Construction Project Management Services and Construction Books
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement

More advice for young construction professionals

24/8/2017

8 Comments

 
PictureImage courtesy of kdshutterman at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
In a previous article ‘Mistakes that young construction professionals should avoid when starting out’ I offered some advice to young construction professionals.
In this article I offer some more advice.
  1. Construction is a team effort. No construction project is completed by one person. The project manager relies on a team, consisting of subcontractors, suppliers, company personnel on the project and support staff at head office. The success of any project depends on a good team. Make sure you employ the right team. Show appreciation for a job well done. Look after your team.
  2. Good communication is key. Instructions must be clear. Many think that spelling and good grammar isn’t something that’s important. But consider this: there is a big difference between the words access and assess and confusing them can cause misunderstanding for the reader. A project manager writes emails and letters every day and it’s important that readers receive the correct message.
  3. There will be good days and bad days. You have to learn to weather the storms and not become demoralised. Don’t give up no matter how bad the project is, or how bad the client gets.
  4. Don’t take things personally. Construction can be rough and tough. People will say things in the heat of the moment. You will be sworn at. Mistakes will be made. It will feel that you have the weight of the World on your shoulders. However, don’t shrug off all criticisms. We must learn from mistakes. We all can improve.
  5. Remember peoples’ lives depend on your actions. Do you job diligently. Don’t take chances. Make considered decisions. That rushed check may just miss something that leads to someone being killed. That shortcut may be unsafe and cause someone’s death. Accidents happen fast. You don’t want to be responsible for killing someone.
  6. Don’t burn bridges. Construction is a small industry. You can’t afford to leave your company with bad blood. You can’t afford to offend clients and project managers. You can’t even afford to offend the people you work with. When I mean offend, it doesn’t mean that you mustn’t be tough, rather you shouldn’t treat anyone unfairly or make things personal. There should never be hard feelings. People change jobs and you may just find the person who was reporting to you changes company and is working for the client on your next project. I have repeatedly met the same people over the years in different roles.
  7. Lead by example. People are always watching you and will follow your example. Particularly with safety it’s important to lead by example.
  8. Pick your battles. Some young construction professionals want to fight about every point. They just have to be right, or have to have an excuse for everything. They take on the safety officer, quality manager, clerk of works, project manager and client. Unfortunately, many of these people have huge power on your project and they can literally make life hell. Everyone has their special quirk or ‘hobby horse’ they always look at. Often these items are small, so learn to give them what they want, and they’ll often let other things slide. Fight them and they’ll look for every little fault and detail. Sure there are things that must be fought for, but learn to pick the battles and remember it’s about winning the war. Nobody is going to remember who was right or wrong, rather they’ll remember that the project was completed successfully, safely, profitably, on time and with the required quality. You will work with idiots sometime, but learn to work with them.
  9. Ask for help. It’s pointless drowning on the project. The longer you leave not asking for help the worse the situation will become – a bad situation seldom gets better on its own. Making the wrong decision may make the problem worse. Expert advice can save lots of money. But even discussing a problem can cast it in a different light providing solutions.
  10. Never assume anything. If in doubt ask questions. The wrong assumption could be costly – even cost lives.
  11. Don’t trust anyone. This sounds harsh, but in construction thieves literally lie around every corner. Check deliveries – are you getting what the delivery docket says and are the quantities right? Are the invoices correct? Who is stealing from the project – it could even be your manager?
  12. If you leave a company make sure it’s for the right reason. The grass isn’t always as green on the other side of the fence as it looks. Make sure you are changing companies for the right reason. Will you really be better off there? What is the future for the new company? What will your future be at the new company? Look at the long term prospects and not at the short term gains. We all get upset with the people we are working with. We all feel at some stage that we are being overlooked or taken advantage of. Look objectively at your complaints. Carefully consider which company can offer you the best career prospects.

