Project management is a vital part of the construction process as it keeps the various aspects of a project running smoothly. As such, it’s essential that the P.M. must be effective at the role.
Whether you’re an aspiring project manager looking to hit the ground running with your first project or a veteran of the industry looking to refresh your skillset, there are plenty of ways to ensure this is the case. Here are some top tips to quickly and easily up your project management game.
Collaboration And Liaison
As a project manager, you’re in charge of liaising with all relevant parties to the project; as such, it’s essential to ensure this is happening. Reach out to suppliers and subcontractors at the beginning of the project, even if they’re later.
Opening the lines early in communications builds effective professional relationships; They’ll better inform you if they run into delays or other issues and have ample time to find solutions. Collaborating with the architect and client lets you and them know that their vision is being realized correctly.
Software
Construction industry-specific software and programming have come a long way in recent years, and staying up to date is essential. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the go-to in construction planning, from architect to finished product.
Because these programs are accessible to all parties involved in the project as a project manager, it’s easier to liaise across the team. Adjustments can be made and updated to everyone quickly, while subcontractors can see where and when they’re needed, cutting down costly downtime.
Be Seen
True, much of your time will be spent in the office making phone calls and doing admin work. However, you mustn’t use these as excuses to hide away in the office full time. Being onsite is important to your function as a project manager for several reasons.
Getting hands-on where appropriate raises morale and reinforces your relationship with the team positively and beneficially. Plus, regularly being onsite is the fastest way to accurately track the build’s progress and address concerns and issues.
Get To Know Your Team
Getting to know the people working in the different areas of a building project is beneficial for several reasons. Not least, you’ll gain an understanding of people’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing tasks to be effectively delegated for better workflow.
Being able to put a name to a person and speak to them knowledgeably and respectfully about their position increases morale and mutual respect, leading to increased productivity.
Open dialogue between staff and management tends to see concerns raised when necessary, allowing them to be resolved while small rather than hidden until it’s too late.
Construction project management is like management in any other industry where building mutual respect with all workers goes a long way.
Add to this keeping up with current construction technology and making full use of them, such as BIM, and you’ll continually impress with how effective you are at bringing building projects to fruition.