The Phil & Lauren Podcast

A Project Director recently talked to us about the leadership styles of his two most successful Project Managers. They could not be more different. One liked to joke and ensure his team was having fun. But he still knew how to get everyone down to work when it counted. The other was quieter. Considered. Focused on getting the project done as efficiently as possible. Both were successful. Both had built strong teams. When you’re the leader, you have to develop your own leadership style. And it has to reflect who you are as a person. You can’t pretend to be serious all the time, nor can you pretend a lightness that is not yours. When your leadership style reflects who you are, you will be the most consistent leader for your team. And that is what everyone appreciate

Your first day as a Project Manager should NOT be the first day you act like a Project Manager. Let me explain… The best Project Managers have been demonstrating leadership and extreme ownership long before they are promoted. It’s what GETS THEM PROMOTED. The leap to Project Manager from any role is a big one. But it’s certainly easier for those who prepare early. Identify the gaps in your knowledge. Start taking extreme ownership and reflect on your tasks. Ask to lead packages where you can. Be conscious of your communication style with all parties. You’ll be more ready for the time when it comes, and the team will find consistency in the shift rather than having to take along period to adjust. Best outcome for everyone.

Perhaps the most unexpected and least discussed element of exceptional Project Managers is this… Passion. The best Project Managers are the ones who could not imagine doing anything else. As I say in the episode – they “live it, breathe it, love it”. A lot of people dream of the title and the pay packet but don’t really ask themselves if it is what they want. Or if they are well suited for it. If you are focused more on the pay packet and title than the challenge and personal satisfaction – it might be time for a quick reflection. All construction is a tough gig – but the Project Manager has one of the toughest gigs of all. If you want to be successful… you have to really love it.

In many industries, you can’t expect your employees to work as hard as you. But in construction… It’s hard not to. If you are a Project Manager running a multi-million dollar project, you need to take that level of ownership. If you want the project to finish on time, under budget and to run safely, you can’t just think of it as a “job”. The best Project Managers act like the CEO of the project. They make sure they are across the financials and the scope. They make sure they are regularly seen on site. They know all the subbies and they check in regularly with the team. That’s the level of ownership project management demands.

How do the best Project Managers avoid mistakes on site? They take “extreme ownership”. We'd never read Jocko Willink’s books, but he became a point of discussion for us when a Construction Manager told us that he encourages all his Project Managers to follow this model. Whatever happens on site, it means the Project Manager is responsible. So when things go wrong – instead of casting the blame on others. They ask themselves – what can they do differently in the future. What can they check, clarify, put in place or change to get a better outcome. It’s a lot of responsibility – but without this, site run less smoothly and less safely. It’s a great model for everyone in the tough gig of construction. Learn more in the video below.

There are times in construction where the Project Manager just has to make the call. But then there are times to be collaborative. You’re always walking a knife’s edge. You have to use your experience and your people skills to know which approach to take in any given situation. Sometimes the situation demands decisiveness. Your deep understanding of buildability determines this. Sometimes you need to take the time to check in with the ideas and opinions of the team. Your interpersonal and communication skills will let you know when this is needed. The job of a Project Manager is a tough one – and that’s why we’re focussing on it this week on the podcast. Why not check out the full episode? Link in the comments below.

A very underrated habit of the best Project Managers is this… The ability to just make a decision. Construction is complex – we all know this. And not only is the nature of the game complicated, you have subbies, and clients and so many other stakeholders each offering a point of view. It’s great to be collaborative but sometimes… You just have to make a decision. A director recently told me that being decisive was the key skills of his best Project Managers. They are the ones who trust their experience and instincts enough to make a call. Even if this information is imperfect. Even if they are under pressure. Even if it disappoints someone. Make the call, and keep things on track. Any decision is better than no decision when the stakes are high.

You are definitely alienating your subbies doing this... And your Project Manager as well. Every time we speak to a Project Manager in construction they lament that young CAs and PCs are reticent to pick up the phone to resolve issues. Texting and emailing may seem easy. And they seem efficient. And for a young person who has grown up with this, it feels like the logical way to communicate. But it's not everyone's preference. Likely your subbies and a variety of other people you work with are going to appreciate the time you take to pick up the phone or have a face-to-face conversation - particularly if there is an issue to be resolved. You'll resolve it faster and earn the respect of your peers by confronting it head on. If you are a young CA or PC looking to move to Project Manager one day, you can't afford to have ingrained, sloppy habits about communication. Exceptional Project Managers know the value of being direct and choosing the communication form - and style - that offers the best chance of positive results.

"What do you need from me today to do your job?" This might seem far too simple a concept for an episode on EXCEPTIONAL Project Managers, but... We need to rethink what exceptional means. Sometimes being exceptional isn't doing something out of the ordinary... It's just really understanding what your job is. Being a leader is all about creating a good team that can get the project done. We've talked before about being visible and being in the trenches. But being humble enough to know that sometimes your role is just to help ensure others can do theirs - that's exceptional. We come across many stories when researching for the podcast, but this was such a beautiful example of good, honest leadership. If you aspire to be a Project Manager - or be the best Project Manager you can - I hope you take a few minutes to watch the snippet below.

What makes an exceptional Project Manager? Many simple things. Here's an important one... They understand that person-to-person communication is crucial to resolving issues quickly, respectfully and to the benefit of the project. They take the time because they value their team and the various stakeholders on the project. That’s what makes them exceptional. It’s not old fashioned to value what works and what makes people feel heard and appreciated.