Top 5 Lessons to Delivering a Mega Project

During the past 16 years, I transitioned through various stages and roles and thrived as one of the integral links to the realization of 3 International Mega-projects, one of them being the Tallest Building in the World and the other two being the most complicated forms of buildings, Hospital projects.

Lately, I have been approached by many industry professionals keen to discuss and learn from my experience in the delivery of mega projects and this prompted me to summarize a few lessons learned personally and professionally during the process of delivering these megaprojects. 

‘Construction Your Career’ Founded by ‘Elinor Moshe’ has been playing an integral role in mentoring future leaders and I am hoping this article will too be a good reference to all the mentees who are willing to learn and grow.

No, I will not be talking about progress, charts, and graphs, project management methodologies, procurement, or any of those project delivery monitoring tools. We have enough of that available on the internet.

I will be giving out firsthand experiences, thoughts, approach, how I managed what was in my control and what I thought could have been done better, what was not, and where do we draw the line of our involvement and contribute in the best possible way towards the success of megaprojects.

My Approach revolves around these very important factors:  

• ·Attitude

• ·Integrity

• ·Accountability

• ·Quality

• ·Compliance (Design &Standards)

• ·Time & Cost

Lesson 1:  ATTITUDE 

I have noticed a general attitude on sites, which is authoritative. “I am right” “this is how it’s done; or this is how we always do it”.

Well, one cannot be always right, let us keep the ‘ego’ aside, and if someone has a different idea or solution, respect that, give it a chance, maybe it will add value.

My approach is to try to first understand the issue, analyse it without bias, present what is possible and not possible and come up with the best possible solution after considering all aspects and identify the impact of the solution. 

Quick tip - Have a backup solution and its impact up your sleeve to counter any complications. There will be times when you will need it.

A positive and solutions-driven attitude will connect better with people, solve the problem, and add positivity to the stressful atmosphere on construction sites.

Lesson 2: INTEGRITY

 When we are entrusted a project by the Client, it is the responsibility of every individual in the project to protect the project information.

• I may know some information from different stakeholders due to my good relationship, but it is for me to keep and stay informed unless it is officially communicated.

• During my tenure in various projects, there were times when I was offered perks, New year party invitations, Lunches, etc as a gesture of appreciation, while I was only doing my job of ‘getting things done. I would politely refuse the perks. This helps maintain a better equation professionally

Lesson 3: DON’T SWEAT SMALL STUFF, let it go 

I remember an instance when the project was at its peak, I was inundated with almost all the Interior packages and I was fine doing that because, having digested the project and those packages, it was quicker for me to make decisions, review or deal with related contractors and people. Everyone was too busy even to understand who is doing what, but it was evident, I was loaded with work.

At the same time, there were people handling only 1 package. I believe in an attempt to ease my work or, to add some additional scope to the other person, in one of our team meetings, the decision was made to transfer interior packages to the other person, but the exact scope as to which one, etc was not made clear.

The other person immediately instructed the Document controllers (DC) to direct all the Interior packages, emails, memos, etc which I was managing to him. 

The DC informed me, and I said, “please do so dear”.

Then, I gave the history of issues and directed all the numerous site personnel and all the other issues pertaining to those packages to the other guy. Of course, there were countless issues to manage and countless site problems to solve as it was a huge project. Contractors started complaining as issues were not being solved.

Within a week, the other person went to the management and requested to be out of the Interior Packages and so everything was back to what it was.

In all this, the only words I had uttered was “Please do so dear”.

I knew what I was managing, and I knew what the other person was getting into. Had I reacted differently, the whole episode would have turned sour, for everyone involved 

For me, it was a small issue, just needed to give it some time to solve on its own.

NO SWEAT. STAY CALM. STAY CONFIDENT.

Lesson 4: WORK ETHIC & ACCOUNTABILITY

When there is a dispute, project it from a different point of view rather than an argument. There were times when RFI responses are not really helping and should have had a more specific response. Accept responsibility and give a response that helps the project. Giving a response that goes in circles is of no use.

When there are differing solutions between the boss and you, specifically in meetings or site walks, etc do not immediately jump in to prove your point. You can always say, looks like there is more to this. Let us discuss this internally and come back. There might be something you are not aware of and there might be something your boss is not aware of. Hence, discuss and make an informed decision.

Be responsible for what you do. No excuses, it is always done that way, contract says this, do what is right, put across your reasons, stand up for it. It is difficult but worth it.

We used Modular Pods/DFMA (Design for Manufacture & Assembly as it is called here in Australia) on both the Hospital Projects. In one of the Projects, I was the PM responsible for the Design development, manufacturing, installation, and integration of these Pods. I had a comprehensive list of every element that goes in these Pods from the finishes to pipes, screws, bolts, etc, all derived from the material approval submittals.

We had a stringent schedule to deliver the full mock-up and get it approved fully including all the materials so that we can go into mass production. 

The first step was to get the mock-up fully approved, so we can place a comprehensive order for the materials 

Partial approval for structure and finishes was already done and the services were yet to be approved. So, I got the manufacturing of frames and walls started.

Just when we thought we were done with all the services for the prototype, we realized there is a missing set of screw and bolt which are unique and cannot be replaced with just any alternative. Full approval can be achieved only by getting the full prototype approved and hence the full order for materials cannot be placed too.

Just a small element missing had a ripple effect delaying the full delivery.

Lesson: Never ignore any element of the project. Everything is a piece of the jigsaw puzzle.

After this discovery, my head was heavy and all that follows this was running in my mind. Just when I was about to exit the Factory, I noticed a prototype of a kitchen for another overseas project. I asked the guys, for services, you must be using the same suppliers and materials right? They said” Yes”.

Is this Kitchen prototype approved? 

“Yes”

When do you need to deliver this?

“Oh, this will be the last one to go as we need this in the factory for reference”.

Great. Can we borrow this screw and bolt set for our bathroom prototype? We can replace it as soon as our stuff is delivered.

Let us do that and get the prototype approved and we can buy time until the prototype gets reviewed and approved by the Consultants and Client!

We did just that and got the prototype approved on time and ordered all the material required for the project. 

Think of all ways to make it happen. Be quick. Take responsibility. Approach anyone and everyone who can help make it happen.

Think, “Why not”?

You are accountable for whatever is your responsibility. Take responsibility fully.

Celebrate small victories. It keeps you motivated in stressful conditions which are common in mega projects.

〰️

Celebrate small victories. It keeps you motivated in stressful conditions which are common in mega projects. 〰️

Lesson 5: REPUTATION & BRAND

Do not look short-term. You are defined by “YOU”, not the Project. Stick to your values, integrity, boundaries, dedication, dependability, etc. 

This will stay with you, stick till the end. Face the challenges, be resilient. Be clear and set boundaries on what you will not accept.

You will be defined by this and will be recommended for this.

Say goodbye and leave gracefully when done, with the satisfaction that you gave your best.

Hope this helps you in your Design and Construction Journey.

Noor.