Are you listening

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"Are you listening?"

Are you listening? Or is it your way or the highway?

Do you listen to other people’s ideas? Do you do things the same way as you have always?

"Wars have been fought between groups who have been so convinced they were right that they could see no compromise."

​I’ve seen some managers who only see ‘black and white’. There is no ‘grey’. Unfortunately life is never as simple. Wars have been fought between groups who have been so convinced they were right that they could see no compromise. Construction is often the same and we have to compromise. Of course there are somethings that shouldn’t be compromised in construction such as safety and quality. But, the simple act of listening and considering another’s opinion may be enough to convince you that you aren’t right, or possibly that it’s not actually worth fighting a war over – getting into an argument that may just cost you a customer, might damage your reputation or may negatively impact your relationship with a supplier, subcontractor or employee. Good communication is essential in construction

We can all learn in construction

​There are some people who believe only they know what’s best. They’ll either rudely dismiss another’s opinion, or politely listen and then carry on as they think best. They are either so arrogant that they don’t believe anyone else could have a better suggestion, or too stupid to realise they aren’t as brilliant as they think. They truly believe they have an abundance of poise, charm and natural talents and believe they’re special, when in fact the opposite is probably true and they’re quite boorish. Yes, others too have opinions, knowledge and expertise. Even with 28 years of construction experience I know I can learn from others.

"We cannot sit back and say we’re doing it like this because that’s the way we have always done it."

Construction is a team effort and no one can do everything themselves. Also no one can know every facet of construction. Furthermore construction is evolving with new methods, equipment, technology and materials. Our customers are expecting more from contractors these days – unfortunately often more paperwork, lower prices and quicker build times. We cannot sit back and say we’re doing it like this because that’s the way we have always done it, or it worked for me in the past so there’s no reason why I should change.
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Business is different these days. Our employees are different – they’re all tech savvy. We have to become smarter. It may mean we need to listen more.

Why ignoring the opinion of others may harm your construction project

​Invariably people who don’t listen to others come unstuck.

• They are trapped in their old ways resisting change and advancement and are left behind by their competitors.
• They aren’t moving with the latest equipment, technology or materials. Often hanging onto equipment that’s more trouble than it’s worth. Equipment that negatively impacts productivity and demotivates their employees. They’re still doing everything on paper.
• Their team becomes demotivated because their ideas aren’t listened to. Employees are often forced to do things which they know are wrong and which are sometimes doomed to failure. Innovation is stifled.
• Customers move to other contractors who can offer a more innovative approach and solution.
• Customers leave because they don’t like arguing with a contractor who isn’t prepared to compromise, who always believes they’re right. A contractor who’s standard response is ‘that’s the way we do things because that’s the way we have always done things’.
• Mistakes are made because expert advice wasn’t sought. The opinions of those closer to the problem weren’t listened to.

"Employees get tired of offering solutions and suggestions which aren’t listened to."

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

• Employees get tired of offering solutions and suggestions which aren’t listened to, resulting in a breakdown in the information chain which means that the manager only gets told what they want to hear. The truth is often hidden until it’s too late to take action to rectify a situation.

Listening makes better construction managers

​Listening to others doesn’t mean you have to believe them or follow as they suggest. In construction we frequently work with older and more experienced Supervisors and Craftspeople. They sometimes know what’s best, but often they (like you) may have become fixed in a routine, doing things a certain way – become set in their ways. They resent being told to do things differently. But, if you genuinely believe your method is better than theirs, and you have listened to their reasoning you should be able to explain why your methods are better than theirs and convince them to follow your instruction. By understanding why your methods are better they’ll often be more committed and motivated to follow your advice, instead of reluctantly following your instructions, or even possibly ignoring them.

Listening improves us and our construction project outcomes.

"I may not always be right."

I should listen more, maybe even compromise when necessary. I’m not as brilliant as I may think, and could learn from others around me. (Shock and horror) – I may not always be right!

But listening also provides an insight into others' thoughts and fears. This insight provides us an opportunity to convince others we’re right, and to get their buy-in to our methods. Successful construction demands good communication

​This article was first published on the ClockShark website - Get The Industries' #1 Time-Tracking AppRunning a field service or construction business takes coordination and a great team. With ClockShark you get the industries' #1 timesheet app

​Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more.
The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.