Managing a construction project from start to finish is almost inevitably going to have some challenges and perhaps some surprises. Meticulous preparation and strong attention to detail over the course of a project will help assure that project managers keep jobs on budget and on schedule. Here are some of the most vital things that project managers should strive to put into practice.
Be Proactive About Risk
Good project managers have to be vigilant about the execution of everything that they have carefully planned during the early phases of a project’s development. Ideally, steadfast oversight helps everything go according to plan without any glitches or setbacks. Due to all of the variables involved in each step of completing a new construction or major alteration, some things are likely to go wrong. Preparing for hardship takes adaptive risk management planning that includes an eye towards mitigating liability and loss. Construction insurance, sound financial management, and careful supervision of workers are all indispensable ways to manage risk.
Always Make Safety the Top Priority
Numerous hazards are inherent to every scope of work. It is essential to emphasize safety during the planning process and while a project is in progress. Accidents can put workers’ life and health at risk, create issues with OSHA regulations, and give rise to construction insurance claims. Furthermore, they can substantially delay milestones for completion and possibly cost a PM or a contracting company future business. Project leads must be extremely conscientious about safety compliance and implement practical measures to create safe working conditions.
Exercise Outstanding Problem Solving Skills
Project managers do not personally oversee every facet of work themselves, and sometimes numerous companies or subcontractors are participating in work. In effect, they cannot proactively prevent every single mistake that may happen. An essential aptitude for effectively managing construction projects is being able to do the right thing after someone else has already done the wrong thing. Even if mistakes are not their own, leaders need to demonstrate accountability. They must identify what it will take to remedy a problem, make that solution happen, and take measures to prevent similar missteps from reoccurring.
Continue Refining Skill Sets
Managers should attempt to treat setbacks as learning opportunities. They need to consider if issues on a jobsite reflect changes that they need to make in their managerial style. Improving construction management skills requires active attention to how the course of a project illustrates the importance of any specific fundamentals or strategies.
The volume of work that project managers take on is often very demanding. The role calls for a highly dedicated work ethic, and managing a construction project is a long and intensive process. Consistent application of key managerial principles and excellent organizational skills will produce good results.
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.
