When you think of an active construction job site, what are the first images that come to mind? In a perfect world, the project site clean and well-organized. The construction crew is outfitted in proper safety gear and are productively working on their assignments. The project running on time or ahead of schedule and is below budget. Like I said, this would be the ideal situation, but it is highly unlikely what you would encounter.
In reality, the vast majority of construction sites are controlled chaos. The determining factor on how much of the site is order versus chaos is in large part the leadership. Leadership is also the determining factor of success or failure of the project.
It is said that systems and processes are managed while people are led. People are vital to the success of any construction site. These people require leadership which in turn requires a competent leader. The quality of the leader will have a significant effect on the performance of the entire construction crew. Their performance will lead to a successful project or not.
The style of leadership will have a direct impact on how the final result of the construction project. An effective leader will inspire great performance from their crew. Poor leadership will lead to splintered teams and a loss of morale and focus on the project site.
There are several different leadership styles. Leaders need to employ the style that is best suited for the situation, while completely avoiding other types of leadership styles.
Three effective leadership styles for construction managers include:
1. Servant Leadership
Servant leaders look for opportunities to meet the needs of their teams. They look to for opportunities to allow for success. Servant leaders give the credit to the team and take satisfaction in seeing the team achieve their goals.
2. Pacesetting Leadership
Pacesetting leaders literally set the pace for their teams. They establish standards and model the behaviors they expect to see from their teams.
3. Coaching Leadership
Coaching leaders focus on both the individual and the team as a whole. They understand that future success comes from building the knowledge base, skills, and abilities of their team, therefore they are continuously looking for opportunities to teach new skills.
While these three leadership styles can positively impact the performance of a construction site, there are leadership styles that can have a negative impact.
Leadership styles that should be avoided on construction sites include:
1. Micro-Managing Leadership
Some leaders feel that the only way to ensure that a project is completed on time and on budget is to micro-manage the entire process. These leaders who rule the roost can drive their crews to the point where they become burnt out. The direct result is high employee turnover.
2. Charismatic Leadership
Charismatic leaders influence others through their personality. This type of leadership can be effective in certain situations to inspire performance. However, very rarely does this style work on an active construction site. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. Construction crews are more inspired by leaders who are not afraid to jump in and help when needed.
3. Laissez-Faire Leadership
Laissez-Faire leadership is when the leader has an attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering. Construction projects are defined by a scope of work with an intended deadline for delivery. This type of leadership lends itself to resulting in missed deadlines, non-adherence to specifications, and unsafe work practices.
Knowing what type of leadership style is best for the situation is a key to running a productive job site. This could change based upon the job, crew, and tasks that need to be completed.
