In this blog, I will explore what “Conditions of Satisfaction” (COSOs) are, how to identify them, and how they impact your project or effort. So if you’re ready to dive in, you’ve come to the right place.
What Are Conditions of Satisfaction (COSOs)?
COSOs are often used in construction, especially in design, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and within the lean community. The purpose of COSOs is to establish step-by-step what conditions would make for a successful project. This includes identifying required deliverables and getting input from all stakeholders to achieve specific project goals.
Think of it this way: imagine going to an ice cream parlor and ordering pralines and cream. If they hand you chocolate instead, you’d probably be confused and annoyed. Similarly, in construction, clients have specific expectations.
They know what they want, and if those conditions aren’t met, frustration ensues. Just like you wouldn’t pay for the wrong flavor of ice cream, clients don’t want to pay for a project that doesn’t meet their specifications.
Common Problems Without COSOs
Without clearly established COSOs, miscommunication and dissatisfaction can easily occur. Here’s another analogy: if you went to a car dealership asking for an F350 truck with off-road tires and four-wheel drive, and instead they give you an F150 with no add-ons, you’d probably walk out of there feeling frustrated and unheard. The same happens with construction projects when client conditions aren’t met. They may feel ignored or that their needs aren’t taken seriously.
The Benefits of Establishing COSOs
COSOs ensure everyone is on the same page. They bring together stakeholders such as owners, design teams, engineers, contractors, trade partners, and vendors to define clear project deliverables, conditions, and goals. By doing this, you ensure that when the project is complete, the client will be satisfied.
COSOs are a way to document expectations and align all parties on what success looks like for the project. This clarity reduces friction, minimizes misunderstandings, and fosters a healthier work environment.
How to Establish COSOs
Here are some actionable steps to establish COSOs for your next project:
- Engage Stakeholders Early: Get input from everyone involved, including owners, design teams, end-users, contractors, and vendors. Early engagement ensures that all voices are heard and considered when setting project goals.
- Define Specific Project Goals: Avoid vague goals like “on time” or “on budget.” Instead, be precise—define timeframes, budgets, quality standards, and safety measures. Consider aspects like client satisfaction and team morale. By establishing concrete goals, you create a more holistic approach.
- Use the SMART Framework: Ensure that your COSOs are Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-based (SMART). For example, don’t just say, “improve safety.” Instead, be clear about how you’ll measure safety improvements, what actions will be taken, and the timeframe for those actions.
- Document the COSOs: Put your COSOs in a well-designed format that’s easy to refer to, such as posters, stickers, or screen savers. Everyone should know what the goals are and how they can contribute to achieving them.
- Check-in Regularly: Make sure the team is continuously aligned with the COSOs by checking in frequently. This ensures that everyone is still moving in the right direction and allows for course corrections as needed.
Where Can You Use COSOs?
COSOs can be applied to various aspects of a project, including design, construction, IPD efforts, and specific tasks or clusters. You can even use COSOs for something as small as a pull plan. The key is to gather input, ensure alignment, and measure success.
An important point to remember is that lack of alignment among stakeholders is one of the biggest wastes in a project. By establishing COSOs, you mitigate this issue and foster healthier collaboration.
If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go!