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Writer's pictureJohn Macedo

Construction Management | 5 Simple actions that make a respectful Boss

Updated: May 27, 2022


▶️For a Project Manager or a Construction Supervisor, the essence of establishing yourself as a respectful team member or person is very important. As a worker or a boss, your first impression matters.


✳️ You could have different personalities, and still command respect.


▶️Creating this environment it's relatively simple, though it's often not regarded as necessary or trainable - There is no "protocol" for it - which is why we have written this guide to help you be better at your workplace.


Qualities of a good respectful leader in the building and construction industry


✅A good respectful leader in the building and construction industry is one who has a strong understanding of construction management, human resources, and risk management. They are also well-versed in the built environment and understand the different construction methods and materials.


✅Furthermore, they are able to effectively communicate with all members of the construction team, including subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other professionals. Lastly, they are able to create a positive working environment and foster a culture of respect among all employees.


By exhibiting these qualities, a good respectful leader in the building and construction industry can help to ensure the success of any construction project.


​👉🏻We will walk you through 5 simple things that will establish you as a respectable person at your workplace, and apply proper construction management approaches for great leadership.


​👉🏻No company can function or grow appropriately without respect for fellow workers or subordinate workers. Without regard, workers wouldn't follow the instruction or have basic work ethics, which creates a bad working environment.



1 - START WITH MANNERS

Remember, first impressions matter. The secret is in the handshake. Handshakes are usually the first contact you have with others, so it is crucial you get it right.


➡️When introducing yourself, establish eye contact and exchange a firm grip handshake. By doing so, you create an ambiance of solidarity and respect.


Construction managers are responsible for the coordination and supervision of projects. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to plan and direct construction efforts.


Managers Duties within a successful project


➡️Construction planner manager liaises with owners, contractors, and subcontractors to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. They also resolve any problems that may arise during construction. Those managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in construction management or a related field, as well as work experience.


➡️However, the most important aspect of being a successful construction manager is having strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet. After all, no two construction projects are ever the same.


2 - WHO ARE YOU ANYWAY?

This is the first question that will pop into one head upon meeting you. That's why you should always Introduce yourself to new people at the start of the day.


⬅️Workers will better understand your position, feel closer to you, and have a greater purpose to work for you. You could use a format of saying:




⚠️Construction management is a relatively new field that is concerned with the overall coordination of a construction project. Those managers are responsible for ensuring that a project is completed on time, within budget, and to the specifications set forth by the client.


⚡They typically have a background in engineering or architecture, and they must be well-versed in the construction process. They also must possess strong communication and management skills to effectively coordinate the activities of all the workers involved in a project.


⚠️Introducing yourself to new people at the beginning of the day is an important part of Construction Management. By doing so, you let workers know who you are and what your position is within the company. This helps to create a sense of familiarity and camaraderie among workers, which can result in increased productivity.


⚡In addition, introducing yourself to new people at the beginning of the day shows that you are friendly and approachable, which can encourage workers to come to you with questions or concerns.


3 - NOT TOO UPTIGHT

I also recommend that as soon as you notice some tension among the workers, include a little bit of humour as long as it is respectful and sober.


⚠️Why is this so important?


Even though you want to establish yourself as a serious worker, you don't want that too narrow your communication with other workers.


🛑When you aren’t too uptight, your people will be more open and confident in expressing their ideas to you. As such, it is important to create a convenient and safe atmosphere for the worker to express his ideas and perspective.


📢A safe/comfortable environment is the first step in getting the workers to actually “think” the job alongside you. To do so, they must not be afraid of expressing themselves - humour is a great solution to that.


4 - REMEMBER THE NAME

Big companies typically have changing or a large number of staff members, and companies who use Labour Hire also experience a large coming and going of people.


​​🔥This can cause you to have new team members regularly. In such cases, you should try to remember workers' names as often as possible.

On the first day of the meeting, it is expected to have an introduction. Since you exchange names, it is vital to remember your workers' names.


🖋️​And as you probably know:

A person’s name is their favorite word.

Try to remember the workers’ names as much as you can. It is a sign that you actually care about them.


If you have a problem remembering names (like most people), then you can improvise.


✳️ Pro Tip: We suggest you print induction stickers with a space for the name or print name tags (or stickers) for your workers.


Of course, this can be considered cheating, but even so, it will increase the faith and respect your workers put in you.


Do it until you have each name memorised


5 - WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

Along the way we've noticed a situation happening a few times:


✅Some bosses, when visiting sites, tend to prioritise greeting and giving all the attention to clients and completely disregard (or even be disrespectful) their workers.

✅Always, ALWAYS, pay attention to your workers. Talk to them, ask them questions, understand their opinions, and treat them humanely and equally: The same you would a client.


✳️ Everyone (even the clients) will have more respect for you if you do so. Guaranteed.


ADVANTAGES OF A RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT

The advantages of respect in the business are limitless. This is because it tends to affect every sector of a construction company's operations.

