This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.
Construction management is a complex and demanding field that requires a diverse skill set. Beyond the technical aspects of the job, construction managers must also excel in areas such as time management, productivity, negotiation, and marketing their work and themselves. In this article, we will explore the top 3 unconventional books every construction manager should read to enhance their skills in these crucial areas and to cultivate a more robust thought process.
Never Split the Difference by Chriss Voss
“Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss is not your average negotiation book. Imagine sitting down for a coffee with a friend who just happens to be a former FBI hostage negotiator. That’s Chris Voss. He’s seen it all, and now he’s here to teach you how to level up your negotiation game, whether you’re aiming to secure a better contract or trying to get your kids to bed on time.
The book is filled with riveting stories from Voss’s career, making it a page-turner. But it’s not all about the adrenaline-pumping action of hostage negotiation. Voss breaks down the psychology behind successful negotiations, offering strategies that are as effective at the construction site as they are in high-stakes criminal scenarios.
Mirroring for Better Communication
One of Voss’s key strategies is “mirroring,” or repeating the last few words your counterpart says in a questioning tone. This encourages the other party to elaborate, fostering better understanding and rapport. Imagine using this technique in a meeting with a subcontractor who’s hesitant about a deadline. By mirroring their concerns, you not only show empathy but also encourage them to provide more information, which can lead to a solution that works for both parties.
Tactical Empathy: Understanding Stakeholder Needs
“Tactical empathy” is about acknowledging your counterpart’s perspective and emotions. It’s empathy with a strategic edge. For construction managers, this could mean understanding the underlying concerns of a community as opposed to a new development project. Demonstrating empathy towards their concerns can open up a dialogue for finding mutually beneficial solutions, rather than escalating opposition.
The Accusation Audit: Disarming Opposition
Before entering a negotiation, Voss suggests listing every negative thing the other party could say about you and addressing them upfront. This “accusation audit” can be a game-changer in construction management. Before presenting a revised project timeline to a client, for example, acknowledge all potential frustrations and concerns they might have. This proactive approach can ease tensions and make the client more receptive to the discussion.
Labeling to Navigate Difficult Conversations
Voss advocates for “labeling” emotions you observe in the other person to diffuse tension and foster connection. For construction managers, this skill is invaluable when dealing with project delays or budget overruns. Acknowledging a client’s frustration or disappointment creates an environment of trust and collaboration, paving the way for constructive problem-solving.
“That’s Right” – The Two Words to Aim For
In negotiations, getting the other person to say “that’s right” signifies that they feel understood. This moment of agreement is powerful. For construction managers, achieving a “that’s right” from a project stakeholder can be the turning point in moving a project forward under favorable terms.
Conclusion: Constructing Success Through Negotiation
Chris Voss’s “Never Split the Difference” offers construction management professionals an arsenal of techniques to enhance their negotiation skills. By applying these strategies, construction managers can navigate the complexities of their roles with greater confidence and competence, leading to successful project outcomes and stronger professional relationships. Whether it’s securing resources, managing stakeholder expectations, or resolving conflicts, the art of negotiation is a pivotal tool in the construction management toolkit.
In the construction industry, where the stakes are high and the challenges are complex, “Never Split the Difference” is more than a book—it’s a blueprint for building success on the foundations of effective negotiation.
Manage your Day-To-Day by 99U
In the bustling world of construction management, where every day is a marathon of meetings, site visits, and split-second decisions, “Manage Your Day-to-Day” by 99U could very well be the blueprint for success you didn’t know you needed.
Mastering the Art of Routine
Let’s face it: in construction management, unpredictability is part of the job description. But here’s where the book’s first golden nugget comes in—establishing a rock-solid routine. Imagine starting your day with a clear plan, prioritizing tasks that move the needle, and leaving the chaos of unscheduled issues in the dust. It’s about laying the foundation of your day so that when the unexpected hits—and it will—you’re ready to tackle it head-on, just like you’d approach a construction project with a well-thought-out blueprint.
Finding Focus in the Chaos
Construction sites are buzzing hives of activity, where distractions are as common as hard hats. “Manage Your Day-to-Day” hands you the tools to cut through the noise. It’s about dedicating blocks of time to deep work, turning off notifications when you’re on the clock, and truly focusing on the task at hand. Imagine the boost in productivity when you apply these principles, ensuring that when you’re reviewing architectural plans or negotiating with suppliers, you’re all in, 100%.
Unleashing Your Creative Problem-Solving
Think creativity is only for artists? Think again. Construction management is as much about creative problem-solving as it is about schedules and budgets. The book encourages you to carve out time for creative thinking, to approach problems from new angles, and to innovate solutions. Whether it’s finding a way to accelerate the project timeline without sacrificing quality or brainstorming a workaround for a supply chain hiccup, your ability to think outside the box is your secret weapon.
