Ep.1694 - The 47 Things Before Work Starts
Show notes
In this episode, Jason explains why successful construction teams do not simply start work, they prepare for work. He introduces the concept of the "47 things" that must happen before a work package can begin and why these pre-phase planning activities are often more important than the actual field execution. Jason explains how construction teams get trapped in reactive firefighting when they fail to plan the hundreds of small preparation tasks that happen before production starts. By identifying these activities early, assigning ownership, and managing them through clear gates, teams can create stability and predictable flow.
What you'll learn in this episode:
- Why preparation before a work package is more important than simply supervising execution.
- How every construction activity has dozens of tasks that must happen before work begins.
- Why project teams struggle when they start pre-planning too late.
- How human capacity, PTOs, and competing priorities affect project preparation.
- How milestone gates can create better control over pre-mobilization, pull planning, and pre-construction activities.
- Why project management systems should track preparation work, not just scheduled activities.
Are you managing the work that happens before the work starts or are you waiting until the field is already under pressure to solve problems?
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