Think back to the last time you were on a construction site where everything just clicked. Tasks were completed smoothly, deadlines were easily met, and the team operated like a well-oiled machine. That driving force you felt? It was momentum, propelling the project forward and bringing out the best in everyone involved.
With two decades in the construction industry, I am very familiar with the power of momentum. It’s not just a helpful boost— it’s the lifeblood of a successful project. Yet, momentum can be elusive. On some projects, where progress is sluggish, momentum seems impossible.
At PDI Drywall, building momentum is more than just a goal— it’s the cornerstone of our success. It’s how we ensure projects are completed on time and under budget, with efficiency and precision. In this post, I’ll share the key strategies we use to generate momentum in construction and reveal how you can harness this powerful force in your business.
But before we dive in, let’s discuss why building momentum is crucial for your construction business.
Momentum Makes Your Job Easier
Picture a pendulum. Once you give it that initial push, it keeps swinging, driven by its momentum. The same principle applies in construction. When you push a project forward, that progress builds on itself, creating a cycle of productivity.
Over the years, I’ve noticed something important: people thrive on momentum. When a project is moving forward, the team feels energized, motivated, and committed to doing their best work. This leads to fewer mistakes, cleaner job sites, and stricter adherence to safety protocols.
In short, well-managed job sites are infused with enthusiasm, positivity, and a shared sense of purpose— all of which feed back into the momentum loop.
For those in management, momentum is a game-changer. It means you can achieve more with less effort, driving better outcomes with fewer headaches. According to the book The Momentum Effect: How to Achieve Exceptional Growth, companies that master momentum deliver 80% more value than their slower competitors.
So how do leaders in construction tap into this magical force? The book puts it simply: “Momentum leaders are not lucky — they are smart. They have discovered the source of momentum and, with it, the beginnings of a smarter way to exceptional growth.” Building momentum isn’t just about catching a lucky break. As the book advises, “First build your wave, then ride it.”
But how do we build that wave? What’s the initial force that creates momentum on a project? It all begins with strong leadership and the tone you set from the start.
Jumpstarting Momentum in Construction
As a manager, the tone you set through your attitude and actions has a “trickle-down” effect, influencing everyone you interact with.
The Harvard Business Review points out that: “If you’re a high-level manager doing a subpar job, you erode not only the engagement of those working for you but also the engagement of the people working for them.” Fortunately, the reverse is also true: “If you’re a great boss, that engages your team and your team’s team.”
The first step in building momentum as a manager is by showing that you genuinely care. When you demonstrate your commitment to every subcontractor and tradesperson, you foster a sense of mutual respect and teamwork that is essential for successful collaboration on construction projects.
Let’s go over the key attributes needed to build strong relationships and display your commitment to your team. But first, let me share an example of momentum in construction from PDI’s own experience.
From Six Months Behind to Right on Schedule
You may be wondering what qualifies me to speak on this subject. While we are a drywall and painting company, our ability to generate momentum on job sites is one of our most valuable skills.
We recently took on a project that was already six months behind schedule when we arrived. We were told there was “no way” of making up that six months. But the head project manager knew PDI’s reputation for managing people and driving projects forward, so they gave us the green light to “do our thing.”
We dove in, applying what I like to call the “Ted Lasso way”— focusing on communication and positivity. We collaborated closely with every trade, identifying obstacles and helping to remove them. By fostering a team environment and showing genuine care for everyone’s contributions, we helped spread a culture of commitment across the site.
The result? The team began to gel, and the project gained traction. As momentum built, what was once a job riddled with delays transformed into the project everyone wanted to be a part of. Workers felt heard, received the support they needed, and were treated with respect.
In the end, we made up those six months and delivered the project on time.
Now, let’s explore the principles of strong leadership and how you can incorporate them into your strategy.
The Impact of Leadership in Construction
In construction, we rely on our technical skills. Many managers and company owners believe they can improve their outcomes just by learning new techniques or investing in the latest tools. In reality, nothing can match the power of strong leadership in building success.
When management is weak or sets a negative tone, it sews chaos, and distrust, and drains the goodwill on a job site. It kills momentum and leads to delays and budget overruns.
So, what exactly can we do as leaders to harness the power of momentum on our job sites?
1. Maintain a Positive Attitude
As I mentioned earlier, we work the “Ted Lasso way.” Our first priority on job sites is to establish a positive tone. Even when faced with frustrating circumstances, positivity comes first.
Blaming others or choosing sides will only further erode momentum. Approach interactions with empathy and an open mind to avoid jumping to conclusions and burning bridges. This brings us to the next essential quality of a leader…
2. Show You Care
Many managers think their main focus is the client. While this relationship is important, it’s equally important to show respect and consideration to every field worker and subcontractor you interact with.
When delays inevitably occur, demonstrate your dedication to finding a solution. This will foster collaboration and a team mentality, which are vital to building momentum in construction. One of the best ways to show you care is to…
3. Communicate Effectively
Ask questions and listen carefully to what you hear. You’d be surprised how big delays are easily fixed once you communicate and hear the full story.
Keep your team informed about the importance of momentum, and offer praise and positive feedback when it’s deserved. Empower your team with additional responsibilities as they earn them, and you’ll find people rise to the occasion and deliver their best work.
The Secret to Momentum in Construction
Throughout this post, we’ve hinted at it, but here’s the truth: the secret to momentum in construction lies in worker morale. How your team feels about their work each day is crucial to building and sustaining momentum.
Inevitably, problems and delays will arise. You might face supply chain disruptions, permitting setbacks, or other unforeseen challenges. While these delays can be costly, they also pose a significant threat to worker morale. When morale dips, productivity suffers, leading to more finger-pointing and back charging.
The key to maintaining high morale— and thus momentum— is to show up consistently and engage with your team. By being a steady, supportive presence, you reinforce a positive work environment where projects run more efficiently and smoothly.
In the end, momentum isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about ensuring everyone on your team feels valued and motivated to keep pushing ahead. When you prioritize worker morale, you’ll find that momentum isn’t just a possibility but a guarantee.
Ready to Build on Your Success?
With two decades of experience as the owner and CEO of PDI Drywall, I’ve successfully navigated the ups and downs of running a construction business. Beyond running my company, I’m passionate about sharing the lessons that fueled my success and helping others achieve their own. As a public speaker, I offer actionable advice and practical guidance rooted in real-world experience.
If you’re interested in my speaking services, let’s connect and explore how we can take your business to the next level.
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