Construction project managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising construction projects from start to finish. They manage resources, assemble and lead teams, mitigate risks, maintain quality standards and much more. They also ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
It goes without saying that this is complex, multifaceted work that is crucial to the success of the project. Great construction project managers must therefore possess a unique set of skills and characteristics to ensure the success of a project. Here are six of them.
Skills and Traits of Successful Construction Project Managers
Construction knowledge
To be an excellent construction project manager, you need at least some construction knowledge and skills. You don't need to be an expert in the field, but having a good grasp of each step of the construction process and industry best practices can help a lot.
In addition to having a good foundation in construction fundamentals, you must also be familiar with architectural and engineering drawings, building codes, technical specifications, and other regulations. Additionally, you must stay up to date on new industry strategies and methodologies so you can effectively communicate and collaborate with other teams and individuals involved in the project.
Leadership skills
Any project manager needs to have leadership skills, and construction project managers are no exception.
A construction project manager's job involves assembling, guiding, and inspiring a team of people to achieve project goals. Good leadership skills, therefore, include setting clear expectations for your team, delegating tasks appropriately, and resolving conflicts if and when they arise quickly and effectively. As a leader, you are expected to bring out the best in your team, and you can only do this if you foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
Problem solving skills
Construction projects are often highly complex and challenging. Therefore, as a project manager, you will often have to think quickly and develop creative solutions to keep things on track.
A good project manager must be able to analyze complex situations and make informed decisions. At the same time, they must also be flexible and able to adapt or revise plans when necessary. Staying calm under pressure, even when not everything goes according to plan, is also extremely important.
Communication skills
You can't have good problem-solving and decision-making skills without effective communication with the people you work with. After all, communication is the glue that holds projects together. As a project manager, you will need to communicate regularly not only with your team members, but also with customers, suppliers and regulatory authorities.
By keeping everyone informed and managing expectations, you will foster a good work environment and build strong relationships, which will ensure smooth project execution.
Resource and time management
As a project manager, you are expected to manage resources and time efficiently, which means ensuring the project stays on budget and on schedule.
In practical terms, this means you will have to allocate labor, equipment and materials efficiently. You will also be responsible for estimating costs, monitoring expenses and handling contract negotiations. Financial reporting is also part of the job.
Risk management
All construction projects carry significant risks, such as weather-related delays, material shortages and last-minute design changes. Therefore, successful project managers must be adept at identifying and managing potential risks.
The project manager must be able to not only determine and assess risks proactively, but also develop contingency plans and allocate resources effectively to minimize their impact on the project. A good manager must also continually monitor project progress and take corrective action when necessary.
Seeing the big picture of your impact on the organization
In addition to having the skills and characteristics mentioned above, a good project manager must also be able to have an overview of their impact on the organization. After all, good workers care not only about the success of their individual projects, but also the success of the entire company.
So how can you see a bigger picture and make a bigger impact within your organization? Measuring and improving managerial performance. If you want to identify areas for growth and development, it is essential to regularly evaluate your performance as a project manager. You can do this by seeking feedback from your team members and clients and holding one-on-one meetings with them.
Remember that the impact of your work as a construction project manager goes beyond your individual projects. By consistently measuring and improving your performance, you will not only ensure the success of all your projects, but you will also contribute to the overall success of the organization.
