providing feedback to the construction project team

​It’s important you provide both positive and negative feedback to your staff. I often have Project Managers complaining about the quality of a person, even saying ‘they are incompetent’, however on most occasions when I inquired if they had spoken to the person and explained their short comings, they normally haven’t. In fact, the problem person often thinks they are doing a good job. It’s therefore important, to tell a person when they have done something incorrectly, or aren't performing according to expectations. If you do this you may find a dramatic improvement in their performance.
​#constructionprojectmanagement #constructionmanagement

"Poor performance may be related to the person having insufficient knowledge to perform the task"

Poor performance may also be related to the person having insufficient knowledge to perform the task, so their performance may improve if they are given additional training or coaching. Certain people are also better at certain jobs than others, and if the right niche is found they may perform well.

Give feedback in such a way that:

1.       it doesn't always appear to be negative and critical

2.       negative feedback isn’t presented in a public place in front of other staff and workers

3.       it isn’t shouted or given in a rude or abrupt way

4.       the problem is explained with a suggestion on how you think they can improve their performance

5.       Supervisors should be involved when one of their workers is praised or criticised

If a person’s performance doesn't improve, and they can’t give a reasonable explanation of why they will not, or cannot, improve then consideration must be given to following the disciplinary process.

"People appreciate being thanked for their efforts"

People appreciate being thanked for their efforts, and positive feedback should be provided if a task is done well, a milestone is met, quality standards are exceeded, or a task is done safely. This praise can be public, but not an everyday event or it will appear that you praise anyone and everyone, and it loses its impact. ​

"Very useful guide regarding the management of the construction projects. Open, direct and insightful." (Reader review on Amazon.co.uk)

​Information in this article is from 'Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide' by Paul Netscher

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Other useful articles:
High Employee turnover? The sooner you know the better.
Conflict Resolution and Prevention on Construction Projects
Good communication is essential in construction

​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.
© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.