Updated on 9/16/2024.
Construction Project Managers, who excel in construction management, come in all shapes and sizes, attitudes, and personalities. While there is no one size fits all recipe that generates a great Project Manager every time, there are certain traits that are pervasive and underlie their success. Let’s take a look at 5 major traits that excellent construction Project Managers have and see how Pantera can help Project Managers streamline their projects.
Get started with a Pantera demo.
Communication for Project Managers and Teams
Undeniably, the ability to communicate clearly is one of the most universal attributes for a great Project Manager. Whether it is an interpersonal face-to-face conversation with a subcontractor or using a project management system to efficiently communicate across entire teams quickly Project Managers need to be able to get their thoughts across in a manner that results in action and understanding.
Efficient project management relies heavily on clear communication to enhance productivity and ensure that project deadlines are met.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Risk Mitigation.
Empathy
One characteristic that does not automatically come to mind, but nonetheless is generally present within great Project Managers, is the ability to empathize. Empathy is in essence, the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes. In construction project management, where your success is inherent on the success of others, it is imperative to be able to know what motivates team members and stakeholders alike, empathize with them and turn those motivations into action. Empathy is also highlighted in the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide (PMBOK® Guide) as a key skill for effective project management.
Delegation
Project Managers with the ability to delegate and manage resource allocation have a significant advantage over those that do not. Being able to delegate successfully means that a Project Manager knows the bounds of their scope in the project and they have confidence in their team to get the job done. Project Managers that extend beyond their scope into micromanaging their teams are inherently less efficient and do not have as much time to focus on the other core elements of their job.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) emphasizes the importance of delegation as a critical skill for project managers to ensure efficient resource allocation and project success.
Related: The Four Major Elements of Highly Successful Contractors.
Leadership
Leadership is a broad category and is a slightly more ambiguous trait to define, particularly because leadership comes in so many forms. For our purposes, we’ll look at leadership as the ability to inspire, support, and influence project team members and stakeholders to mobilize into successful actions to complete a project on time and on budget. Within the scope of construction project management this means having people skills and being able to direct subcontractors and team members and competently interface with major stakeholders. Obtaining a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is often considered essential for demonstrating the leadership skills necessary for successful project management.
Organization and Project Planning
This one is quite obvious. Construction projects are often big endeavors with many moving parts and a lot of personnel where the ability to organize is vital. One element of organization that is particularly critical is the ability to have a focus on the big picture and to be able to prioritize competing responsibilities. This stems from having exceptional time management skills to know how long items will take, how much time is available, and being able to reconcile the two. Top level time management and organizational abilities are often indicative of successful Project Managers who are punctual and meet their deadlines.
Effective project planning is essential for organizing construction projects, as it ensures that all tasks, timelines, resources, and milestones are clearly defined and aligned towards a common goal.
Related: Top 3 Causes of Construction Project Rework and How to Avoid Them.
Strategic Thinking
Strategic thinking is a crucial aspect of construction project management that sets excellent project managers apart. It involves a deep analysis of the project’s goals, objectives, and constraints to develop a comprehensive plan that aligns with the organization’s overall strategy. A project manager with strong strategic thinking skills can foresee potential challenges and opportunities, allowing them to mitigate risks effectively and make informed decisions that drive project success.
In the construction industry, where projects are often complex and multifaceted, strategic thinking enables project managers to navigate through uncertainties and align their teams towards a common goal. By understanding the broader context of the construction project, these professionals can ensure that every decision made contributes to the overall success of the project. This holistic approach not only enhances project execution but also ensures that the project remains on track, within budget, and meets the desired quality standards.
Incorporating strategic thinking into construction project management involves continuous learning and adaptation. Project managers must stay updated with industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes to make well-informed decisions. By doing so, they can lead their teams more effectively, ensuring that every aspect of the construction project is meticulously planned and executed.
Pantera: Project Managers’ Premier Platform
This list of what makes a great project manager could go on for a long time, and there are many other minor characteristics of what makes Project Managers great. But, with regards to the rigors and complexities of construction projects, the above list represents the essential building blocks necessary for a top notch Project Manager.
Related: Buyer Beware: When Project Management Software Isn’t Project Management Software.
While some of these abilities are innate and come naturally, some aspects like organization, delegation, and communication can be significantly bolstered by using project management software. Pantera project features tools that increase efficiency across the board and allow for collaboration and project management from preconstruction all the way through project closeout on one easy-to-use platform.
Click here to get a free demo to see how Pantera can help with your project management needs.
Read similar posts on our blog page.
