Introduction on Daily Huddles
When I reflect on the most transformative changes I’ve witnessed in construction, daily huddles top the list. These short, focused meetings have become a cornerstone of our Lean journey at Skiles Group, helping us build not just better projects, but better teams. In a world where communication breakdowns can derail even the best-laid plans, daily huddles are the antidote, fostering alignment, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Why Daily Huddles Matter
In construction, the pace is relentless, and the stakes are high. Every day brings new challenges, from shifting schedules to unforeseen constraints. Early in my career, I saw how easy teams could get out of sync. Missed handoffs, duplicated efforts, and small misunderstandings could snowball into costly delays.
That’s where daily huddles come in. We create a shared understanding of the day’s goals and obstacles by gathering the team, field leaders, trade partners, and sometimes even clients, for a quick, structured conversation. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about building trust and respect for everyone’s contributions.
What Makes a Great Daily Huddle?
A successful daily huddle is more than a roll call. Here’s what I’ve learned works best:
- Consistency: Hold huddles at the same time and place every day. This routine signals that communication is a priority.
- Brevity and Focus: Keep it under 15 minutes. The goal is to surface key issues, not to solve every problem on the spot.
- Visual Communication: Use boards or digital tools to make plans and constraints visible to all. Seeing the workflow helps everyone stay aligned.
- Open Dialogue: Encourage every voice. Even the quietest team member might spot an issue others miss.
- Action-Oriented: End with clear commitments and follow-ups. Who’s doing what, and by when?
The Human Side of Daily Huddles
One of my favorite memories is from a project where the team struggled with coordination. We started daily huddles, and at first, it felt awkward—people kept their heads down, and participation was minimal. But as we persisted, something shifted. The team began to open up, sharing project updates, small wins, and personal milestones. The huddle became a space for connection, not just coordination.
I remember a superintendent who was initially skeptical. He said, “Keyan, I don’t have time for another meeting.” But after a few weeks, he admitted that the huddles saved him time by surfacing issues early and keeping everyone focused. That’s the power of making communication a daily habit.
Driving Accountability and Continuous Improvement
Daily huddles are a natural fit for Lean Construction because they support two core principles: respect for people and continuous improvement. When we make space for everyone to speak and listen, we tap into the team’s collective wisdom. Issues are raised before they become problems; solutions come from those closest to the work.
We also use huddles to reinforce accountability. Team members commit to specific actions each day, and the next day, we check in on progress. This simple loop of commitment and follow-up builds trust and drives results.
Common Pitfalls—and How to Avoid Them
Of course, not every team adopts daily huddles overnight. Common hurdles include:
- Perceived Time Waste: Some worry it’s just another meeting. I counter this by demonstrating the time saved by preventing rework and miscommunication.
- Inconsistent Participation: Leaders must model commitment. When superintendents and project managers show up, others follow.
- Lack of Structure: A simple agenda—what’s planned, what’s in the way, and what’s needed—keeps things on track.
If you’re struggling to get buy-in, start with a pilot team. Gather feedback and adjust the format as needed. Celebrate quick wins—like averted delays or improved safety—and share success stories across the organization.
Integrating Visual Communication
Visual communication is a powerful complement to daily huddles. We use whiteboards, sticky notes, and digital dashboards on our projects to make plans, constraints, and progress visible. When everyone can see the workflow, it’s easier to spot bottlenecks and coordinate handoffs.
For example, we used a color-coded planning wall on a recent healthcare project for our daily huddles. Each trade partner had a different color, and tasks were moved across the board as they progressed. Not only did this make it easy to see who was responsible for what, but it also fostered a sense of shared ownership. The team could quickly identify where help was needed and adjust in real time.
Pull Plan Sticky Note Board
The Ripple Effect: Culture and Morale
The impact of daily huddles goes beyond project metrics. Yes, we see fewer delays and better coordination. But the real magic is in the culture shift. Teams that huddle daily are more engaged, more likely to raise concerns early, and more invested in each other’s success.
I’ve watched new team members find their voice, trade partners collaborate more closely, and even long-standing skeptics come around when they see the tangible benefits. We build a sense of ownership and shared purpose when we start the day together.
Practical Tips for Success
- Start and End on Time: Respect everyone’s schedule.
- Rotate the Facilitator: Give different team members a chance to lead.
- Use Visuals: Make information accessible and actionable.
- Encourage Candor: Create a safe space for honest feedback.
- Follow Up: Track commitments and celebrate progress.
Conclusion
Daily huddles are a deceptively simple tool with profound impact. They embody Lean principles: respect for people, continuous improvement, and a relentless focus on value. If you’re looking to strengthen your team, improve project outcomes, and build a culture of trust, start with the daily huddle. It’s a small investment that pays dividends—every single day.
Want to Learn More About Lean Daily Huddles?
Our online Master Class features a module on Daily Huddles. In eight video lessons, Joe Donarumo and I will walk you through an introduction, what is a daily huddle, why you should transition, logistics, best practices, what to discuss, where teams go wrong, and a recap. Access the course here.
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Keyan Zandy, Skiles Group
Keyan is a longtime Lean enthusiast and advocate with a curiosity for how Lean processes and tools can improve teambuilding and teamwork in construction. As Skiles Group’s CEO, Keyan is responsible for driving corporate growth and guiding the company’s strategic direction while maintaining a dual focus on client service and nurturing a progressive company culture. With an emphasis on technological advancement, continuous improvement, and innovation in construction, Keyan shepherds the firm’s commitment to improving project delivery processes via Lean Construction and Lean project planning initiatives. He is the co-author of The Lean Builder: A Builder’s Guide to Applying Lean Tools in the Field, which simplifies and clearly articulates the benefits of seven primary Lean concepts, and delivers them in a highly-relatable, immediately-applicable, and field-friendly manner. Keyan also serves as Chairman for Smart Safety, an award-winning crisis management communication and emergency response tool.
