By Tim Faller Mismanaging time results in loss of profitability. Here are some tips for gaining control of time on the site:

Plan the next day's activity. Spending 15 to 30 minutes writing down goals allows you to visualize the process. You'll reduce time lost while team members wait for directions. You'll also "see" materials or tools that will be needed, saving costly "gopher" time.

Prioritize tasks. Put a "1" beside tasks that must be accomplished before the end of the day. Put a "2" beside tasks that it would be possible but not necessary to complete, and a "3" beside items that can wait until tomorrow.

Clean the site at the end of the day. Good clean-up habits will allow you to start immediately into the planned work in the morning.

Charles Steck Choose between the "immediate" and the "important". "Immediate" things are non-critical homeowner demands. The "important" things are part of the plan and necessary to the flow of work. By completing "important" items and fitting "immediate" items into the schedule, the lead carpenter can be more efficient. --Tim Faller, Field Training Services, www.leadcarpenter.com.