The fragmented nature of a construction project means that silos often form organically. And, without a central focus on collaboration, it becomes a challenge to maintain cohesion throughout a project.
According to an industry report from Autodesk and FMI, 43% of high trust construction firms make collaboration a priority throughout the course of a project. We’re a part of the 43%.
Only 43% of high trust construction firms make collaboration a priority throughout the course of a project.
A construction project is delivered by combining a mixture of talents and strengths. When those talents and strengths unite effectively, the outcome can be a hugely successful and lucrative one.
But the challenge starts with that amalgamation of departments. From design, to management and planning, through to practical and build, transparency is essential.
Plus, with sizeable investments and large scale projects, mistakes in construction are costly – albeit sometimes avoidable. By optimising collaboration and removing the potential for silos you can minimise waste, reduce communication issues and manage risk.
Here at Fascel we identify early on in any project how we, and our project partners, can optimise collaboration for better working conditions, more effective project management, and more successful outcomes.
Identify the sticking points
We will start by scrutinising all existing processes. The nature of a project, the people involved, and the environment are just some of the factors that can impact on the delivery. We like to identify weak spots in communication chains and opportunities to strengthen cohesion.
Training courses, team-building events, or project initiation sessions may be necessary to ensure all departments are starting out on the same page. It’s an investment of time at the beginning that could save a project many thousands later on.
Start early
Before a project has begun, we ensure avenues for collaboration are outlined and communicated.
Transparency is essential – subcontractors should be aware of budgets and planning, operatives and the field team need to be working in alignment, and the office staff should have access to live updates from the site team.
We like to communicate to all teams about the focus on collaboration and its importance in moving forward. Coming together early with a shared vision and transparency, with clear avenues for resolving issues, will ensure all departments feel supported.
Embrace digital
The building sector is still one of the least digitisted sectors. Emails, text messages and excel spreadsheets are often used to communicate a big building project. The good news is that there’s still so much room to innovate the way things are done.
Construction-specific digital platforms are hitting the market by the dozen. A platform that enables real-time updates between teams with real-time alerts, updates and messaging platforms will most certainly enable better collaboration, but only if it is embraced by your team members.
Hire great leadership
Great collaboration starts with leadership. When leaders are open and approachable, and vocal about communication, others will feel empowered to embrace their wisdom and follow suit.
Designing a framework that supports leaders and allows them to perform to their potential can promote better performance in all corners of a project.
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When many teams are involved in a project, every decision and action can impact the wider outcomes. Different silos and poor communication can have disastrous impacts. But a focus on improved collaboration is vital in promoting a leaner, cost-effective, and more positive project outcome.
Collaboration isn’t just vital for happier and more positive workers, it’s central to reducing waste, maintaining cohesion, optimising your processes, and removing avoidable mistakes.
How can we all embrace great collaboration?
