Effective communication is the backbone of any successful project. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all team members are aligned on objectives, timelines, and expectations. Timely and respectful communication not only facilitates smooth operations but also fosters a collaborative environment that can lead to innovative solutions and project success.
When members of a construction team, whether in the design or delivery phase, “go dark” or fail to prioritize a project, the risks can escalate quickly. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and increased costs.
When team members don’t respond promptly to requests for information or vendors don’t provide quotations promptly or thoroughly, it can halt progress resulting in construction or permitting delay, leading to cascading effects on the overall timeline.
Lack of communication can breed frustration and uncertainty among team members. This can result in uneasy relations, where misunderstandings lead to conflicts that could have been easily avoided with open dialogue.
When communication breaks down, morale can suffer. People may feel undervalued or overlooked, leading to disengagement or even exit from the project. This can disrupt cohesion and continuity, creating further challenges for the remaining team members.
A reluctance to engage in discussions about design and building solutions can stifle creativity and innovation. When people don’t feel comfortable sharing ideas or feedback, the project may miss out on valuable insights that could enhance the outcome.
As Construction Managers, we must make communication both an operational necessity and fundamental aspect of our culture. We must prioritize people who are communication-centric and committed to fostering a spirit of collaboration in our selection process.
As a baseline, we need to ensure people are dedicated to maintaining a respectful and timely dialogue. This lays the groundwork for a positive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Our Construction Management and General Contracting approach emphasizes engagement. We encourage team members to share their thoughts, ask questions, and bring ideas forward. We respect the specialists and want their input based on their experience and their own learned lessons.
We believe a cohesive team is integral to achieving owner objectives and overall project success. By fostering a culture of respect and collaboration, we enhance the likelihood of meeting—and exceeding—project goals.
One of the key strategies we focus on is the strength and capabilities of our colleague’s communication during the pre-engagement phase. This process allows us to rule team members in or out based on their communication skills and willingness to contribute positively to the team dynamic. By carefully selecting participants who demonstrate a strong commitment to communication, we ensure that only the most keen, engaged and willing individuals are involved. This is key to successful project delivery.