Construction tips for 2016

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New Year’s resolutions for your construction project and company

Well it’s that time of year again when some people make New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately few successfully keep these resolutions as they are often poorly thought through.

However, the beginning of a new year is a time for contemplation of events of the previous year and time to speculate, consider and wish for a better year in 2016. As you do this you are no doubt wishing for company growth, increased profits, successful projects and a year with few problems. But have you really thought how you will achieve these aims? Do you have a plan?

Before you get totally immersed in the hassles, problems and work in the New Year, take some time to consider things you could improve in your company or on your projects. Why not put some New Year’s resolutions in place and keep them.

Try some of these resolutions.

1. Training – investing in your employees and yourself with appropriate training will yield dividends. We always put training off because it never seems the right time. Prepare a training schedule now.
2. Investigate new technology. Many of us become stuck in our tried and tested old ways. However there is new technology out there that can be helpful. Of course make sure that it is appropriate and get buy-in from your staff.
3. Improve your market intelligence. Ensure you know what is happening around you, what new projects are coming up and what your competitors are up to. Often we are only focused on managing our projects or company that we don’t see what’s happening in the world around us and miss opportunities. Start tracking future projects, delegate tracking particular projects to individuals, talk to clients and encourage employees to keep you informed of possible future projects.
4. Effective delegation is an art that needs to be practiced. It empowers and motivates our employees. However delegating responsibility shouldn’t meant you abdicate responsibility. You need to follow-up without micro-managing. Also, ensure the person has sufficient knowledge and support to carry out the task delegated to them.
5. Clear out dead wood. We all hang onto some employees who aren’t pulling their weight, but, they seem to have been with the company forever, and you feel sorry for them. The New Year may be the time to have a stern conversation with them and if they can’t or won’t improve their ways, let them go after following due procedures.
6. Make time to visit your projects. Many senior managers don’t make the time to visit projects. Yet, this is where money is made or lost. Visit your projects, get a feeling for how well they are run, add value on your visits,talk to your employees (they will appreciate it) and talk to your clients.
7. Improve the way you communicate with your team. Do they know where the company and projects are going? Are they focussed where they should be?
8. Improve tendering or pricing systems. Look at your tender procedures. Study your tender submissions. Are they acceptable? Could they be done better? What percentage of tenders do you win? This year may be the time to invest in new tendering software, look at ways of improving your submissions and maybe even be more selective in the projects you price.
9. Say thank you. This is something we often don’t do enough of. Congratulate your team or an individual on a job well done.
10. Spend time with your family. Don’t let working long hours and on weekends become a routine. Plan a few long weekends away with the family now. Before you know it you will be half way through the year and you won’t have had a weekend away. Learn to leave your work at your office.
11. Celebrate success. We are often so busy we don’t stop to celebrate winning a new project, or successfully reaching a project milestone. Success is inspiring and motivating. Your team wants to know that they belong to a successful team.
12. Lead and motivate your team. You will be amazed at what a motivated and inspired team can accomplish

​Conclusion
Don’t let another year go past without you making a few necessary changes. Take action now on just a few of these points and you should be able to look back at the end of 2016 with a sense of achievement.

What changes will you implement in 2016?

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