Communication is vital to the success of any construction project. It can be the difference between a project going well, being completed on time and on budget or a project being a complete disaster.
Communication is a big part of every part of the project, from bid to completion. Issues will arise throughout the project with your crew and with your stakeholders that will have to be addressed in a professional and timely manner. The sooner information is in the right hands, the sooner decisions can be made, saving you time and money.
Let’s look at some ways to improve communication.
Establish a chain of communication
A chain of communication is the basis of a successful construction project. Your crew needs to know where to go for the latest project communications. It’s all about getting the right information at the right time.
It’s also important to have a formal communication chain when emergencies happen. When you have a plan in place in advance, it reduces confusion and helps to get information where it needs to be in the most efficient way possible.
Choose the right communication method
Choosing the method of communication matters. Sometimes verbal communication isn’t the best way to get your point across. At times it’s better to have things written down, so that you can refer back to them. It’s also important to make sure that everyone is one the same page and gets the information all at the same time.
Listen actively
A lot of times we listen just enough to respond, but in business communication it’s imperative to actively listen. In order to listen effectively you have to stop talking, give the speaker room to say what they need to say. You also need to focus on what they are saying. Pay attention and make them feel comfortable enough to get their ideas across. When they are finished, ask questions to clarify anything that was not clear and to reiterate to them that you understand.
Be clear and concise
Providing details about a job is no time to be ambiguous. Getting straight to the point will save you lots of time and money over the course of a job. Clear and concise communication will clear up any misunderstandings and keep everything moving in the right direction.
Be timely
It’s incredibly important for any job to provide the right information in a timely manner. Having a system that provides everyone with the latest changes and updates as soon as they happen will make sure that your crew is not wasting their time on work that will have to be undone later. It will save many hours of work and hundreds of dollars in materials and payroll as well.
Embrace technology
Technology makes communication so much easier. It gives you a tool to keep track of your project with all of your information in one place. It also lets you connect with your crew all at once through email and text messages. You no longer have to wait for someone to take a message to everyone or for everyone to be in one place. With smart phones you can deliver a message to everyone on the job site and in the office all at the same time.
Be honest and transparent
Having an open dialogue with your crew is important for project success. Make sure that they know that is going on, even with the difficult to discuss project issues. Employees work harder when they feel appreciated and respected. Being honest with them is key to building and keeping their trust.
Effective communication is essential for the success of any construction project. Identifying issues early, making sure everyone is on the same page and being honest and transparent are all things that need to be incorporated into your daily routine. Following these simple steps will go a long way to improving communication in a short amount of time.
Finding the right software and mobile apps are just as important as what the software does. It needs to be something that works for your business and that your employees can easily use. C/F Data System’s STRUCTURE Blue was designed specifically for specialty contractors.
STRUCTURE Blue is construction accounting software that ties together critical aspects of your business's operations, including project management, job cost and billing, work orders, workforce scheduling and inventory control.
With the STRUCTURE Mobile apps, you can bring critical features of STRUCTURE Blue with you into the field.
Report Time
Track Materials & Equipment
Create Change Orders for Jobs
Create T&M Slips in the Field
Dispatch Service Calls to Techs in the field
Capture Digital Signatures from Customers
Email signed work order and change requests to Customers
All of the apps sync with STRUCTURE Blue. Any information entered into the app is automatically uploaded to STRUCTURE Blue.
All STRUCTURE Mobile apps are compatible with iOS and Android devices. STRUCTURE Mobile apps are a feature of STRUCTURE Blue and are not sold separately.