One of the key elements of project success is an effective leader who has the ability to transform a group of individuals into a well-functioning team . However, managing a design and engineering team is no easy task. From assigning workload, budgeting time and costs, and obtaining appropriate approvals, the responsibilities are endless. It is understandably difficult to juggle all of these tasks while maintaining the quality of the finish throughout the process.
A good management strategy is not a “one size fits all” solution. While there is no perfect formula for being a great manager, there are several ways to be proactive in the way you manage that will produce positive results for the project. The right team members make a difference from the beginning of the project, but a good leader will be able to leverage their skills in a way that will benefit the team as a whole. In addition to project skills and experience, the ability to foster working relationships and support each other is critical. Following these tips will allow you to be a more effective manager, minimize risk, and produce better results for your clients .
Tip #1: Participation
It starts with everyone understanding the scope of work and responsibility. The team typically consists of a designer, project leader, engineer, trade contractor, and administrative support . The purpose of the first meeting is to review the team's roles in relation to the construction project. This is business and the discussion is about the project objectives. Topics cover construction options, design changes, or engineering add-ons. Don't assume everyone is on the same page until you have a meeting.
Here the team begins to come together sharing their experience and knowledge of the industry and the project. It helps encourage each member to participate in the meeting. Individual participation serves two purposes. The first ensures that the basics are included in construction plans. The second is to consider any technological upgrades that could improve the project without changing the approved budget. Generally, this first meeting leads to group decision-making about what needs to be done to begin construction:
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List of project changes
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Approved final designs and specifications
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Authorizing the acquisition to start the order
Proper monitoring is the key to a successful project. Ensure quality workmanship and appropriate construction department approvals at every step of the process.
Tip #2: Delegation
It's time to delegate work assignments to start construction. Delegation is important for the efficiency and progress of the project, in addition to developing group dynamics. These experts in different fields have the opportunity to encourage each other. Support truly energizes team success. They start to share knowledge and at the same time gain new experiences for the next project. As the project progresses, the team needs to be ready to make the necessary decisions to avoid delays. As difficult as it may seem, the team's mood needs to remain upbeat and upbeat, especially during conflicts, setbacks or project changes.
Time should be set aside in meetings to recognize each member's skills. Just make sure everyone gets equal recognition. The purpose of recognition is to develop the team's willingness to transfer tasks to another person with more appropriate skills in the different phases of the project. It also influences the way the team makes decisions based on the collective. The benefit of project delegation is less stress. As the team manages construction activities, the project leader can plan ahead. Delegated tasks include:
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Website preparation
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Systems
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Engineering
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Delivery of Materials
Tip #3: Communications
This is where the team comes together again, joining forces, experiences and skills. Open discussions about what's working and what's not when the team follows up on their own. These regular, informal conversations keep communications open and ensure specified guidelines and behavioral boundaries keep activities aligned with the project . Communications should always be a two-way interaction. Exchanging ideas and developing new insights is a natural process for successful project communications. It's been proven that teams that share common communication skills are more productive. Technical expertise is the additive. The goal is to provide everyone with information to work together effectively . It also helps avoid a potential problem in the future. For most people, this is the “ah ha” experience. These moments are vital to avoid serious project downtime. Team communications take on several activities:
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Avoiding bottlenecks and project delays
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Saving time through better coordination
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Keeps the project running smoothly
Tip #4: Reviews
Construction projects are measured against schedules contained in documents and charts. These are the tools of the trade. Charts display milestones, resource performance, and time constraints for project schedules. Most importantly, these charts summarize the efforts of each team member as a group. This information is an integral part of the construction project planning and decision-making process. From a business perspective, review charts allow the team to centralize project information and status.
Equally important, these reviews celebrate the team's success, increasing confidence and motivation. They also identify areas that could be improved. Construction problems happen at any time. The best method for managing problems is to cite the cause and effect. It is an operational approach to reinforce the team's focus on the objective. These formative assessments ensure project objectives throughout the construction process:
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Guarantee of meeting project specifications
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Eliminating project risks and monitoring project changes
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Alignment with quality and expectations
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Alerts for ongoing issues
Tip #5: Endurance
Just like the building under construction, the team's effort is made to last. As the project approaches completion, the team's focus is on the final remaining activities. The last actions on the to-do list or open items need to be completed. The team has been proactive and moved forward while dealing with the unexpected. They applied best practices and mitigated risks throughout the entire construction process . Experiences learned from the project will minimize future project challenges, and this new group dynamic will maximize the success of new projects. Team resilience maintains project performance:
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Project delivered on time
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Accounted for results
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Stayed within budget
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Met industry standards and customer expectations
Key Takeaways
The two significant factors in executing a team approach are timeliness and reliability. In an industry like construction, uncertainty is always part of the process. Assembling a team of enthusiastic professionals is the main piece of the puzzle. However, a good leader is the key to making good teams great. Managing an engineer's design and construction team is not an easy task, but these tips will go a long way in creating a cohesive, collaborative team that produces successful results for the project :
- Participation throughout the project timeline to ensure everyone is on the same page
- Taking the time to get to know each team member allows you to leverage their strengths when delegating work assignments
- Keep lines of communication open throughout the project
- Taking time to evaluate the project after completion gives team members the opportunity to reflect on what they did well or what they could improve
There are many things involved in managing a large team. If you want your team to be the best, our construction management service oversees the entire project, ensuring that each step is carried out properly, efficiently and produces quality results. For more information about the service or to request a consultation, contact us today .
