Words: Donnie Williams, DRP Masonry
During our MCAA Foreman classes, we asked the group to name some of the obstacles that they encountered as a Foreman. This part of the class engages everyone because we all like to talk about our problems and how our job is tougher than the next guy. These are answers we have gotten from Foreman from all over the country. Material shortages or delays, lack of skilled labor, site conditions, changes in drawings or not enough info, weather, quality of materials, safety expectations, communication, language barrier, other subcontractors not on schedule, budget restraints, equipment breakdowns, theft, injuries, sickness, alcoholism, drug addiction, and production issues.
Right after we get everyone down about the life choices of taking on such a terrible position, we ask them to name the personal advantages of being a Foreman! The people in the class brighten up and begin the list of feel-good items that make it worth it: MORE MONEY, developing leadership skills, the opportunity to make an impact on others, pride in building the attractive part of buildings (I built that) problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, technical knowledge, opportunities to grow in the industry, build organizational skills, job satisfaction and higher self-esteem.
The role of a foreman in the masonry industry is vital for the success of a project. The entire crew takes on the Foreman’s momentum, attitude, energy, and culture flow. Making the Foreman the driving force toward the end result of productivity. The Foreman is the onsite representative of our companies. A foreman is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, managing the manpower, and ensuring that work is carried out efficiently, safely, and according to the plans and specs. To be an effective foreman, one must possess a unique set of skills that enable them to manage materials, lead, communicate, problem-solve, and manage time effectively. In this article, we will explore the key skills required to excel in the role of a Foreman.
One of the main sets of skills is the ability to communicate and lead crews. The average crew has crew members who aren’t always punctual, clear-headed, and motivated. There are emotional and relationship issues between crew members that must be navigated through to keep the crew safe and productive. Sometimes, the Foreman will have to be a counselor, motivational speaker, and even a Spiritual Guru.
After getting the crew in the right frame of mind, the Foreman must be able to communicate with the higher-ups, such as the general contractor’s superintendent, project manager, and even the architect over the job site. There are many meetings with other trades as well that the Foreman will attend. Having the grit, yet the calmness, to deal with aggressive schedules can be an asset skill in these meetings. Other trades don’t always accomplish what has been promised and sometimes have faulty work that the masonry crews depend on to be right so that we can execute the desires of the architect and owner. These situations must be communicated firmly and politically to be effective.
To be an effective foreman and hold the skill set to communicate well, you need to be equipped with a high level of knowledge and experience in the masonry field. A thorough understanding of the masonry processes and procedures is essential. Being well-versed in the tools, materials, and techniques used in an efficient and productive flow is vital. The Foremen with technical expertise can also identify potential issues or challenges that may arise during the construction process. They can proactively address these problems, minimizing delays and ensuring a smooth workflow. Technical expertise also enables foremen to assess the quality of work and make necessary adjustments to ensure compliance with project specifications.
There are many vital roles of an Onsite Foreman for a Mason Contractor. Keeping the crew safe, even despite themselves, is the most important thing. Being able to send the men under their management home at the end of each day must be at the top of the list. This responsibility starts with a constant mindset to search for safety infractions. Having a radar built into the Foreman’s eyes and ears is the first skill. Each man must protect himself personally from injury hazards with personal protective gear.
Of all the skills of a successful masonry foreman, how do we grade the Foreman as an A+ employee? Their performance can be measured through a diverse set of key performance indicators (KPIs). Obviously, the raw quantities of brick & block laid are the main thing in most circumstances. The Foreman’s ability to complete projects. Other hallmarks of a good foreman include safety metrics like zero accidents. Quality control is gauged by minimal rework and projects meeting specifications. Crew interviews under the Foreman are an effective way to gather KPI info regarding high morale. Complete tasks efficiently within budget and schedule. Problem-solving abilities that they generate on their own. A foreman who is always calling the office with job-halting issues that can’t come up with the answer or even an option for a way around the issue is a key non-performance indicator. Communication skills always shine through major issues. Fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By tracking and optimizing these diverse KPIs, a foreman can not only ensure project success but also build a strong, skilled, and dedicated team for the future.
The Foreman must get the crew to work as a TEAM. On the job site of the current age, millennials make up the majority of the workforce. That generation has a different way of communicating and motivation. The crew has to rely on the Foreman for more than just brick and mortar. They depend on the Foreman to guide them, push them, and trust them. Walking that tightrope between training and micromanaging is a constant challenge. Sure, the Foreman can bark orders all day, but that just breeds robots, not skilled masons. There is a hunger for knowledge in their eyes and frustration when things don’t click. That’s when the real training kicks in. Demonstrating techniques, dissecting mistakes, answering endless questions – it’s time-consuming but invaluable. But training stops at a certain point. Hand-holding every step stifles the crew’s potential. The Foreman has to let them take the reins and make calculated choices, even if they stumble sometimes. That’s how they learn, how they grow. It’s a leap of faith, but seeing them find their own solutions, their problem-solving muscle flexing – that’s the real reward. A crew that feels empowered, respected, and heard will give you their all, sweat, blood, and maybe even a few choice words. But that’s okay because, ultimately, we’re building more than walls; we’re building each other up. And that’s the strongest foundation any structure can have. CULTURE: we build people brick by brick!