The Top Ten Reasons Leadership is Underrated in Construction

There are two types of people in the world; those that are interested in things and those that are interested in people.

In reality, it is less binary and more of a spectrum and Engineers, especially Civil Engineers in construction, are firmly on the side of being interested in things. Project Management is much more about managing people than managing things. To manage the costs, production, time, and scope is more a function of leadership, collaboration, mentorship and stakeholder management, than it is about spreadsheets and equations.

However, as engineers all our university education and early years in the industry focusses more on things than people. All of a sudden, our technical prowess has promoted us to the position of being in charge of people of which we have no expertise.

The industry has dealt with this largely on the basis of ‘some people are naturals and some people aren’t’. This is a severely outdated view that is reminiscent of the ‘great man theory’ popular in the late 19th century, and debunked by psychologists since at least the 1920’s.

Leadership can be learnt! And as an industry it is our duty to provide the tools to develop leadership capabilities to engineers at all levels.

The graph below illustrates the increasing importance of interpersonal skills throughout career development.

Leadership in the construction industry is often the cornerstone of project success, yet it doesn’t always receive the recognition it deserves. Here are the top ten reasons why leadership is crucial and underrated in this field:

1. Visionary Planning

Great leaders have the foresight to plan projects meticulously, foreseeing potential issues and preparing solutions in advance.

2. Risk Management

Leadership involves identifying risks that could derail projects and implementing strategies to mitigate them effectively.

3. Communication Excellence

Effective leaders ensure clear communication channels, which are vital for the coordination of complex construction projects.

4. Team Cohesion

A strong leader fosters a sense of unity and purpose, which is essential for team morale and productivity.

5. Decision-Making Acumen

In construction, timely and informed decisions can save time and resources; leaders are at the helm of these critical choices.

6. Innovation and Adaptability

Leaders encourage innovation and adaptability, which are necessary for overcoming the unique challenges of each project.

7. Quality Assurance

Leadership is key to maintaining high standards of quality, ensuring that construction projects meet or exceed expectations.

8. Client Satisfaction

A leader’s ability to manage client expectations and deliver on promises is paramount for long-term business success.

9. Safety Prioritization

Prioritizing safety is non-negotiable, and it’s the leader’s role to instil a culture of safety on the job site.

10. Mentorship and Development

Leaders in construction not only manage projects but also develop the next generation of industry professionals.

Leadership in construction is multifaceted and often undervalued. However, as the industry evolves, the role of strong, effective leadership becomes increasingly apparent.