5 Essential Skills for Mastering Construction Management
Guest article was written by Integral Media, a digital marketing agency that works with companies in many different industries, including construction.
Construction management is a discipline that requires a unique blend of skills.
On any given project, a construction manager might be responsible for tasks as diverse as budgeting and controlling costs, coordinating workers and subcontractors, scheduling, quality control, and safety. Because it’s such a complex and demanding role, construction managers must be able to think on their feet and juggle multiple tasks at once.
Here are five essential skills that every great construction manager should possess:
1. Planning and organisation
Construction managers must be able to effectively plan and organise projects in order to deliver results on time, within budget and to the required standards. This involves breaking the project down into smaller tasks, setting deadlines, and coordinating the work of different contractors and suppliers.
Organisational skills are essential to developing clear and achievable plans that take into account all the necessary steps involved in a project, including procurement, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. Without adequate planning, it is difficult to ensure that all team members are working towards the same goals and that the project will stay on track.
2. Problem solving
Construction managers need to be problem solvers. They need to be able to think on their feet, anticipate potential problems and act quickly to find solutions before they cause setbacks or cost overruns.
For example, with today’s uncertain global supply chains, construction managers must be particularly aware of potential delays in the arrival of materials. By using problem-solving skills to import cladding, steel or glass materials ahead of time or purchase riveting tools locally instead of overseas, construction managers can avoid disruptions down the line.
In addition, problem-solving skills are essential for dealing with unexpected challenges during construction, such as weather-related delays or changes in the scope of work. By being proactive and finding creative solutions, construction managers can keep projects on course and within budget.
3. Communication and interpersonal skills
Whether you’re overseeing a small construction project or a large-scale development, communication is key to ensuring that everything runs smoothly. As a construction manager, you'll need to be able to clearly convey instructions and expectations to your team, as well as keep other stakeholders updated on the progress of the project. Strong communication skills will also come in handy when dealing with unforeseen problems or changes, as you'll need to be able to adapt quickly and adjust your plans accordingly.
Equally important are interpersonal skills. In order to be successful, you'll need to be able to build and maintain positive working relationships with everyone involved in the project, from the construction workers to the designers and engineers. By cultivating a good rapport with those you work with, you can create a more positive and productive work environment, which will help ensure that the project is completed efficiently.
4. Technical expertise
Technical expertise is another essential skill for mastering construction management. Technical skills include an understanding of how to read and interpret blueprints, how to select and manage contractors, and how to troubleshoot construction problems. In addition, construction managers must be well-versed in building code requirements and safety regulations.
Technical skills come with experience and can be gained through on-the-job training, specialised courses, or formal education.
They are important because they allow construction managers to accurately plan and oversee construction projects from start to finish. They also better equip managers to deal with any issues that may arise during construction. As such, technical expertise is essential for anyone wishing to master construction management.
5. Leadership and teamwork skills
Leadership and teamwork skills are all about having the ability to motivate a team and work together to complete a project. Good leaders will demonstrate a combination of key skills – they will delegate tasks, plan ahead, stay organised and communicate effectively with their team.
Teamwork skills go hand-in-hand with leadership skills. Construction managers must be able to work with others to get the job done. They must be able to collaborate, listen to others, and compromise when necessary.
By learning how to lead and collaborate with their team effectively, construction managers can ensure that each job is completed efficiently and without incident.
Construction management is a complex and challenging field. While no one can be an expert in everything, these five skills are foundational to becoming an exceptional construction manager. With experience and continued learning, you can successfully navigate any construction project.