PMs & Nauseating Perfection

Nauseating Perfection and the Real Role of Project Managers.

Project managers are vital to any construction project. They bring structure, direction and much-needed organisation. But there is one behaviour that can undermine their impact  nauseating perfection. It sounds harsh, but it refers to when project managers focus too much on details that do not matter, checking boxes instead of driving results.

The issue is not with aiming for high standards. The problem arises when PMs focus more on aesthetics and surface-level compliance rather than functional excellence. They might seek more quotes than needed, demand unnecessary paperwork, or reject work due to minor formatting issues. These actions do not serve the project; they only create delays, frustrations and inefficiencies.

As Derek Kirkland once said, “You’ve got 100 units of energy, spend them where it matters.” Time and effort spent nit-picking could be used to improve planning, team alignment, or actual building. The habit of over-focusing on perfection wastes valuable energy and distracts from what really drives progress.

Excellence is about results, not appearances. A clean spreadsheet means nothing if the work is delayed.

The pursuit of perfection can also feed into ego. Some project managers try to add value by being overly strict or rigid, which only disrupts the flow of work and damages team morale. Worse still, this kind of behaviour can sometimes get people promoted who should not be, just because they “look the part” rather than deliver meaningful results.

Leadership is not about credentials, it’s about execution, support, and simplifying complexity.

It is also important to challenge the overreliance on credentials. Degrees, certifications and formal training have their place, but they do not replace real implementation. Many project managers boast about training or titles but cannot point to anything they have actually put into practice. What truly matters is the ability to lead, build, and deliver outcomes that benefit the project and the team.

True leadership in construction involves reducing complexity. There is an art in knowing how to simplify and focus only on what adds value. That is where project managers shine, not in perfection, but in effectiveness.

The blog also includes a reminder from the builder’s code: “Discomfort leaders to comfort the workers.” It means leaders must carry the harder planning burdens to make things easier for the trades and crews. This mindset creates more respectful and productive teams.

One listener shared a powerful story about applying Elevate Construction’s principles on sites that did not formally adopt them. By treating people with respect, increasing team huddles, and leading by example, they managed to build camaraderie and improve production. Their effort was noticed, and they were promoted to help build strong teams elsewhere.

That is the power of focusing on excellence rather than appearances. It is about improving the experience for everyone and delivering results that matter.

Key takeaway:
Project managers should lead with purpose, not polish. Nauseating over perfection wastes time and distracts from real outcomes. Focus on simplicity, results and team well-being that is what elevates construction.