Is Conflict Between Construction Managers and Tradespeople Inevitable?

Ideally, construction managers and tradespeople should work together to move the project forward, but on-site, conflicts often arise. This is likely because, even though both groups strive to produce high-quality work, their differing roles—as general contractor and subcontractor—lead to differing perspectives.

General contractors can draw up their own budgets and carry out construction while factoring in a certain level of gross profit. On the other hand, for subcontractors who must make do with a fixed budget, ensuring quality is, of course, important, but shortening the construction schedule also becomes a key priority.

It’s almost inevitable that if people continue to work together every day while their opinions remain at odds, their relationship will become one prone to conflict and friction.

Breaking the "Awkwardness"

If this situation continues, the atmosphere will gradually become awkward, and eventually, communicating with each other will become a source of distress.

The important thing here is to cut off that sense of "awkwardness" within yourself.

If opinions differ and a conflict arises, it’s important to have a thorough discussion about the non-negotiable lines from the perspectives of both the construction manager and the craftsmen, establish a point where both sides can compromise, and reach a mutual understanding—this should help resolve any awkwardness.

The one thing we want to avoid most is for one of us to become a ”yes-man” just to avoid “awkwardness.”

At first glance, it might seem like the construction work is proceeding smoothly, but this is actually a situation where one side has given up on communicating. In other words, it’s the worst-case scenario, where the construction manager and the workers are not communicating with each other.

You should strive to become a construction manager who can make decisions.

There are certainly people who are good at speaking and those who aren’t. However, when it comes to communication, whether or not you’re good at speaking isn’t actually that important.

In my experience, I’ve found that many craftsmen tend to be the type who want things to be “black and white” and want to know the conclusion quickly.

So,Just being mindful of the fact that you can’t do what you can’t do, and that if you’re going to do something, you should decide quickly—that alone makes communication easier.I suppose so.

Craftsmen expect construction managers to make decisions. No matter how friendly someone is, people who can’t make decisions are definitely less well-liked than those who can. If you become a construction manager who can make decisions, you’ll likely have fewer difficulties communicating on the job.

You don't need to become friends with the craftsman.

One thing I don’t want you to misunderstand is that I’m not saying you should “try to become friends with the craftsmen.” Anyone who thinks that smoking cigarettes and chatting with craftsmen whenever they have a spare moment is good communication is in serious trouble.

While it’s certainly better to get along well, I don’t think it’s necessary to become close friends with craftsmen when it comes to work. That’s because becoming too close could lead to a lax relationship when it comes to the financial aspects of the job.

The key is for construction management to make decisions and issue instructions early on so that the craftsmen can act as quickly as possible. If, at times, the other party can’t accept that decision, you need to set aside any “awkwardness” you might feel and have a thorough discussion. If you can do that, communication certainly won’t be that difficult.

The God of Construction