other side.

You’re Not Alone If You Feel This Way…

Let’s start with a little honesty: the first 4–6 weeks will probably feel chaotic. Thoughts like,
“I’m not good enough,”
“I’m going to ruin my career,” or
“What have I gotten myself into?”
…are incredibly common. You’re not failing, you’re adjusting. It’s a tough mental space, but totally normal.

The most important mindset shifts here? Focus on process over perfection. Keep your head down and follow a reliable structure. That’s where this list of tips comes in.

1. Get to Know the Team:

No matter how awkward it feels, introduce yourself. Shake hands, make eye contact, build rapport. The people you meet now will shape your experience moving forward. Trust comes from showing up and being human especially early on.

2. Understand the Drawings:

If you don’t know what you’re building, you can’t lead it. Spend serious time reviewing the drawings. Lock yourself in a room if you have to. Even one or two late nights upfront can create months of confidence down the road.

3. Understand the Project:

Do a thorough field walk. Learn the general schedule, phasing, deadlines, and site logistics. Think of yourself as a general surveying the battlefield know what you’re working with.

4. Connect with the Trades:

Go meet the trade partners. Yes, it may feel awkward but skipping this step will hurt you later. Be upfront about being new, share your intentions, and offer support. You don’t need all the answers; you need relationships.

5. Manage Your Mindset:

Your brain will try to protect you by imagining worst-case scenarios. Instead of arguing with it, write those fears down and revisit them in six months. Early doubts are natural, but they don’t define your potential.

6. Make a Risk Plan:

Worrying about risks isn’t helpful, planning for them is. During your plan and schedule reviews, identify risks, write them down, and decide how you’ll handle them. Create a system to review and adjust regularly.

7. Get Into Builder Habits:

This is your safety net. Start building daily and weekly habits to stay focused and in control:

• 30 mins/day in the drawings: stay close to the design.
• 30 mins/day in the schedule: keep production on track.
• Field walks daily: connect and correct on-site.
• Pull plan every phase: no exceptions.
• Manage procurement: sequence and materials must align.
• Look-ahead planning: clear roadblocks 3–6 weeks ahead.
• Adopt IDDS: Identify, Discuss, and Solve problems with your team.

8. Make Problem Solving Your Focus:

The ultimate habit: make problem-solving with your team your daily mission. If you’re constantly helping to solve field issues, there’s no way your brain can say you’re not succeeding six months from now.

Starting as a new superintendent isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being consistent, coachable, and connected. Stick to these principles, and you’ll not only survive your first few weeks, you’ll thrive.