Practical Applications for the Construction Field
- Start Your Day with a Plan: Spend the first 15 minutes of your day mapping out your priorities. Tackle the big rocks first—whether it’s a critical site visit or finalizing a project bid.
- Designate ‘No Interruption’ Zones: Set specific times during the day when you’re unreachable by phone or email, allowing you to focus on planning, strategizing, or solving complex problems without distractions.
- Weekly Creative Sessions: Block out time each week to step back and think about long-term project goals, innovative construction techniques, or efficiency improvements. Use this time to brainstorm with your team, free from the urgency of daily tasks.
Conclusion: Building Your Way to Success
For construction management professionals, “Manage Your Day-to-Day” is not just a book; it’s a toolset for building a more organized, focused, and innovative career. By adopting its principles, you can navigate the complexities of construction management with greater ease, leading to more successful projects and a more fulfilling career. So, grab your hard hat and this book, and start building your best day, every day.
In essence, “Manage Your Day-to-Day” offers construction managers the foundation needed to construct a more productive, creative, and balanced professional life. It’s about taking control of your day before it takes control of you, ensuring that you’re always building towards something great.
Show Your Work
“Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon is like that friend who’s always pushing you to share your cool stuff on Instagram, except it’s about your creative work and not just food pics. This book is a nudge (or maybe a friendly shove) to get out there and show the world what you’re up to. It’s packed with witty, no-nonsense advice that boils down to this: sharing your process can be just as valuable as sharing the final product.
In an industry as vast and varied as construction, standing out can be a challenge. Enter “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon, a guidebook for the modern professional on the power of sharing not just what you do, but how you do it. For construction management professionals, this concept can be a game-changer. Here’s why.
Sharing the Process Builds Trust
In construction, trust is everything. Clients aren’t just buying a building; they’re investing in a process. By sharing the stages of a project, the challenges overcome, and the solutions devised, you’re not just showing off your work; you’re building trust. It’s like saying, “Here’s how we tackle problems head-on,” which is incredibly reassuring to current and prospective clients.
Visibility Leads to Opportunity
Austin Kleon makes a compelling case for using sharing as a form of networking. For construction managers, this could mean sharing project milestones on LinkedIn, blogging about innovative construction techniques, or posting time-lapse videos of a project’s progression. This visibility doesn’t just showcase your expertise; it opens doors. Think of it as passive networking; you’re out there, even when you’re not actively reaching out.
Learning from the Community
Sharing is a two-way street. By putting your work out there, you invite feedback, advice, and ideas. This communal exchange can lead to learning and improvement that’s hard to find in isolation. Whether it’s a new construction material or a project management tool, the construction community is rich with knowledge, waiting to be tapped into.
Practical Applications for Construction Managers
- Start a Project Blog: Document the journey of your projects, from groundbreaking to completion. Share the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way.
- Utilize Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram can be powerful tools for showcasing your work and connecting with industry peers. Post regularly about your projects, insights, and day-to-day challenges.
- Create a Portfolio: An online portfolio isn’t just for designers. Include photos, videos, and descriptions of your projects. Highlight your unique approach and solutions to common construction challenges.
Conclusion: Constructing Your Narrative
“Show Your Work!” isn’t just advice for artists or writers; it’s a potent strategy for anyone looking to make their mark, including construction management professionals. By sharing your process, your challenges, and your victories, you do more than just showcase your work; you build a narrative around your professional journey. This narrative can differentiate you in a crowded field, attract new opportunities, and foster a sense of community and collaboration.
In the end, “Show Your Work!” teaches us that in the digital age, our work can travel farther and connect us with more people than we ever imagined possible. For construction managers, this means not just building structures, but building a story of expertise, innovation, and collaboration. So, grab your hard hat and your camera, and start showing your work. The world is waiting to see what you can build.
Why should you read these books?
Diving into “Manage Your Day-to-Day,” “Never Split the Difference,” and “Show Your Work!” has profoundly transformed my approach to construction management. These books have not just reshaped my daily practices; they’ve offered me a new lens through which to view challenges and opportunities in the field. By embracing the efficiency, communication strategies, and transparency these authors advocate, I’ve seen tangible improvements in my projects and professional relationships.
For you, these books can be more than just sources of inspiration. They’re practical guides that can help you streamline your workflow, enhance your negotiation skills, and share your journey in ways that build trust and open new doors. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in construction management, the insights from these books can elevate your approach to work and life.
If you’re looking to make a real change in how you manage projects, communicate with teams, and present your work to the world, I can’t recommend these books enough.
