Do you know someone that attributes failure to “bad luck?” Have you also noticed those types of people rarely have “good luck?” Effective construction business teams don’t depend on luck. They plan for success and it usually happens.
Here’s how:
1. Automate To Save Time
You hear so much about “communication” being the most effective management tool. But project managers spend 80% of their time communicating.
The problem is DIY (do-it-yourself) face-to-face communications vs. automated communications. DIY communications involve meetings to discuss one topic, but every team member has a project-related issue or question that is important. So you deal with seven critical but off-topic issues. This extends your 30-minute meeting to two hours.
Software automation also saves time trying to track people down for signatures and approvals.
2. Create Accountability
“No excuses” should be the construction business team’s mantra. Ultimately, the project manager is accountable for the project. But every project team should identify a go-to for:
- Cash flow/profits
- Change order management
- Customer care
- Project costs vs. budget
- Project status
- Subcontractors
3. Employ Proactive Project Management
If you’re unsure you’re a proactive construction business project manager, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I usually surprised by change orders and RFIs?
- Are most days’ goals usually trashed by 10:00 a.m.?
- Are my projects usually over-budget? Late?
- Do I hit contingency funds early and often?
- Do I spend most of my time putting out fires?
- Do my project reports feature last month’s data?
“Yes” answers indicate you’re functioning in reactive, not proactive, mode.
4. Follow the DMAIC Approach
Seek continuous improvement on every project:
- Define
- Measure
- Analyze
- Improve
- Control
5. Use Technology
Real-time project status is not an option. It’s a necessity. Cost-management software will track and control risks as soon as they are known. When you share this construction business information, project stakeholders can make faster, better-informed decisions.
Top general contractors deliver world-class facilities by hiring superior talent and improving productivity which in turn enhance construction productivity and competitive advantage. –IndustryDive*
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*Construction Monitor does not recommend nor endorse any technology company products (except ours). References are for informational use only.