Building a solid weekly work plan doesn’t just keep you on track, it can seriously reduce stress and boost your productivity.
Weekly Work Plan
In today’s blog, I’ll share high-level steps, and in future blogs in this 3-part series, we’ll unpack more details on the make-ready needs and planned work days topics.
- Understanding Tasks and Activities
Let’s start with the basics – tasks and activities. Imagine your week as a big puzzle; each task or activity is a piece. Your goal? Make sure every piece fits nicely into your schedule. This isn’t about cramming everything in, instead, it’s about developing an actionable plan by spreading tasks across your week wisely. Consider what’s super important and what can wait. This helps your crew focus on the most important tasks each day.
- Make-Ready Needs
Ever started a project only to realize you’re missing something crucial? Cue the frustration, right? That’s where make-ready needs come in. These are the essentials you need before you can dive into your work. Whether it’s materials, information, or equipment, lining these up beforehand means you’re ready to jump into action and keep your crew from standing around.
- Planned Work Days
Now, let’s chat about planned work days. Picture this: Your team knows exactly what you’re tackling each day. No more frantic guesses or last-minute scrambles. Using tools like a fancy whiteboard (or even an Excel sheet), you can lay out your week clearly. If spreadsheets sound like a hassle, don’t worry! You just need the core idea: plan your work, then work your plan.
Why It Matters
Getting your weekly work plan sorted isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about reclaiming your time and energy. When you’re not constantly in crisis mode, you have more space for creativity, relaxation, and all the things that make you happy. Plus, by nailing your plan, you’ll set an example for others. Imagine your coworkers asking how you manage to keep it all together—that’s influence!
Learn through Action
Here’s a quick strategy: On Wednesday afternoon, set aside 15 minutes. Write down the tasks and activities for next week, identify your make-ready needs, and assign each task to a specific day. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal. Flexibility is key. If something pops up, adjust and keep moving forward.
So, there you have it—your go-to guide for crafting a weekly work plan that rocks. By focusing on key tasks, preparing in advance, and planning your days, you’ll not only save time but also reduce your stress levels.
In my next blog, I’ll share the hidden pitfalls of make-ready needs.
If you’d like more ideas for your tool box, check out my resource, The Field Leaders Planning Tool Box.
Related Blogs
Takt Planning to Create a 6-Week Make-Ready & Weekly Work Plan
Jesus (Jesse) D. Hernandez, Jr.
Jesse’s career ranges from grading ditches to counseling executives. On this path, he learned that we are more alike than we are different. He leverages this experience by supporting construction companies in boosting production in the field and the office. In his role leading Depth Builder, he takes a people-first approach and champions his message of contribution, ownership, and vulnerability.
