As a construction manager, the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently is essential to not only the project’s success but to the way your employees interact with and follow through. The right communication strategies for construction managers ensure a smooth process, one that ensures your team has everything they need to thrive in completing the tasks at hand.
Effective and Essential Communication Strategies Construction Managers Need to Have
The Society for Human Resource Management shares that two-way communication strategies can help to develop better employer-employee relationships. They empower everyone to achieve the goals of the project, meet policy requirements, ensure safety, and deliver the final result in a meaningful manner.
Employ the following strategies to achieve better results within your organization.
Clear and concise communication
Clear communication ensures the employee can receive the information provided in a meaningful and effective manner. They know what to do, why to do it, and how to do it. Being concise is also important because it keeps the directions simple and easy to understand.
Overly complex statements, instructions, or data limit a person’s ability to perform if they are bogged down with details. Provide the information necessary to complete the tax meaningfully.
Active listening skills
Communication is a two-way street. As a result, all construction managers need to master the methods of listening. That means:
- Making eye contact
- Repeating back some of what the person says
- Acknowledging what they are stating in agreement or by providing clarity
- Understanding the undertone of their frustration or excitement
- Listening and using visual cues to pick up on what the employee needs to be successful
Utilize technology for communication
Technology plays a very important role in today’s construction manager position. It enables communication across the entire company and, when streamlined and efficient, that communication is easily updated throughout the work day, ensuring each person is on task.
This type of technology can be as robust as the company needs. Some of the most important types of technology for communication within the construction industry include:
- Project coordination tools to allow multiple parties to have access to shared information and details
- Digital communication, including emails, text messages, and phone communications
- Video conferencing
- Remote communication tools, including onsite tools including smartphones and tablets
- Project management solutions in the cloud to provide accessibility across the globe as needed
No matter which types of technology are employed, it is critical that all employees know when to communicate, how to do so, and which tools or methods are best suited to their needs. Providing employees with proper training in how to use the technology is at the core of this. This should be a core component of all talent development strategies.
Establish regular project updates
Communication with employees throughout the project is key. This includes step-by-step instructions on what to work on, but it also includes bigger-picture details. For example, construction managers may wish to inform employees about the change in scope or expectations for deadlines. Keeping all employees up to date on what is happening within a project not only does this ensure no communication mistakes or oversights but also helps to support employee engagement.
This is especially true with remote workers and gig workers that the company employs. By providing frequent project updates, all employees remain connected and engaged.
Resolving conflicts through effective communication
Building an effective talent management strategy does not prevent conflicts from occurring. They will happen. What makes for successful communication is the way in which the resolutions occur. Effective communication through conflicts typically includes:
- Show empathy for the situation and be non-judgmental
- Provide respect for a person’s personal space and privacy
- Provide insight into potential solutions
- Avoid over-reaction or quick answers without exploring all options
- Focus on facts and end-goals
- Coming to an agreement
Takeaway
Building a strong talent network is a core component of being successful as a construction manager. With effective communication strategies in place and consistency in the way a person is talked to and supported, positive results can occur even when there are challenges in the day-to-day operations.
MRINetwork works with construction managers and teams to create effective relationships and stronger businesses. Connect with us to learn how we can help you beyond just filling available openings.