Let’s imagine a scenario: you’re on the jobsite, the sun is beating down, and you’re pushing hard to stay on track. Suddenly, the project manager arrives for their weekly visit.
You feel a bit of relief— you’ve been dealing with supply chain issues and are hoping to discuss getting the necessary resources to keep things moving forward.
But before you can even say a word, the PM jumps out of their car, takes one look at the unfinished work (a result of missing supplies) and immediately grabs their phone. Instead of asking questions and trying to understand the situation, they start making calls, reacting to the incomplete work with frustration.
This is a classic example of poor communication. While both individuals are doing their job, vital information is not being shared between them, preventing real progress from being made.
In construction, where every project has countless moving parts, clear and open dialogue is essential. Without it, even the best-laid plans can unravel, causing delays and frustration for everyone involved.
In this post, we’ll go over the hidden costs of bad communication in construction and share actionable strategies to help you improve communication practices in your construction business.
What is Bad Communication Really Costing You?
According to a report by FMI, construction companies lost over $30 billion in 2023 due to poor productivity, much of which can be traced back to ineffective communication. Productivity is crucial in construction, and it’s also one of the most controllable variable costs. The report emphasizes that, “Most problems [with productivity] stem from a lack of communication or how something is communicated.”
This means that communication isn’t just about what you say— it’s about how you say it. Effective communication with clients, subcontractors, and fellow tradesmen is essential to keeping projects on track. Developing the right tools and strategies to engage your team is crucial to fostering collaboration and driving success. We’ll dive into those strategies shortly.
First, let’s take a look at some common signs of ineffective communication on the job site. These can include:
- Budget overruns
- Project delays
- Unmotivated workers
- Tension between trades
- Excessive back charges
If any of these sound familiar, you may be asking yourself, “How can I resolve these problems within my own company?”
The answer begins with strong relationships.
The Power of Strong Relationships
At PDI, we believe strong relationships are the cornerstone of a thriving job site. Effective working relationships require:
- Active listening
- Mutual respect
- Leading by example
At PDI, we understand that our success is built on more than just the structures we create— it’s built on the relationships we nurture. Our company motto says it all: “The only thing we build better than walls is relationships.” We know that these partnerships are the driving force behind our efficiency and help strengthen our reputation as a leading drywall and painting company.
So, what makes our relationships so strong? Let’s dive deeper into the role communication and collaboration plays in fostering them.
Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration is all about creating cohesive job sites where everyone works together seamlessly. Even the smallest misunderstanding can create tension and delays, which can be especially damaging on large-scale projects. Let’s explore the key qualities that can help you harness everyone’s strengths and achieve maximum efficiency.
1. Active Listening
Ineffective communication, like the example at the beginning of this post, often stems from poor listening. As the owner of my company, I know that my knowledge and expertise are important, but it’s just as crucial to listen to my subcontractors— the ones who are actually installing the drywall and painting.
Subcontractors’ expertise is invaluable on modern job sites, and failing to engage with them or ignoring their input can lead to costly delays and financial setbacks for everyone involved. They are the boots on the ground, with the insights and information you need to keep the project moving forward.
The key is to ask the right questions and practice active listening. Don’t jump to conclusions or assign blame. Instead, focus on understanding the situation— eliminate distractions and truly listen to the responses. The information you gain will be invaluable to the project’s success.
2. Mutual Respect
At PDI, we like to say we work the “Ted Lasso way.” Just like the upbeat, kindhearted coach from the hit TV show, we believe in starting every conversation from a point of understanding and mutual respect.
Regardless of who you’re speaking to, how you approach those conversations is key to getting the results you need. When people feel valued and heard, they communicate more openly and honestly.
The relationships you build with everyone— from your crew to the other trades— have a direct impact on productivity. In fact, according to Forbes, employees who feel respected and listened to are 4.6 times more likely to perform at their highest level. That’s a statistic no business can afford to overlook.
3. Lead by Example
In construction, a strong leader shows genuine care for everyone involved in a project. Whether you’re managing a team of subcontractors or overseeing the entire project, demonstrating that you care fuels the engine that keeps everything running smoothly.
Leading with positivity and empathy does more than just create a good atmosphere— it directly boosts efficiency. Leading with these qualities creates a “trickle down” effect, inspiring others to reflect them back in their own actions.
Picture this: instead of everyone feeling anxious when the manager arrives on-site, everyone is genuinely glad to see them. That’s the effect Hector Montiel, PDI’s vice president, has when he shows up. People trust that he’ll listen to their concerns, address their needs, and work with them to find solutions.
This leadership style drives the project forward and builds real momentum. It creates a culture where small, positive actions lead to significant financial gains. Workers are more likely to consistently wear safety gear, clean up after themselves, and proactively fix mistakes rather than rely on back charges. These behaviors collectively improve job sites and increase overall productivity.
Communicate With Intention
Effective communication on a construction site sets the tone for the entire project, and having a plan is key to achieving this. Instead of just reacting to what you see, be intentional with how you communicate. Go in with a strategy to gather information, understand the reasons behind the progress, and see the bigger picture.
Each construction project is unique, bringing together a diverse group of people to transform two dimensional plans into reality, and that collaboration can be challenging.
Jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story can lead to missteps. If you focus on building strong relationships that prioritize two-sided communication, empathy, and respect, you set the foundation for a smooth, well-run project where productivity thrives.
Photos: www.freepik.com
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/close-up-back-view-engineer-architect-supervising-con- struction_5075320.htm
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/magnifying-glass-dollar-banknote-grey-wooden-ta- ble_8999348.htm
- https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/coworkers-cartoon-characters-effective-collabora- tion-coworkers-cooperation-teamwork-colleagues-discussing-solution-successful-interac- tion_11669042.htm
Write a Comment