Regardless of your line of work, communication is the foundation of productivity and success. In the world of construction, this is particularly important as project completion relies on succinct communication from team to team. If anything is misunderstood along the way, it could cause major delays or worst case, the need to start from scratch due to mistakes in the construction process.
In this blog, our knowledgeable consultants share top tips on how to improve communication as a manager and ensure that everything goes to plan!
Identify your team’s communication style
According to the New York Times, there are 4 primary communication styles. Understanding how your colleagues use language is key to establishing trust and building a stronger team.
Analytical - Often used by data-driven individuals who root their ideas and suggestions in solid evidence. Best not to be vague with these types of communicators as they lead based on facts and figures rather than ‘what ifs’. Be clear on your expectations and allow them to crack on!
Functional - These groups of employees thrive off detail and carefully thought out plans. Allow these individuals to ask questions as they will likely want to clarify specifics in order to build a clear picture of the processes that need to take place. Give them a timeline for tasks and try to avoid asking them for last minute favours or rushing them to finish.
Intuitive - Looking at the bigger picture is central to this type of communicator’s way of thinking. Small details are not on this person’s mind as they prefer the freedom to reach an end goal in whatever way they feel fit. Allow them the space to experiment and be quick and concise when sharing your expectations for the project.
Personal - Empathetic and very in tune with their colleagues’ needs, this group of communicators focuses heavily on people’s feelings and how their decisions will impact others. Make time for these workers to share their thoughts and feelings with you so they feel heard and appreciated.
2. Be transparent
Open communication means issues can be resolved as and when, while ensuring that everyone from the on-site workers to higher management is aware of the project’s status. Ensuring all company members are included in news and updates also allows for more collaborative working and in turn, more successful projects. One-to-one meetings are ideal too as they give employees the chance to speak up about any concerns and share their solutions and ideas freely. The more confidence your team has in your ability to communicate, the more likely they are to listen and deliver on your expectations.
3. Feedback is key
How are your team supposed to progress if they don’t know which areas need improvement? Providing regular feedback allows you to better understand how your colleagues work, as well as where they may need further support. This will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for the project as you can learn which areas need more attention in future and equally, where people thrived in delivering positive outcomes.
In order for this to work, it is paramount to give precise feedback rather than some wishy washy comment. Give examples of where you were impressed with an individual’s work, followed by suggestions for improvement. This should be delivered tactfully so the individual goes away feeling inspired, rather than attacked. It might even be worth drawing out a plan of action to show where you will support them in order to help them reach the goals set out.
We hope you found this blog useful in strengthening your communication strategy and bringing your team together to maximise productivity.
For further career advice, get in touch with our lovely team at info@wearepillar.com
or call us on 0203 856 4048.
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