A construction project involves myriad moving parts, but one of the most important is its management. Construction managers are responsible for delegating tasks, overseeing safety, and maintaining deadlines. Negligence in any of these categories can cost a project enormous sums of money and even jeopardize the safety of its crew. This prompts the question — what makes project management successful in a construction context? Successful construction managers know that their job requires clear communication skills, an awareness of safety, and astute organization abilities. Read on to learn how to be a successful project manager.
Plan Continuously
Many project managers make the mistake of approaching planning as a preparatory exercise that ends once a project begins. On the contrary, planning should be a continuous process that you maintain throughout the duration of a project. Investing in construction insurance, for example, allows you to prepare for the unexpected and ensure that your project is protected from common construction liabilities. It’s important to find the right kind of construction insurance for your project in order to ensure that it covers the most pressing liabilities.
Communicate Clearly
Another important aspect of construction management is maintaining clear communication practices. Communicating clearly may take practice, but it’s particularly important in the workplace. Managers are responsible for setting a good example, maintaining positive interactions, and clearly instructing staff regarding their responsibilities. Managers should also remember that communication is a two-way street — in addition to speaking with staff directly, construction managers should always maintain an open-door policy and listen closely to staff members’ concerns. This is imperative for maintaining a safe and effective construction workplace.
Ask Enthusiastically
Construction managers may hesitate to ask questions for fear that it will compromise their appearance of authority. The opposite is often true, though — asking questions demonstrates a willingness to learn, communicate, and understand important issues. These are all important factors when it comes to the success of a construction project. Managers should thus take the initiative to ask questions enthusiastically whenever an issue arises that requires clarification. Asking questions is the best way to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everybody is on the same page.
Budget Conscientiously
Budgeting is yet another one of the most vital responsibilities of a construction manager. Failure to budget effectively can cause a host of setbacks for a construction project, and it can even compromise the safety of the project. Construction managers should budget carefully by taking all potential expenses into account while estimating costs, including materials, labor, and equipment rentals. The best way to stick to the budget is to stick to the schedule, so it’s equally important that a construction manager be able to keep the project on a trajectory to meet its deadlines.
About Haughn & Associates
Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.
