DIRECTING WORK TEAMS

After a job has been properly planned, it is necessary to carefully direct the job. This ensures it is completed on time and with the quality that satisfies both the customer and the crew.

Before starting a project, make sure the crew knows what is expected. Give instructions and urge the crew to ask questions on all points that are not clear. Be honest in your answers. If you don't have an answer, say so; then find the answer and get back to the crew. Don't delay in getting solutions to the questions asked. Timely answers keep projects moving forward. They also show the crew your concern for the project is as genuine as theirs.

While a job is under way, spot check to ensure that the work is progressing satisfactorily. Determine whether the proper methods, materials, tools, and equipment are being used. When determining the initial requirements, do so early enough so there are no delays. If crewmembers are incorrectly performing a task, stop them and point out the correct procedures. When you check crewmembers' work, make them feel the purpose of checking is to teach, guide, or direct - not to criticize or find fault.

Make sure the crew complies with applicable safety precautions and wear safety apparel when required. Watch for hazardous conditions, improper use of tools and equipment, and unsafe work practices. These can cause mishaps and possibly result in injury to personnel. There are no excuses for unsafe practices. Proper safety instructions and training eliminate the desire to work carelessly. When directing construction crews, practice what you preach.

When time permits, rotate crewmembers on various jobs. Rotation gives you the opportunity to teach. It also gives each crewmember an opportunity to increase personal skill levels.

As a crew leader, you need to ensure that your crew work together in getting the job done. Develop an environment where each crewmember feels free to seek your advice when in doubt about any phase of the work. Emotional balance is especially important. Don't panic in view of your crew or be unsure of yourself when faced with a conflict.

Be tactful and courteous in dealing with your crew. It sounds obvious, but don't show any partiality. Keep every crewmember informed on both work and personal matters that affect his or her performance. Also, try to maintain a high level of morale. Low morale has a definite effect on the quantity and quality of a crew's work.

As you advance in rate, you spend more and more time supervising others. You have to learn as much as you can about supervision. Study books on both supervision and leadership, Also, watch how other supervisors-both good and bad-operate. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

TOOL KIT INVENTORY

Tool kits contain all the craft hand tools required by one, four-member construction crew or fire team of a given rating to pursue their trade. The kits may contain additional items required by a particular assignment. However, they should not be reduced in type of item and should be maintained at 100 percent of kit assembly allowance at all times.

As a crew leader, you can order and are responsible for all the tools required by the crew. This incurs the following responsibilities:

Maintaining complete tools kits at all times;

Assigning tools within the crew;

Ensuring proper use and care of assigned tools by the crew;

Preserving tools not in use;

Securing assigned tools; and

Ensuring that all electrical tools and cords are inspected on a regular basis.

To make sure tools are maintained properly, the operations officer and the supply officer establish a formal tool kit inventory and inspection program. As a crew leader, you perform a tool kit inventory at least every 2 weeks. Tools requiring routine maintenance are turned in to the central tool room (CTR) for repair and reissue. Damaged or worn tools should be returned to the CTR for replacement. You must submit requisitions for replacement items.

Tool management is further specified in instructions issued by Commander, Construction Battalion, Pacific (COMCBPAC) and Commander, Construction Battalion, Atlantic (COMCBLANT).