Conclusion
Construction is a tough business and there isn’t an easy route to the top. Yet, it can be rewarding for those who are prepared to work hard, taking the rough times in their stride. There are probably few businesses where you will interact and work with such a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It will be challenging at times, but overcoming these challenges will be satisfying. No day will be the same, no project will be the same.
What advice do you have for young professionals in the construction industry?
What was the best thing you did when you started your career in the construction industry?
​

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
. 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.
​

© 2017 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
construction management construction project management
8 Comments
Yoshiko Flora link
16/2/2019 03:52:19 pm

Since you said that a person working in the construction business can encounter either a bad project or a bad client, I believe that these companies should get contractor insurance for their employees. For example, if I were to open my own bathroom renovation service, I would find one as soon as possible in order for them to defend themselves during lawsuits. Also, with their help, it can help pay for their hospital bill in case that a brick or a wall falls on them while on site.

Reply
Paul
25/2/2019 06:18:10 am

Hello Yoshiko. There are a number of different insurance policies which contractors should have. This includes insurance of equipment used on the project (including checking that hired equipment is insured), insurance of the project works, insurance for public liability (injury to 3rd parties) and of course worker insurance for injury. Accidents unfortunately do happen and our employees should receive the best medical treatment and compensation for the time they cannot work because of their injuries.

Reply
Lillian Ferguson link
21/12/2019 04:33:54 pm

I have really enjoyed browsing your weblog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing on your feed and I am hoping you write again very soon.

Reply
Paul
22/12/2019 08:52:20 am

Hello Lillian, thanks for your feedback. It's good to know that the website is useful. Regards, Paul

Reply
column retrofitting contractors in hyderabad link
8/6/2020 02:24:49 pm

Hi,
Wow, a Very Nice blog post! Your site has given the best information From Your Articles. They are amazing and Useful to all people. Thanks for sharing this post and Impressive site. NVLN CONSTRUCTIONS PVT LTD is a provider of end to end building Restoration services to help clients to improve safety and longevity of structures. We have been relentlessly working on providing services in concrete repairs & rehabilitation works.

Reply
Franklin White link
27/6/2020 12:05:28 am

I like how you pointed out that construction is a job that requires a lot of teamwork. I think a ton of jobs could get done faster if the crew worked better together. I think companies shouldn't hire construction services without first seeing how well they all work together.

Reply
traffic system contractors in hyderabad link
1/2/2021 06:26:09 pm

Hi,
Wow Very Nice blog post! Your site has given the best information from your articles they are amazing and useful to all people. Thank you For sharing This Post and impressive site. NVLN CONSTRUCTIONS PVT LTD is a provider of end to end building Restoration services to help clients to improve safety and longevity of structures. We have been relentlessly working on providing services in concrete repairs & rehabilitation works.

Reply
Bobby E. Wheeler link
25/2/2021 01:09:19 pm

This is a really great guide. Specially for starters that making their way through this business. Thank you for sharing such a great article.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Copyright 2016 - The attached articles cannot be reproduced for commercial purposes without the consent of the author.
    The opinions expressed in the attached articles are those of the writer. It should be noted that projects are varied and different laws and restrictions apply which depend on the location of the contractor and the project. It's important that the reader uses the supplied information taking cognisance of their particular circumstances. The writer assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss of any kind arising from the reader using the information or advice contained herein.
    "I have what I consider some of the best books on construction management."


    Books are available from:
    Amazon.com
    Amazon.co.uk
    takealot.com

    kalahari.com
    Amazon.in
    Amazon.de
    Amazon.fr
    Amazon.it
    Amazon.com.au
    Powell's
    Fishpond
    uread
    bokus
    Amazon.ca
    Amazon.es
    Other retail stores


    Available in paperback or on Kindle

    ​"28 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE, DEVELOPING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS AND BUILDING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES"

Construction Books

Successful Construction Project management
Building a Successful Construction Company
Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors
Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
​
Build and Renovate Your Home With Your Eyes Wide Open
Book Reviews

Construction services

Construction Management Services
Paul Netscher
Construction Management Blog
​Home Improvement Blog

Contact
Developing Successful Construction Project Managers.

Building Successful Construction Companies.
30 years of construction project management experience
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement