You’re far from alone if you feel like the day got out from under you via unproductive meetings, the back and forth of emails and a vortex of petty details. Absent a magic wand, most of us need to get a better grip on our use of time, and doing so is especially key for construction business owners aiming for growth.
Time Tracking Pays Off
These days, a plethora of apps can help business owners see where the time goes–and make adjustments accordingly. Let’s be honest though, most of us would rather not deal with time tracking—or the discoveries they reveal about our less favorable work habits: “ Time tracking provides a mirror to your work habits, revealing where your hours are truly spent. Many project managers and estimators are surprised to discover how much time they dedicate to less critical tasks, often at the expense of their most important responsibilities. This awareness is the first step toward more effective time management.”
John Livingtson of Well Built Construction Consulting offers this encouragement about leveraging time tracking for more success–and satisfaction on the job:
Understanding and implementing effective time tracking is…about gaining valuable insights into how you allocate your most precious resource: your time. By focusing on foundational tasks, time tracking can significantly reduce stress and enhance overall well-being….Think of your workday as a detailed blueprint. Each section…represents different tasks and activities. The foundational elements are your most important, high-priority tasks — the ones that truly move your projects forward and contribute significantly to your professional success.The secondary elements represent less critical tasks, while the minor details symbolize the smaller, often time-consuming activities that can fill your day.
If you focus too much on the minor details first, the foundational elements may not receive the attention they need. Similarly, if you spend your time on low-value tasks, you’ll struggle to fit in your most important work. By tracking your time, you gain a clear picture of how you’re filling your blueprint, allowing you to prioritize…effectively.
Of course tracking time is just the first step of the process. Once you have a clear picture of how you are actually spending your time, it’s important to analyze it and look for patterns. Consider how a few changes in how you go about your day might result in improvements against the bottom line, and even your health and overall outlook on life:
Perhaps you’re spending an inordinate amount of time on administrative tasks that could be delegated or streamlined. Or maybe you’re underestimating the time required for crucial project planning, leading to rushed decisions later. This knowledge empowers you to make informed adjustments to your work routine, ultimately reducing the stress that comes from feeling overwhelmed by unfinished tasks.In construction, it’s common for tasks to become urgent due to poor time management. A project deadline that seemed far off suddenly looms large, or a minor issue neglected early on escalates into a major problem….By dedicating appropriate time to your foundational elements early on — whether it’s thorough project planning, risk assessment or client communication — you reduce the likelihood of last-minute scrambles and the stress they bring. This proactive approach not only improves the quality of your work but also enhances your professional reputation and personal well-being.
According to Livingston, time tracking is likely to result in spin-off benefits throughout the business. For example, the resulting data might lead to better budgeting, and more realistic scheduling , which can go a long way with both clients and employees. You may even find that when consistently practiced and leveraged, time tracking can lead to “more accurate bids and proposals,” and of course that matters a whole heck of a lot: “In the competitive construction industry, this precision can be a significant advantage, helping you win contracts while ensuring profitability and reducing the stress associated with financial uncertainty.”
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