How can superintendents and project managers work together?

In construction, one of the most powerful partnerships you can have is between a superintendent and a project manager. This relationship is essential for the smooth functioning of any project, and when it’s working well, it has the power to drive everything on-site in the right direction. 

However, if there’s tension or even just a lack of communication between the two, it can be like trying to raise kids when mom and dad aren’t getting along—virtually impossible. So, how can we eliminate that awkwardness and tension? Here are ten key steps that will help foster a strong working relationship.

1. Intentional Check-Ins

Intentional check-ins are key to maintaining open lines of communication. These could take the form of formal meetings, but sometimes they work best as informal lunches where work isn’t even on the agenda. 

These types of interactions help both parties connect as people, not just as professionals with their egos at the forefront. By getting to know each other on a more personal level, you’re more likely to foster a better working relationship.

2. Defining Roles & Responsibilities Clearly

Misunderstandings about roles can create unnecessary friction. I recall a situation where a project manager was frustrated with a superintendent for not fulfilling certain tasks, only for the superintendent to realize that these expectations had never been made clear. 

Once the roles and responsibilities were clearly defined, the superintendent stepped up without further issues. Set clear expectations from the start—this clarity can prevent a lot of headaches down the road.

3. Building Mutual Respect & Trust

Building mutual respect and trust is critical to maintaining a good working relationship. I’ve often recommended books like The Go-Giver and The Leader Without a Title because they emphasize the importance of giving first without expecting anything in return. 

In a professional setting, this approach can help project managers and superintendents work together harmoniously. Think of it like a personal relationship: it’s only going to work if both parties are giving freely and without conditions.

4. Collaborative Planning

Collaborative planning is another essential step for success. When the superintendent and project manager sit down to plan together, it encourages a sense of camaraderie. This is especially true when the planning process is visual and transparent, allowing both parties to contribute their insights and knowledge. This kind of teamwork can significantly improve the execution of a project.

5. Effective Problem-Solving

Problems are inevitable on any project, but how you handle them can make or break the superintendent-PM relationship. Each party should know how the other prefers to handle conflict and feedback. Personality assessments can help provide insight into these preferences, ensuring that both parties are better equipped to resolve disputes in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.

6. Documentation & Reporting

Documentation and reporting are essential to maintaining accountability and clarity on the project. I’m not talking about using reports to tattletale on each other but rather keeping clear meeting minutes and decisions documented. This helps avoid any “he said, she said” situations and ensures that the entire team can stay aligned with the goals of the project.

7. Resource Management

Resource management is a two-way street. Superintendents must ensure that the project manager has everything they need for contracts and payoffs, while the project manager must ensure that the superintendent has the materials, information, RFIs, and submittals necessary for smooth execution. When each person creates flow for the other, the working relationship improves significantly.

8. Making Decisions Together

Decision-making should always be a collaborative effort. When superintendents and project managers make decisions together, they’re more likely to be committed to seeing those decisions through. In contrast, when decisions are made in silos, it can breed resentment or cause one party to push back simply because they weren’t involved.

9. Anticipating Problems

Anticipating potential issues before they arise is another important skill that can strengthen the superintendent-PM relationship. When both parties are proactive in identifying and addressing possible problems, they’re more likely to stay on the same page and keep the project moving forward.

10. Constantly Improving Relationships

Finally, always strive to improve the relationship between the superintendent and the project manager. This relationship is key to the success of any project, so it’s crucial to continually assess how both parties can improve. Ask for feedback, focus on continuous improvement, and regularly check in to see how things are going.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the relationship between a superintendent and a project manager is like a well-oiled machine. When it works, it works beautifully, but when it doesn’t, everything can quickly fall apart. 

By following these ten steps, you can help ensure that your superintendent and project manager work together as a cohesive unit, leading to a smoother, more successful project.

If you’re ever in need of additional support in getting your teams on the same page or facilitating these key relationships, we offer services to help. Feel free to reach out for assistance—we’re here to help make your project a success!