Good construction management is the process by which a project is brought to a successful conclusion. But without a good construction manager, even a well planned project can fall apart fast.
Construction managers are responsible for overseeing a project by applying knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project tasks and activities to meet the project requirements. This definition of construction project management suggests the idea that the job of a construction manager requires diverse competencies. Yes, they must be knowledgeable and have the necessary tools; but more importantly, they must know how to apply the proper techniques to a project in order to successfully lead and manage operations from concept to completion.
You might be asking yourself “So what skills should I be looking for when searching for a quality construction manager for my next project?” This is where we come in. We have put together a list of project management skills that includes five key areas that are essential for successful leadership in construction. Let’s explore each of these areas to find out why these qualities are so important:
Effective communication skills
Communication plays a fundamental role in all facets of business and construction management is no exception. Construction projects are multi-faceted and complex processes that involve various teams, each with their own specialized skills and unique practices. To successfully lead a construction project from start to finish, all project participants must interact efficiently. How is this accomplished?
The answer: effective communication. Effective communication among business teams begins with leadership that sets clear methods and standards. Think of this as the heartbeat of a construction project throughout its life cycle. A construction manager must supply the teams they supervise with the knowledge and information they need to carry out their tasks successfully. This includes having a performance measurement method in place to assess individual and team performance and determine if expectations are being met.
The key point to keep in mind, however, is that effective communication is a two-way street. Construction managers should be able to establish an environment where team participants are encouraged to share their ideas along with any questions or concerns that may arise. This will increase accuracy, reduce the potential for errors, improve productivity and increase morale of all project teams.
Clear and open communication gives all project teams equal participation in the success of a project and allows them to perform to the best of their abilities. Without effective communication skills, the success of a construction project is compromised.
Ability to delegate tasks
The ability to properly delegate project tasks really begins with understanding the scope of work prior to construction. Ensuring accurate scope reduces the need for change orders, thus keeping the project on budget. Next, a construction manager must assign tasks to all project teams before the project begins.
To do so accurately, the tasks must be delegated based on the expertise and specialized skills of each team and their members. Doing so ensures all team participants are given work best aligning with their specific skill set. This not only benefits all teams, but the entire project as well. Delegation is an essential management skill because it empowers construction managers to:
- allocate and distribute equitable team responsibilities and accountability
- encourage growth and development for team members and their roles
- support personal development
- set, plan, measure and evaluate team goals and output
Note: A quality construction manager must be capable of delegating leadership and supervisory roles to team leaders, which helps them oversee specific areas on the project. Great managers acknowledge that they cannot do the entire job on their own and entrusting other capable leaders will help facilitate the project and keep on schedule.
Ability to prioritize tasks and activities
Construction projects require proper structure to be carried out successfully. To do so, a construction manager should create and implement a strategic plan along with a detailed scope of work to establish and communicate the framework of project tasks, activities, milestones and resource requirements within the allotted budget and timeline. Understanding the significance of each task and activity is essential to the success of a project and a construction manager must have the ability to prioritize accordingly.
This includes frequently reassessing the project’s status and re-prioritizing tasks and activities appropriately if any changes arise, to ensure the project stays on track (more on this later).
Understands the value of teamwork
Although the success of a construction project relies heavily on the skills and abilities of a construction manager, the finished product would simply not exist without the efforts of the team behind them. A quality construction manager recognizes this and regards teamwork as an integral component of the construction process. They should share credit for work well done and encourage all members to participate and contribute at their highest levels. By doing so, a construction manager creates an environment of trust and appreciation for all team participants and a final product that all involved are proud of.
Recipe for effective teamwork = Communication + Coordination + Cooperation.
Ability to adapt to change and solve problems
Remember, construction projects are complex, and complexity increases risk. Problems and obstacles will occur during a construction project. These problems could include anything from unpredictable weather to operational issues. Successful construction managers are equipped with strong problem-solving skills and remain composed when obstacles arise. They must be able to identify potential risks of a project and have pragmatic solutions ready to solve them if there are circumstantial shifts in the project.
This will allow construction managers to respond quickly and adapt accordingly to ensure the project stays on schedule. Failure to adapt to shifting circumstances can derail the entire project; therefore, the ability to solve problems quickly is pivotal to the success of the project.
A quality construction manager can formulate strategies that are specific to a project and tailored to the unique group of individuals they supervise.
Conclusion
As you can see, construction project managers are tasked with balancing a variety of obligations during a construction project. They are responsible for overseeing the entire project as the owner’s representative. More importantly, they manage various human and material resources to lead the project from concept to completion. In other words, they wear many hats.
The outcome of a construction management project is significantly impacted by how a construction manager implements their skills, directing efforts towards success. Construction managers that lead effectively, inspire others to follow. By selecting a quality construction manager, you will minimize risks and maximize the project’s return on investment. These five skills good to keep in mind, as they are essential for the success of any construction project.
