How do you manage surveying teams?

1 Plan ahead

Before sending your surveying teams to the field, you need to plan ahead and prepare the necessary resources and information. You should define the scope, objectives, and specifications of the survey, as well as the budget, timeline, and deliverables. You should also identify the potential risks and hazards that the teams may encounter, and devise contingency plans and mitigation strategies. Additionally, you should provide your teams with the appropriate equipment, tools, software, and maps that they will need for the survey.

2 Communicate clearly

Communication is key for managing surveying teams, as it ensures that everyone is on the same page and understands their roles and responsibilities. You should communicate clearly and regularly with your teams, using various channels such as phone, email, radio, or online platforms. You should also establish a reporting system and a feedback mechanism, so that you can monitor the progress and performance of your teams, and address any issues or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, you should communicate effectively with other stakeholders, such as clients, contractors, or authorities, and keep them updated on the survey results and outcomes.

3 Train and support

Your surveying teams should have the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct the survey professionally and accurately. You should train and support your teams, especially if they are new or unfamiliar with the project or the site. You should provide them with the relevant guidelines, standards, and procedures that they have to follow, and explain the expectations and requirements that they have to meet. You should also support your teams by providing them with the resources and assistance that they may need, such as technical support, troubleshooting, or quality assurance.

4 Coordinate and collaborate

Your surveying teams should work together as a cohesive unit, and coordinate and collaborate with each other and with other teams. You should assign clear roles and tasks to each team member, and ensure that they have the authority and autonomy to perform them. You should also encourage teamwork and cooperation among your teams, and foster a positive and respectful work culture. Additionally, you should coordinate and collaborate with other teams involved in the project, such as design, construction, or environmental teams, and share the survey data and information with them.

5 Evaluate and improve

Your surveying teams should strive to improve their skills and processes, and deliver high-quality and reliable survey data and products. You should evaluate and improve your teams, by conducting regular reviews and assessments of their work, and providing them with constructive feedback and recognition. You should also identify the strengths and weaknesses of your teams, and the opportunities and challenges that they face, and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve their performance. Moreover, you should solicit feedback and suggestions from your teams, and involve them in the decision-making and improvement processes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?