NOW, continuing from last week thought we would go into discussing about mutual understanding and respect.
I thought we would talk about how foremen, contractor/suppliers or client/stakeholders need to have mutual understanding and respect, towards each other, in ensuring the success of the project.
Whether it be working towards mutual understanding that each respective contractor/supplier, client and builder, need to be successful in completing project on time, within budget and co-operatively as a larger team.
Right through to respecting each others opinions in their own perspective professional field and taking that information onboard, in relation to the particular situation.
And its through this type of mutual understanding and respect towards each other, that will enable the environment surrounding the project, to thrive and prosper.
Lets look at an example…
I recall a situation, were the foremen felt that he was superior to the contractors/suppliers and client involved in the project and therefore didn’t need to waste time with understanding or respecting them, but instead dictate what needed to be done.
And I’m sure you can imagine how well that went and what occurred thereafter, such responses like:
- escalation of verbal and physical situation
- breakdown of communication between contractors and foremen
- contractors disregard of foremen and potentially other contractors
- deviations in task and programme of contractors, including skipping of relevant/critical tasks of other contractors, resulting in delays and costs
- and so on…
Now, can you imagine the impact that this would have on your project’s timeline and progress; the strain on your relationship and productivity with contractors, suppliers or client as well as; other existing and future projects.
So much so, that it resulted with such things as:
- project dragged out an additional 5 weeks
- internal variations/additional costs due to changes and deviations
- during tendering, the contractor stated that he would charge an additional 20%, if a particular foremen, was to run that particular project.
WOW, Now imagine the effects of this on future projects, such as:
- When your competing to win a project, where you would be over-priced and lose due to contractors over-charging.
- Or, when you have won a project and are being charged 20% more by the contractors due to the foremen, which will now eat away into the profits of the project.
So in conclusion, the effects of not having mutual understanding and respect for one another, in nurturing the partnership that is needed in ensuring successful projects.
Hey, check out our STORE, for the latest training available in taking control of your future…
Till next week.
Nelio