DIRECTING WORK TEAMS After  a  job  has  been  properly  planned,  it  is necessary to carefully direct the job. This ensures it is completed  on  time  and  with  the  quality  that  satisfies both the customer and the crew. Before  starting  a  project,  make  sure  the  crew knows what is expected. Give instructions and urge the crew to ask questions on all points that are not clear. Be honest in your answers. If you don’t have an answer, say so; then find the answer and get back to the crew. Don’t delay in getting solutions to the questions   asked. Timely   answers   keep   projects moving  forward. They  also  show  the  crew  your concern for the project is as genuine as theirs. While a job is under way, spot check to ensure that  the  work  is  progressing  satisfactorily.  Determine whether  the  proper  methods,  materials,  tools,  and equipment  are  being  used.  When  determining  the initial requirements, do so early enough so there are no   delays. If   crewmembers   are   incorrectly performing a task, stop them and point out the correct procedures.  When  you  check  crewmembers’  work, make them feel the purpose of checking is to teach, guide,  or  direct—not  to  criticize  or  find  fault. Make  sure  the  crew  complies  with  applicable safety  precautions  and  wear  safety  apparel  when required. Watch for hazardous conditions, improper use   of   tools   and   equipment,   and   unsafe   work practices.  These  can  cause  mishaps  and  possibly result in injury to personnel. There are no excuses for unsafe practices. Proper safety instructions and training  eliminate  the  desire  to  work  carelessly. When  directing  construction  crews,  practice  what  you preach. When   time   permits,   rotate   crewmembers   on various  jobs.  Rotation  gives  you  the  opportunity  to teach. It also gives each crewmember an opportunity to  increase  personal  skill  levels. As a crew leader, you need to ensure that your crew work together in getting the job done. Develop an  environment  where  each  crewmember  feels  free  to seek your advice when in doubt about any phase of the  work.  Emotional  balance  is  especially  important. Don’t  panic  in  view  of  your  crew  or  be  unsure  of yourself when faced with a conflict. Be  tactful  and  courteous  in  dealing  with  your crew.  It  sounds  obvious,  but  don’t  show  any partiality.  Keep  every  crewmember  informed  on  both work  and  personal  matters  that  affect  his  or  her performance.  Also,  try  to  maintain  a  high  level  of morale.  Low  morale  has  a  definite  effect  on  the quantity and quality of a crew’s work. As you advance in rate, you spend more and more time supervising others. You have to learn as much as you  can  about  supervision.  Study  books  on  both supervision  and  leadership,  Also,  watch  how  other supervisors-both  good  and  bad-operate.  Don’t  be afraid to ask questions. TOOL KIT INVENTORY Tool  kits  contain  all  the  craft  hand  tools  required by one, four-member construction crew or fire team of a given rating to pursue their trade. The kits may contain  additional  items  required  by  a  particular assignment. However, they should not be reduced in type of item and should be maintained at 100 percent of kit assembly allowance at all times. As  a  crew  leader,  you  can  order  and  are responsible for all the tools required by the crew. This incurs  the  following  responsibilities: Maintaining complete tools kits at all times; Assigning  tools  within  the  crew; Ensuring  proper  use  and  care  of  assigned  tools by  the  crew; Preserving tools not in use; Securing  assigned  tools;  and Ensuring  that  all  electrical  tools  and  cords  are inspected on a regular basis. To make sure tools are maintained properly, the operations officer and the supply officer establish a formal  tool  kit  inventory  and  inspection  program.  As a crew leader, you perform a tool kit inventory at least every 2 weeks. Tools requiring routine maintenance are turned in to the central tool room (CTR) for repair and  reissue. Damaged  or  worn  tools  should  be returned  to  the  CTR  for  replacement.  You  must submit  requisitions  for  replacement  items. Tool   management   is   further   specified   in instructions   issued   by   Commander,   Construction Battalion,  Pacific  (COMCBPAC)  and  Commander, Construction  Battalion,  Atlantic  (COMCBLANT). 1-2