Read 4 min

In this Blog Post, we discuss the roles and responsibilities of a General Superintendent (GS) in construction, and how they oversee various projects and teams. 

  1. Roles of a GS:
    • GSs manage multiple small or large projects, often with varying degrees of travel.
    • In larger companies, GSs might oversee large, complex projects with dedicated superintendents for different functional areas.
  2. Key Qualities of a GS:
    • Master Builder: Extensive experience in complex projects, scheduling, lean construction, and project management.
    • Team Builder: Must effectively manage and unite teams, handle conflicts, and be respected by team members.
    • Experienced: Must have a strong background in relevant processes, building types, and successful project completions.
    • Mentor and Teacher: Ability to train and mentor the next generation of builders.
    • Oversee Project Managers: Must supervise and support project managers effectively.
  3. When GS Roles Work Well:
    • Accountability: GSs must hold teams accountable through respect and influence.
    • Monitoring Costs and Schedule: GSs should summarize and monitor project costs and schedules at a high level.
    • Responsibility for Numbers: GSs should be involved in financial and scheduling meetings to stay connected to project outcomes.
    • Focus: GSs should be able to concentrate on their projects without being bogged down by administrative tasks.
  4. Common Issues with GS Roles:
    • Lack of Accountability: GSs must be responsible for project results.
    • Insufficient Training and Coaching Time: GSs should spend meaningful time training and supporting project teams.
    • Distraction: GSs should not be overloaded with proposals or business meetings.
    • Playing Savior: GSs should avoid shielding teams from necessary business realities and instead foster problem-solving within the team.
  5. Recommendations:
    • Companies should ensure GSs are actively involved in projects and not just administrative roles.
    • GSs should be well-compensated and valued for their contributions to the organization.

The GS position is vital for project success, and with the right approach, it can significantly benefit the construction industry.

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!