A construction project manager may have a distinct set of skills and background than those in other sectors. While there is a common course to being a construction manager, this does not imply that there is only one method.
Above all, most firms will put a priority on project manager expertise. With the increase in construction and project management employment, now is an excellent time to get work in your selected career. Alternatively, reach out to see what organizations are looking for in project managers in order to gain the experience and knowledge required to find a position later.
Unexpected delays, demands to alter the project’s scope, and severe weather may all throw a construction project’s schedule into chaos, but a skilled project manager has the abilities and demeanor to overcome them. The slightest things can make a great difference whether you’re working on a modest residential project or a major commercial project. You’ll suffer delays and possible fines if you miss a permit on either project, but great organizational capabilities can help you navigate all parts of the project from the original proposal to the last day.
Here is what you need to be a good construction project manager:
Education
When they first join the workforce, the majority of construction project managers hold a bachelor’s degree. The most crucial thing is to take lessons in project management, design, building regulations and standards, construction processes and materials, and other related subjects. This will best prepare you for project management work.
However, not all colleges provide construction management courses, so community college courses might be valuable. It guarantees that you have programs that will help you become a better construction manager and have a better insight into the needs of the construction sector.
For people who do not want or are unable to attend a four-year college, an associate’s degree in construction management from a two-year institution combined with work experience is a common way to learn project management skills while directing smaller projects. However, the coursework is still necessary for entering into the construction management field.
Experience
Education is required to succeed as a project manager and take on larger projects as your career progresses. In certain circumstances, this is the only way to get the job. However, hands-on construction expertise can help lay a solid foundation.
Even part-time work as a casual worker while you’re schooling can provide you with useful knowledge and insight into how worksites are managed. Internships with general contractors and architects are also highly recommended. The greater your sector knowledge and experience, the more likely your success as a project manager.
Communication
It’s impossible to overlook the importance of effective communication skills for a project manager. You’ll be dealing with various issues and requests from owners, executive leadership, project planners, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and regulators.
Because your position requires balancing various and competing requests under often difficult settings, the ability to stay resilient – at least on the outside – will inspire trust in your leadership. The work demands a lot of paperwork, from email interaction to RFIs (requests for information), so polish your writing skills.
Excellent Time Management Skills
Slow work might result in overtime, failed deadlines, and, worst of all, dissatisfied customers. Time management is essential in construction since there are so many steps and job locations to keep track of. Unproductive staffs are one of the most difficult things to manage on a worksite. It’s exhausting to be the one who has to coordinate everyone’s time. You, too, aren’t constantly present to keep everyone on track.
GPS time tracking apps can help you avoid this. You may assign tasks to every member of your team, arrange shifts, and receive notifications when they arrive late or depart early. Detail timesheets are provided directly to your mailbox at the end of the day, so you don’t have to waste time looking for time cards. You can also use time tracking software to avoid second-guessing work hours and focus more on higher-priority tasks.
Knowing When to Delegate and How to Prioritize
Knowing how to prioritize work impacts the success of your project, your team’s involvement, and your leadership role. Defined priorities are required for all projects, particularly big, complex ones. One of the most difficult tasks for a project manager is properly prioritizing tasks. Even if you have the nicest software program available, you are still responsible for entering the tasks. Priority shifts daily, and a competent leader ensures that no one is working on priorities from the previous day.
Compile a list of all of the project’s tasks before breaking them down into daily or weekly activities. Seeing the tasks written out will help you decide what to prioritize. Determine which tasks are urgent and which are not. Work that requires immediate attention is work that will result in grave repercussions if not finished today or tomorrow.
Identifying The Most Effective Recruitment Approach
All successful teams are comprised of outstanding people. You don’t want just anyone working for your construction firm. You only want the best. To recruit the best, you must make your organization stand out from the rest. Acknowledging the importance of perks and incentives such as paid sick leave and casual dress can make it easier to hire team members and provide a long-term return on your investment. You’ll spend less money on hiring resources because you’ll have a reduced personnel turnover rate.
Ability To Acknowledge and Reward Accomplishments
One of the most valuable qualities you may have as a construction project manager is the ability to empathize with others. Acknowledging and honoring your team when they hit a milestone builds a bond, fosters a fun work environment, and boosts the team’s productivity for upcoming projects. Setting unattainable goals leads to tension and frustration. Set reasonable goals for your team to achieve success. In any event, this does not imply that the objectives should be too simple. It’s important to push your staff so that your construction firm may expand in the appropriate direction.
Allow for some celebration when staff achieves their goals, tell them how glad you are, and perhaps offer performance-based prizes. This not only reflects good on the culture but also on you as a manager. Recognizing and rewarding accomplishments is a critical step in maintaining the great individuals that make up your team.
