How Superintendents and Project Managers Can Work Together for Success

How can superintendents and project managers work together effectively? This is a power pairing in construction that needs to be done well. If you’ve ever faced trouble or drama between a PM and a superintendent, you know how challenging it can be. It’s like raising kids when Mom and Dad aren’t getting along—virtually impossible. Here are 10 key steps to eliminate awkwardness and ensure smooth collaboration. 

1. Intentional Check-Ins: Intentional check-ins are crucial. This can be its own meeting, staying after a team meeting, or prepping before the OAC. It’s not just about formal meetings; sometimes, it involves casual interactions like lunch together without discussing business. This helps in understanding each other without egos getting in the way.
2. Define Roles and Responsibilities Clearly: Clear expectations for roles and responsibilities can prevent misunderstandings. When everyone knows what’s expected of them, it’s easier to hold each other accountable and ensure the superintendent and PM perform their jobs effectively.
3. Mutual Respect and Trust: Building mutual respect and trust is essential. Superintendents and PMs should ask themselves how they can support each other and give without expecting anything in return. True teamwork develops when both parties give freely.
4. Collaborative Planning: Collaborative planning ensures that both the PM and superintendent are involved in the decision-making process. Working together on plans in a visual format can foster camaraderie and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
5. Effective Problem Solving: Effective problem-solving requires both parties to have the tools to handle conflict healthily. Understanding each other’s communication preferences and conflict resolution styles can help in managing disputes constructively.
6. Documentation and Reporting: Proper documentation and reporting prevents misunderstandings and ensure alignment. Clear meeting minutes and documented decisions help the team follow a standard and avoid confusion.
7. Resource Management: Resource management is crucial for smooth operations. Superintendents should ensure PMs have what they need for contracts and payoffs, while PMs should provide the necessary materials, information, RFIs, and submittals to the superintendents.
8. Joint Decision Making: Making decisions together fosters accountability and commitment. When both parties weigh in and buy in, they are more invested in the outcomes.
9. Proactive Problem Identification: Both the PM and superintendent should anticipate and address potential problems together. Proactively managing issues strengthens their relationship and the overall project.
10. Continuous Improvement: Always strive for continuous improvement in your relationship. Regularly ask, “How can I do better? How can we do better?” This commitment to improvement ensures the relationship between the PM and superintendent remains strong.

Just like the synergy we have on this blog, which keeps you engaged and coming back for more, the relationship between superintendents and PMs directly influences the success of a project. If you ever need help facilitating this relationship or require assistant services, we’re here to help. I hope you found these tips valuable.