top of page
Search

A LESSON IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOUND IN THE NIGHT SKIES

  • jnicholson36
  • Jul 21, 2021
  • 3 min read

ree

I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July holiday!


I spent mine with friends and family, watching a celebratory firework show. As I watched the team prepare for the show, I noticed how well organized everyone was. When they stopped to rest for a short break, I walked over and asked the team leader what his secret was for running such an organized experience. Justin, the supervisor, replied that everyone in the crew had a specific job assigned to them. Each job came with certain requirements that must be completed to ensure proper function and safety. He went on to explain the domino-like affect that each task had.


First off, the crew setting up the launch tubes must follow the proper plan, which ensures that all launch tubes are properly set, aligned, and secured. Then, a second crew follows up and rechecks the tubes. A firework show gone wrong is the last thing anyone wants to experience, so having a second set of eyes check over everything is crucial. Next, the wiring crew starts running wires from the launch board to each tube. Tube markings are then checked and recorded, which allows the correct wire for each tube to fire in the order organized from the launch board. Finally, all the wire is tested to make sure nothing is broken and connectivity is good.


Following the launch plan, the tubes are then loaded with the mortars designed specifically to fit a certain tube. The mortar placement is checked, and then checked again. The tubes are then connected to the launch board, which doesn’t have power until the start of the show. Before the show can begin, there are two final walk-throughs. After it has been confirmed twice that everything is ready to go, the launch board is powered up and the colorful fireworks light up the sky.


As I walked away, it was clear that Justin had assembled a very competent and efficient team. Their excitement for the job showed, as they worked together like a well-oiled machine. After having this discussion with Justin, I thought to myself, “This is the way we need to approach our work projects.”


In the construction industry, we, too, need to assemble a team that complements one another. Each member of our team should have specific tasks to perform, and they should take responsibility to ensure their task is done to the best of their ability. From the new hire to the seasoned veteran, each team member must work and communicate efficiently and proficiently to avoid a waterfall of impacts. Effective communication makes everyone’s day go smoother as they work to accomplish their goals. Just like the firework show, procedures need to be checked and rechecked. Catching a small issue early on keeps it from becoming a large issue down the road that can derail the plan. Veterans should be assisting new team members, so they can build community, trust, and respect; and all members of the team should be able to give and take instruction and follow through when given feedback.


We all know, though, the assembling of a proper team is not a simple task. However, it is worth the effort to find the right fit; because once the “machine” is assembled, goals are accomplished with far less friction and stress. It is infinitely important to surround ourselves with people who want to be part of a team like this. After all, we are all working toward the same goal---SUCCESS!


Till Next Month.


Roy Hand

Quality Control Service Mgr.

Radix Grp.

New Orleans, LA


Follow us on: Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page