Some emotions project managers experience on their construction projects

Image courtesy of kdshutterman at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Construction project managers often go through a number of emotional phases as their project progresses.
See if some of these are familiar to you?

1. Optimism – this is often the stage soon after winning the project. “This is going to be a great project! Everything will go well. We are going to make millions!”
2. Excitement – often we can’t wait to get the project started, start excavating and pouring concrete. Some may also experience excitement during the project when they find reason for a variation claim.
3. Euphoria – when things are going well. Unfortunately some don’t experience this feeling as their projects hit trouble soon after starting. Although we may also experience euphoria when the client pays us, or when we settle a variation claim with the client.
4. Anxiety – when things start going wrong. Sleepless nights. Nerves before client progress meetings. Anxious looks at the weather forecast. Stress when management visits the project. Checking budgets.
5. Denial – "it’s not going to get worse." "The figures can’t be correct." Massaging construction schedules. “Everything will work out fine."" We’ll make up the lost time.""We will make up the lost money.”
6. Fear – it is getting worse. How bad is it going to get? “I don’t want to tell the client/boss the bad news.” Rechecking budgets and construction schedule for mistakes and possible opportunities to escape the inevitable.
7. Anger and panic – who can we blame for the problems. Everyone needs to work longer and harder. “Why does this always happen on my project?”
8. Desperation – let’s throw everything at the problem and hope to solve it. Searching for excuses/variation claims (no matter how improbable) to justify the delays and losses.
9. Capitulation – "nothing we do can improve the situation." We don’t care. The project will finish late and it’s going to lose money. It doesn’t matter what the client says or what management does. It was a bad project and the Construction Gods were stacked against us.
10. Depression – "I hate construction." “Everything is always against us – the weather, clients, subcontractors, suppliers, management, the team, even the gods!""Let’s just get this project finished.”
11. Relief – finally the project’s finished.
12. Hope – that the next project will go better. Contractors are the eternal optimists with short memories.

What stage is your project in?

---

Order these useful books from Amazon to make your construction project a success

Of course with proper planning, good project management, appropriate project controls and the correct project pricing there should only be 4 stages to your construction project – optimism and excitement before starting the project, contentment as the project reaches important milestones and KPI’s, and euphoria when the project is completed successfully. Of course a little fear sometimes helps ensure you don't become too confident and it sharpens your awareness.

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

​This article is adapted from information in the author’s popular books: 'Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide' and 'Building a Successful Construction Company: The Practical Guide' and 'Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights'
'Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors' is another of Paul's useful books.
Paul has recently published 'Construction Management: From Project Concept to completion'.
These books are available on Amazon and other online book stores.
Paul publishes articles regularly on LinkedIn and his website. 

Paul writes regular articles for other websites, gives lectures, mentors, and is available for podcasts and interviews.
​
© 2018 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.