The moment a terminally ill patient hears their unfortunate diagnosis, what question overwhelms their thoughts with such strength and emotion that it almost bursts through their lips? Is it "how much money do I have? How much love do I have? How much energy do I have?" This all becomes secondary to the crucial question, "how much TIME do I have?" The answer to which dictates all choices thereon...
Olympic swimmer Chris Cook and his team were bogged down in strategic tweaks and minutiae - their purpose was unclear. Their focus was at their feet, on what could be improved today without knowing whether or not it would breed the desired results tomorrow. With 'two lengths of the pool' as their mantra, they became laser-focused on a simple mission. In the construction industry, what is our equivalent to the "two lengths," and what are we doing about it?
I often read articles with titles such as "why is the construction industry inefficient" or "why are productivity levels so low?" These are great questions, but they're the wrong questions, and asking them has us looking in the wrong places for ways to improve. Rather than efficient, we must aim to be effective, even if it costs us efficiency. Here is why...
A phone call's ring is no different to a human walking up to your desk and barking, "immediately stop what you're doing and listen to me." What are the odds that by addressing this interruption (the ringing phone), we learn of something of greater importance than what we were already doing? Am I saying you shouldn't answer your phone? Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. Here's why...
Those who trust their minds with reminders are either unwise or uneducated. Have you ever arrived at work, seen a colleague with whom you had said you would spend time after work, and only then remembered your needed to bring a spare change of clothes? Or can you think of a similar story that is … Continue reading How To Make Sure You Never Forget – An Underrated, Fundamental Tool
The most effective construction project manager can obtain and maintain a clear head. If your head is clear, then your mind's full capacity is available for any given problem or undertaking. Often, we attempt to work with only a portion of our mind with the rest distracted by lesser issues. The effective among us will … Continue reading The Clear Head – A Vital Tool of an Effective Construction Project Manager
