Insights from D. Brown Management
Seeing the Mountain - Levels of Detail
D. Brown Management
September 16, 2018
You will find a clear path to the top of the mountain faster as you build your ability to situationally vary the resolution you see the world in. This applies to the construction of a project, the building of a contracting business and to life in general.
Impacted Productivity - Stacking of Trades and Installation Efficiency
D. Brown Management
September 15, 2018
Each craftsperson needs about 200 usable square feet for a productive installation. This assumption is included in production units used to estimate and budget projects. Having less than that can impact productivity up to 50%.
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Impacted Productivity - Highly variable Labor Scheduling (Level Your Schedule)
D. Brown Management
September 14, 2018
The biggest risk for a specialty contractor is the performance of on-site labor. One of the biggest impacts to labor productivity is having a schedule that requires large variations in labor.
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Production Tracking - Don't Be a Dry Monkey
D. Brown Management
September 13, 2018
Put a few monkeys in a cage with a ladder that has bananas on top. One monkey immediately goes for the bananas. Cold water sprays on the others. Don't let anyone on your team be a dry monkey when it comes to production tracking or schedule management.
Impacted Productivity - Dilution of Management
D. Brown Management
September 11, 2018
Dilution of management will compound an already impacted construction project. It is important for teams to realize the full costs of impacts as they start to occur.
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Lean Principle - 5S Habits for Building a Productive Work Environment
D. Brown Management
September 10, 2018
5S is a foundational concept for creating a productive work environment and continuous improvement. The 5S process is to productivity what eating a healthy breakfast and exercising is to your health - daily consistency will change your life.
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A Typical Project - Understanding Cash Flow at the Company Level
D. Brown Management
September 9, 2018
As contractors face many opportunities in the market it is important to keep cash flow management top-of-mind. Growth eats cash and just a few hiccups in execution can put just about any contractor in a very bad position.
My Talent Promise - To Everyone
D. Brown Management
September 8, 2018
Talent is the biggest constraint that most contractors will face over the next decade. Every manager needs to get exceptionally clear on the promises they will make to those around them.
Lean Principle - Observation (Gemba Walks and Learning to See)
D. Brown Management
September 7, 2018
One of the most important tools for improving productivity is going to the jobsite or work area and observing for an extended period of time with the intent to understand but not to immediately interact. Observation progresses through about 7 stages.
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Production Tracking - Having Fun and Winning
D. Brown Management
September 6, 2018
Contractors will get the most out of their teams by building a culture around the fun of the construction game and how fun playing a game is and how good winning feels. How fun are you making your projects?
