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Job Walks
I’ve never been great at job walks.
Last year, my weekly walks on my big project had become so unproductive that I called a former intern for advice. He recommended that I study the drawings and re-walk the project after the big team walk.
When the pandemic surged at the end of 2020, I started walking the job site alone on Sunday mornings. In the quiet of an empty building, I found my stride. I could sense the building and feel its gaps.
I was completely alert without studying the drawings. I didn’t need to practice this extra step because I wasn’t distracted by people. My mind was purely focused.
But quiet meditation on a job site is not normal.
Along with my major project, I started a couple of small quick tenant improvements. I held those walks with the contractor, but I had become complacent with my habits.
I forgot to check my drawings. I missed obvious items, resulting in significant rework. Contractually, these busts were the contractors’ problems, but I could have been more helpful.
Back to the basics. Study the drawings. If walking with a companion, I must re-walk the project by myself or insist upon being excruciatingly methodical.
And don’t get cocky. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Coda: Today is my former intern’s first day as an OPM at Nevada State College. The big project I just completed is now his building. JB, all the best in your new gig!
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Two Questions
Do you have any tips and tricks for maximizing your job walks?
Is this a crazy small industry or what?!
Hit reply and let’s chat!
… and a public domain photo.
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Thanks for reading the OPM letter! I’d love to have a conversation if you have any feedback. I hope you found some prompts to stretch your craft and relationships as a curious Owner PM. See you next week!
Stay humble, be kind, and keep experimenting!
Justus Pang, RA