Supervising/Leading Work Teams Before  starting  the  project,  you  should  make  sure your crew understands what is expected of them. Give your crew instructions, and urge them to ask questions. Be honest in your answers. If you do not know, say so; then find the correct answers and inform your crew. Establish  goals  for  each  workday  and  encourage  your crew  members  to  work  together  as  a  team  while accomplishing these goals. Goals should be set that will keep your crew busy but also ensure these goals are realistic. Do not overload your crew or undertask them.  During  an  emergency,  most  crew  members  will make an all-out effort to meet the deadline. But people are not machines, and when there is no emergency, they cannot be expected to work at an excessively high rate  continuously. While  the  job  is  underway,  check  from  time  to time   to   ensure   that   the   work   is   progressing satisfactorily. Determine if the proper methods, the materials, the tools, and the equipment are being used. If crew members are doing the job incorrectly, stop them,   and   point   out   what   is   being   done unsatisfactorily. Then explain the correct procedure and check to see that it is followed. NOTE:  When you check the work of your crew members, do it in such a way that they will feel that the purpose of checking is to teach, guide, or direct, rather than to criticize or find fault. Make  sure  your  crew  members  take  all  applicable safety   precautions   and   wear/use   safety   apparel/ equipment that is required. Also, watch for hazardous conditions, improper use of tools and equipment, and unsafe work practices that could cause mishaps and possibly  result  in  injury  to  personnel.  Many  young personnel ignore danger or think a particular safety practice   is   unnecessary.   This   can   normally   be corrected by proper instruction and training. Safety awareness is paramount, and it must be a state of mind and enforced daily until the crew understands its importance. When this occurs, you MUST NOT allow the  crew  to  become  complacent  in  safety  matters. Constant training and awareness is the key; therefore, conduct safety lectures daily! When  time  permits,  rotate  crew  members  on various jobs within the project. Rotation gives them varied  experience.  It  also  helps  you,  as  a  crew  leader, to get the job done when a crew member is out for any length  of  time. As a crew leader, you should be able to get others to  work  together  in  getting  the  job  accomplished. Maintain  an  approachable  attitude  toward  your  crew so that each crew member will feel free to seek your advice when in doubt about any phase of the work. Emotional balance is especially important; you must not panic before your crew, nor be unsure of yourself in the face of conflict. Be  tactful  and  courteous  in  dealing  with  your crew. Never show partiality to certain members of the crew. Keep your crew members informed on matters that  affect  them  personally  or  concern  their  work. Also,  seek  to  maintain  a  high  level  of  morale  because low morale can have a detrimental effect on safety awareness and the quality and quantity of the work your crew performs. As you advance in rate, more and more of your time will be spent in supervising others. Therefore, learn   as   much   as   you   can   about   the   subject   of supervision.  Study  books  on  supervision  as  well  as leadership.  Also,  watch  how  other  supervisors  operate and do not be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS. TOOL KITS AND REQUISITIONS Tool  kits  contain  all  of  the  craft  hand  tools required by one four-member construction crew of a given rating to pursue their trade. The kits kits can be augmented with additional tools to complete a specific job requirement. However, kits must not be reduced in any type of item and must be maintained at 100 percent of  the  kit  allowance. As a crew leader, you are authorized to draw the tools  required  by  the  crew.  In  so  doing,  you  are responsible for the following: • • • • • Maintaining complete tool 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 TOOL KIT INVENTORIES To  ensure  that  the  tools  are  maintained  properly, the  operations  officer  and  the  supply  officer  establish a formal tool kit inventory and inspection program. You, as a crew leader, must have a tool kit inventory performed  at  least  once  a  month.  Damaged  and  worn tools must be returned to the central toolroom (CTR) 1-3