David Domenichini likes consistency. So much so that all project managers are required to send out a formatted progress report nightly for each project they manage. The note includes a short description of what the team accomplished that day, what the project manager’s homework is, what the client’s homework is, and any change orders on the project. Each project manager typically manages one to four projects at a time and sends out the note before 6 p.m.
Domenichini says the company’s constant and up-to-date communication continually impresses customers; it also pops up in nearly every review the company receives. In addition, the nightly email updates are all in one email chain (with Domenichini copied on each one), so that there is a record of everything done on the project.
The nightly reports were the “golden nugget” the team came up with about three years ago during its annual Reboot Week. Reboot Week happens the first week of August. During that time, the company shuts down to focus on the business. Domenichini and his management team discuss what the company has done correctly, what needs improvement, and what is one process they could implement to improve the business (the “golden nugget”).
Domenichini and his team inform their laborers and their clients well in advance so nobody is taken by surprise. The week is roughly 60% work and 40% teambuilding, Domenichini reports.
In addition to the Reboot Week, the company as a whole meets the first Wednesday of every month. After that gathering, there is a safety meeting before crews go to their jobs. The management team also meets for 90 minutes on both Tuesdays and Thursdays to discuss ongoing projects.