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How to get everyone on the same page, and keep them there

field leadership Jun 22, 2025

Let’s have us some real talk. Most teams don’t fail because they lack skill or motivation. They fall short because no one actually knows what winning looks like. There’s a plan—in your head. Maybe even some notes on a whiteboard. But the team? They’re working off assumptions, best guesses, and whatever they think you meant.

That ends today.

Because once you learn how to clearly communicate the plan—what’s happening, where it’s happening, and how much needs to get done—you’ll unlock a whole new level of performance from your crew. This isn't theory. It’s boots-on-the-ground leadership using the Field Leaders Planning Tool Box.


The Power of Being Specific and Measurable

First step? Be specific. And measurable. Vague instructions like “install plumbing” just don’t cut it anymore. That’s like asking someone to build a house without a blueprint.

Here’s what “specific and measurable” actually looks like:

“Install 1200 feet of ¾-inch copper domestic water pipe on the second floor overhead.”

Now we’re talking.

Your team knows exactly:

  • What system they're working on (domestic water)

  • Where it goes (second floor overhead)

  • How much to install (1200 feet)

And when they know all that? They self-regulate. They pace themselves. They plan ahead. It also means you can check in and see if they’re hitting the mark—240 feet per day if you’re working a five-day week.


Why It Matters (More Than You Think)

Without that clarity, you end up in budget hell. That familiar call from the project manager: “We’re over budget, hurry up!”

But what if you could stop that train before it leaves the station?

Specific and measurable planning is your first defense. It doesn’t just help the team—it protects your time, your reputation, and your margins.


The Make Ready Mindset

Once the plan is clear, it’s time to think about what your crew needs to hit the goal. That’s where Make Ready Needs come in.

Imagine this:
Your plan calls for overhead copper piping. Your guys show up Monday ready to work—but there’s no acetylene, no ladders, and no pipe.

Now they’re interrupting your day. You’re scrambling. The clock is ticking. Nobody wins.

Instead, flip the script:

  • Wednesday: You build the plan.

  • Thursday: You confirm materials and manpower.

  • Friday: You double-check locations and assignments.

  • Monday: Your team rolls in, grabs what they need, and crushes it.

That's how pros do it.

Make Ready Needs include:

  • Special tools and safety gear

  • Certifications or permits

  • Materials and their exact location

  • The who—as in who’s grabbing what

This might feel like extra work at first. But trust me it’s the kind of work that prevents chaos, not causes it.


Communicate the Plan. Overcommunicate the Win.

Here’s the deal: saying it once isn’t enough.

People forget. People nod and pretend they understood. That’s just how it goes.

So here’s how you make the plan stick:

  • Write it down. Hand them a paper copy.

  • Snap a pic. Text it to their phones.

  • Use a whiteboard. Post it loud and proud for the whole team to see.

You can even do all three.

And when you do? You’re not micromanaging. You’re leading with intention. Your crew doesn’t need babysitting—they need clarity.


What Happens Next?

When you set the challenge and provide the tools to meet it, your crew steps up. Most of them will love it. Some may resist. That’s normal.

But when they miss the target, and you know you gave them the plan, the tools, the time, and the space? That’s when accountability becomes a gift—not a punishment.

You’ll know you did your part. And that gives you real power as a leader.


Reps Over Perfection

Let’s be honest—your first plan might be a little messy. Maybe the crew forgets to check the board. Maybe you miss a detail.

No big deal. Do it again. And again. This is a game of reps.

With every round, the process gets tighter. You get sharper. Your team gets faster. And guess what? The jobsite gets quieter. Less chaos. Fewer “Hey boss, we’re out of...” interruptions.

It’s not magic—it’s mastery.


Ready for the Next Level?

Once you nail down how to communicate and prep your team, the next move is learning how to measure and improve performance. That’s where the full Field Leaders Planning Tool Box comes in.

The Micro Boost gives you the spark. The full toolbox gives you the system.

And the best part? If you’ve already invested in the Micro Boost, you don’t have to start from scratch. You’ll get a discount—only pay the difference to unlock the whole toolkit.

That includes:

  • The One Week Planner

  • The 10-Minute Budget Beater

  • Real-life field-tested templates

  • And bonus lessons that’ll save you hours

So if you're ready to stop playing catch-up and start leading with confidence—this is your next move.


Let’s Wrap This Up

Here’s your challenge:

  1. Download the one-week plan template. (for free)

  2. Write your plan—make it specific and measurable.

  3. List your Make Ready Needs.

  4. Post it. Share it. Talk about it.

  5. Watch your crew rise to the challenge.

And when they do? Take a photo. Tag @jessedepthbuilder. Let the world know you’re raising the standard for leadership in the field.


💥 Ready to go from firefighting to leading with focus?

👉 Grab the full Field Leaders Planning Tool Box today — and make “on the same page” your new standard.

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