621: Transforming Your Construction Team Through Support And Collaboration

This Podcast Is Episode 621, And It's About Transforming Your Construction Team Through Support And Collaboration Being a construction manager and a business owner requires a unique blend of skills and attributes essential for effectively leading a crew. Leadership is at the forefront of this role, as a construction manager must inspire and motivate their team to achieve project goals while maintaining safety and quality standards. This involves clear communication, conflict resolution, and a collaborative team environment.   Responsibility is another key element. A construction manager oversees the site's day-to-day operations and bears the weight of financial and legal obligations associated with the business. This includes managing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining client relationships. Making informed decisions under pressure is crucial, as any misstep can have significant consequences.   Handling a problematic construction contractor on a job site can also add to your work challenges, but adopting a proactive and positive approach can help you manage the situation effectively.

Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Communication is Key

Open lines of communication are essential. Hold regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and expectations. Encourage your crew members to voice their concerns and suggestions, which can help foster a collaborative environment.

2. Understand Their Perspective

Take time to listen and understand the reasons behind your crew's difficulties. Whether it's workload stress, unclear instructions, or personal issues, knowing the root cause can help you address their concerns more effectively.

3. Set Clear Expectations

Ensure that all crew members understand their roles and the project's goals. Clearly defined tasks and responsibilities can reduce confusion and help everyone focus on their objectives.

4. Provide Support

Offer help through additional resources, training, or simply being available to answer questions. Showing that you care about their success can boost morale and productivity.

5. Stay Professional

Remaining calm and composed is essential, even when tensions rise. Responding to negativity professionally and respectfully can help de-escalate conflicts and maintain a positive work atmosphere.

6. Conflict Resolution

When conflicts arise, address them promptly. Use a calm approach to mediate disputes, focusing on finding a solution for everyone involved. Avoid taking sides to maintain fairness.

7. Recognize Achievements

Acknowledge your crew's good work, no matter how small the accomplishments may seem. Recognition can boost morale and motivate the team to overcome challenges together.

8. Lead by Example

Demonstrate the work ethic and attitude you want to see in your crew. Your leadership style can set the tone for the entire work environment, influencing how the crew interacts and handles difficulties.

9. Be Flexible

Construction projects often come with unexpected challenges. Flexibility and openness to adjustments can help you navigate these situations and maintain team morale.

10. Seek Feedback

After resolving issues, seek feedback from the crew on the process. This can lead to valuable insights and improvements for future projects.

We settled for a different approach. In all our construction companies, we use a process to encourage innovation and optimize production at three specific times during the day: morning, noon, and afternoon. 

Morning —We provided light snacks, pastries, fruit, bottled water, juice, coffee, and tea. We begin the day by informing the team about the legal requirements and end with a sheet of paper listing the goals for the day for each crew, which the superintendent/foreman/lead person, whatever title you use, keeps in their portfolio.

Noon—Lunch is also provided. Each person gives a morning progress report and afternoon target, which are updated on a paper sheet listing the day's goals.

Afternoon—Work stops ten minutes before everyone is due to clock out, and everyone gives an afternoon progress report and next-day target, which is updated on a sheet of paper listing the goals for the day.

Why Provide Snacks And Meals? Three Reasons - PROFIT! PROFIT! PROFIT!

Your construction workers may or may not have a hearty breakfast before coming to work, depending on various factors outside your and their control.

Well-fed construction workers produce more work in less time with fewer mistakes, which saves you time and money on labor, materials, warranty work, and other costs.

After a few hours of intense construction work, they could be dehydrated. Having burned several calories, their stomachs could be sending essential messages regarding food. This usually results in them slowing down a little bit, costing your company some profit dollars. 

You should notice steady increases in production because everyone's needs are met, and each member of your crew—Journeymen, Apprentices, and Laborers—has a voice. This fosters a positive atmosphere. Additionally, you can expect substantial increases in innovation as an ongoing process, all while maintaining uninterrupted production.

In addition, a successful construction manager and business owner must possess a multifaceted skill set. This includes technical knowledge of construction methods and materials, project management expertise, and a deep understanding of industry regulations. Additionally, proficiency in risk management, scheduling, and resource allocation is vital in navigating the complexities of each project.

Adaptability is essential, as construction projects often face unforeseen challenges. A construction manager must be able to think on their feet and adjust plans as necessary to keep projects on track, demanding technical skills and a strong sense of judgment and creativity.

Final thoughts

The role of a construction manager and business owner is rewarding and demanding. It involves a delicate balance of leadership, responsibility, and diverse skill sets, all of which converge to ensure that projects are completed successfully, on time, and within budget.

Leading your crew effectively involves not just managing tasks but inspiring and developing your team to meet project goals while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

About The Author:

Sharie DeHart, QPA, is the co-founder of Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services companies and cash management accounting for small construction companies across the USA. She encourages Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770 or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com