How To Manage Construction

How to Manage Construction: The Difference Between Management and Leadership

In this blog, we’ll explore the key distinctions between management and leadership in the construction industry. I’ll dive into how to approach each and share actionable tips for implementing good management practices on your construction projects.

Command and Control in Construction

A clear understanding of command and control is essential. While command and control of people creates toxic environments where individuals cannot perform at their best, managing the environment is vital. Ensuring that the environment is clean, organized, and safe fosters a space where workers can succeed.

The example of Hitler during WWII shows how rigid control can backfire. In construction, our job is not to micromanage people but to manage the systems and processes that help them perform optimally.

Key Management Tasks in Construction

When managing construction, focus on commanding and controlling the environment rather than the people. Here are six key management tasks to ensure success:

1. Planning & Organization
   It’s crucial to have a proper budget, schedule, and supply chain during pre-construction to create an environment where trade partners have the resources they need to succeed.
2. Operational Systems
   Establish a solid operational system that covers everything from project administration to meetings, quality control, and safety. A well-organized system allows your team to execute efficiently.
3. Feedback Loops & Metrics
   Develop systems to track progress through KPIs and other metrics. These feedback loops ensure compliance and let you measure the effectiveness of your systems.
4. Problem-Solving Strategies
   Implement strategies that prevent delays and solve problems early. A well-managed system will anticipate issues and allow teams to focus on smooth operations.
5. Administrative Duties
   Things like RFIs, submittals, change orders, and pay applications are not about managing people but managing processes. Efficient administrative management gives your team what they need to perform their best.
6. Training Programs
   Set up training systems within meetings and huddles to increase operational efficiency. Proper training ensures everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.

Key Leadership Practices in Construction

While management is about controlling systems, leadership focuses on guiding people. Here are four leadership principles to apply on your project:

1. Vision & Strategy
   Leadership begins with a clear vision and overall strategy for the project. Inspire your team with a shared goal, ensuring that everyone understands the end objective and the criteria for success.
2. Inspiration & Motivation
   Motivation doesn’t come from managing—it comes from leading. Use meetings and daily huddles to inspire your team, showing them the significance of their work and how it contributes to a greater purpose.
3. Clear Communication
   Open and clear communication is essential for any successful project. Ensure that communication flows freely between leadership, the construction company, trade partners, and workers. Feedback loops are crucial for addressing concerns and improving operations.
4. Relationship Building
   Building authentic and respectful relationships with trade partners, foremen, and workers is key. People work best when they feel seen, respected, and connected. Make an effort to form meaningful connections with everyone on the site to foster a collaborative environment.

Final Thoughts

In construction, we manage things but lead people. When you manage the environment and systems, and lead your team with vision, inspiration, communication, and relationships, your project is set up for success.

Remember, great management is about creating an environment where your team can thrive, while leadership is about motivating and guiding them to reach their full potential.