⚠️Let's take respect for production. If every worker respects the man or woman working next to them, the production flow moves smoothly, considering there will be less conflict in the workplace.


But when there's no respect, workers wouldn't be in sync, which will lead to wastage of raw materials, reduced production rate, and bad quality products.

▶️ Many workers and bosses assume that being respected in the workplace removes your ability to be friendly. That isn't always the case.


Good manners can go a long way in establishing yourself as a respectable and respectful person without sacrificing being friendly or working in a relaxed environment.


Education is important to have great leadership skills


​👉🏻Australian vocational education and training (VET) are world-class, and Australian institutes are renowned for their quality teaching and student support. As an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you have access to some of the best VET institutions in the world.


​👉🏻And as an international student, you'll find that Australian institutes offer a wide range of courses to meet your needs. Australian VET institutions offer a variety of courses that can help you improve your leadership skills.


​👉🏻For example, you could study for a Bachelor of Construction Management at an Australian institute. This course will teach you how to manage construction projects from start to finish, and you'll graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful construction manager.


If you're looking to improve your leadership skills, Australian VET is a great place to start.


Australian institutes provide good vocational education and training which helps Australian citizens, permanent residents, and international students improve their leadership skills. All Australian institutes provide student support to help students transition into the workforce.


​👈🏻Australian institutes also offer a range of services to help students with their studies, including academic advice, career advice, and job placement. Australian institutes offer a variety of programs that teach leadership skills, such as the Bachelor of Construction Management.


The program helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to become successful leaders in the construction industry. The program covers a range of topics, such as project management, contract law, risk management, and construction technology.


​👈🏻The program is designed to help students learn how to manage construction projects from start to finish. The program is delivered in a variety of formats, including face-to-face classes, online classes, and work-based learning.


Australian institutes also offer a range of other programs that teach leadership skills, such as the Master of Business Administration and the Doctor of Philosophy. Australian institutes provide a variety of services to help international students transition into the workforce.


​👈🏻Australian institutes offer a range of services to help international students with their studies, including academic advice, career advice, and job placement. Australian institutes provide a variety of


❗Respectful managers are key to a healthy work environment❗


⚡Any project managers worth their salt knows that respect is key to establishing strong organisational behaviour and improving construction processes. Yet on construction projects, site managers are often the ones who get the short end of the stick when it comes to respecting.


⚡Why is this? Part of it has to do with the fact that construction is a high-risk industry, and those managers are under constant pressure to mitigate risks. But it's also because property development and facilities management are seen as more glamorous fields than construction project management.


As a result, site managers can sometimes feel like they're not getting the respect they deserve.


Fortunately, there are a few things that site managers can do to earn respect from their teams. First, they need to be clear about their expectations and objectives for the project. Second, they need to be proactive about communicating with their team members and addressing any concerns that arise.


⚠️Finally, they need to be fair and consistent in their decision-making. By following these simple guidelines, site managers can start to improve the way they're perceived by their teams - and ultimately, help to improve the overall quality of the project.


How does surveying impact the quality of a manager's leadership skills on a job site?


✅Building surveying and quantity surveying are two essential skills that every manager needs on a job site. Surveying helps to assess the condition of a building and identify any potential risks, while quantity surveying ensures that the correct amount of materials is ordered for a project.


✅Both skills are highly valued by the Australian government and employers in New Zealand, and a proficiency in English is often required to work in these fields. Quantity surveyors are in high demand in New Zealand, with many new projects being undertaken each year.


▶️There is a shortage of qualified quantity surveyor in New Zealand, so those with the right skills and experience can often find work very easily. However, competition for jobs can be fierce, so it is important to ensure that your application is as strong as possible.


▶️If you are not a citizen of New Zealand or Australia, you may still be able to find work in these fields on a part-time or full-time basis. Check with your local immigration office for more information.


♠️ KEEP IN MIND ♠️


⚡When it comes to career goals, being a respectful site manager with great leadership skills in building and construction work is at the top of my list. I have always been interested in this field, and my life experience has taught me a lot about what it takes to be a successful leader.


I have held various leadership roles within different organizations, and I have learned that the key to success is pacing yourself and respecting the people you work with. Construction work can be very challenging, but if you can manage your own pace and show respect for your colleagues, you will be successful.


​​🔥I am confident that my career goals are attainable, and I am excited to continue learning and growing as a leader in this field. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.

Creating a respectable and friendly working environment isn't as tricky as it sounds. It all starts with the simplest actions and manners.


💯​There is no denying that finding the right balance between these two can be challenging. However, once you find this balance, the company becomes open to many benefits, both internally and externally.


For any company to grow, it is necessary that there is respect. Workers should respect their fellow colleagues as well as their bosses or team leaders. But you need to learn to communicate effectively for respect to grow.

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JOHN MACEDO

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I believe together we can create a "people first" Australian Construction Industry 

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