The world of commercial construction is a high-stakes arena where detailed plans, tight schedules, and strict budgets come together (often as a collision). From cloud-clearing skyscrapers to immense industrial developments, each project (hopefully) should run like a well-tuned car: many components working in sync to propel the vehicle forward. With millions of dollars and inflexible timelines at stake, there’s hardly any room for error. You might think success hinges on a brilliant design and high-performance materials, but it’s an effective project team that makes all the difference.

A skilled, cohesive, and empowered team can turn concepts into achievement. On the flip side, a disjointed and dysfunctional one can make an overbudget, behind-schedule, and quality-compromised effort even worse! According to a recent survey of contractors, team collaboration was deemed the most critical factor in project success. Your project team plays a pivotal role in contract execution. Let’s explore some proven approaches to building high-impact construction project teams.

DEFINING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Imagine getting hired for a job, and your boss hasn’t discussed your role or responsibilities beforehand. How could you expect to be successful without knowing your duties and how you relate to others on your team? In a fast-paced environment like commercial construction, ambiguity can impede efficiency, leading to fatal errors.

The sooner everyone is clear about duties, the better for your jobs. This spares a situation where things fall through the cracks or energy is wasted on duplicate effort. You create a solid foundation for any project, no matter the scale.

Here are some tried-and-true methods to define the “who” and “what” of it all:

RACI matrix: An acronym for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, this tool spells out who does the work, who approves it, who needs to weigh in, and who should be kept in the loop.

Job description: Even after everyone is onboarded, job descriptions spell out who does what, when, where, and for whom.

Org chart: A project-specific org chart illustrates responsibilities and accountabilities.

Kickoff meetings: Before the Notice to Proceed, have a kickoff meeting to get everyone on the same page for expectations, contributions, and escalations. 

Nip confusion in the bud through clarity on who’s who and what’s what before the horse gets out of the gate.

OPEN AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

If clear roles and responsibilities are the foundation of an effective team, regular communication is the steel girders and columns comprising the team’s skeleton. In commercial construction, project managers, superintendents, foremen, crews, subcontractors, and stakeholders should row in the same direction. Collective talent doesn’t make up for poor and infrequent dialogue; your team can’t read minds. Breakdowns in communication can devastate any work effort, riddling it with errors, omissions, delays, quality issues, and even safety problems.

The amount of information that has to be conveyed on a given project is incredible:

  • Project updates
  • Field changes
  • Shop drawings and product submittals
  • Requests for information
  • Safety briefings
  • Issue escalation and resolution
  • Material deliveries
  • Daily inspections

Without continual discussion, vital project information may be siloed, misinterpreted, or lost entirely. This can cause missed deadlines, costly rework, liquidated damages, code violations, and loss of life or limbs. 

It’s vital to get everyone on the same page with constant communication and coordination. Consider these strategies for crafting a culture of regular and transparent dialogue:

Regular, structured meetings: Meet regularly at different project levels, from daily huddles with field crews to management-level progress meetings on overarching issues. Stick to a clear agenda to stay on topic.

Clear communication channels: How do team members communicate with one another? Is verbal communication always sufficient? Are emails and text messages acceptable? Answer these questions and more with a communication plan.

Psychological safety: Create a workplace where everyone can ask questions and speak up about issues.

Active listening and constructive feedback are also key ingredients for a project team that’s big on impact and efficacy.

CULTURE OF COLLABORATION

Beyond clearly defined roles and open dialogue, collaboration and trust are essential components of a high-impact project team. Have you ever heard of a construction project successfully delivered by one person? What about a job where crew members can’t trust their leaders with respect to site safety and security? Collaboration and trust are based on mutual respect and a belief that everyone is competent with good intentions. Set a collaborative atmosphere of trust and reliability through:

  • Shared problem-solving
  • Equitable treatment of all team members (regardless of seniority or status)
  • Celebrating team successes

Consider the power of a contractor and a project management oversight team working together with a shared mindset of keeping the project moving forward correctly and compliantly. 

CONTINUOUS LEARNING

The construction business is an ever-changing ball of energy. New technologies, advancements in materials, and evolving regulations call for project teams to keep their ears to the streets. High-performing teams include members who chase opportunities to learn and grow. From corporate leadership training programs to lunch-and-learn sessions to tech expos, you equip and empower with new ideas and skills. When workers see you investing in their growth, they’re likely inspired to bring their best selves to every project.

Ultimately, the success of any construction project is intertwined with how effective the project team is. Embracing these approaches not only benefits your project teams; it strengthens your entire organization’s reputation and capability, making it more durable for the evolving demands of commercial construction.

about the author

William Powell is a writer and educator with a passion for marketing. He enjoys learning about the latest business trends and analyzing how global events impact domestic and international economies. Learn more about corporate leadership training programs at www.highlyeffectiveorganizations.org.