Behaviors That Make Civil Engineering and Construction Site Supervisors Unpopular [Part 1]
When it comes to site supervisors in the construction industry, maintaining good communication with the workers and the client is essential, isn't it?
So in this post, I’ll explain the behaviors that make people dislike you—let’s learn together so we can build healthy relationships!
In this article, we’ll explain the behaviors that make people dislike you from the perspectives of young and mid-career civil engineers working on public works projects and at private construction companies, as well as from the perspective of a site manager!
This article is divided into two parts: Part 1 (Focusing on Craftsmen) and Part 2 (Focusing on Clients). I’ll be explaining the 10 topics in order. There are quite a few topics, and my personal opinions are quite evident, but I’d be happy if you’d stick with me until the end (lol).
Part 1 (Featuring Artisans)
- Things aren't going according to the plan we discussed.
- The process keeps changing back and forth
- They're slow to provide documents such as drawings
- There is no basis for what they're saying.
- Speaking in a condescending manner
- Doesn't show up on site
Part 2 (For Clients)
- If anything goes wrong, they're quick to blame the design or the blueprints.
- Delegate all local support tasks to the client
- They say they don't have enough money right before completion
- He said he had received verbal approval from his predecessor.
Director Joe
I see! That’s another way of looking at it♪
However, the information I’ll be explaining here is a compilation of what I’ve heard from the artisans I’ve met over the years and from casual conversations with various people.
I’m putting this article together in the hope that those of you reading it will say, “Exactly! That’s right!” (lol)
Dealing with Tradespeople: (1) The workflow isn't proceeding as planned during the meeting
"Things aren't going according to the plan we discussed" means, in other words,We haven't prepared the details discussed during the meeting at the office or started the process before heading to the job site.So that's how it is, huh? (^_^;)
For example, if you’re a carpenter, failing to have the general contractor arrange for a 25-metric-ton crane on the first day of construction—or if you’re a rebar installer, failing to mark the joint locations on the building frame every 10 meters—will make you really unpopular if you don’t follow through on what was agreed upon during the preliminary meeting!
Key Points to Explore
If the craftsman made a request in advance and you, as the general contractor, approved it, then,The rule is that you must always keep your promise! If you can't, the rule is that you must contact us by noon the day before!
Well, I’ve contacted them, but I’m not sure if they’ll agree to it... Still, you really have to stick to what you’ve decided... Otherwise, people will end up disliking you!
Facing the Craftsman: Part 2—The Process Keeps Changing
When the process keeps changing, we can't arrange or assign personnel.That's right. Craftsmen usually juggle multiple job sites at once. So, they can't adjust to sudden schedule changes at just one site (；´Д｀)
In other words,A pre-determined process is super importantThat's it!
For example, suppose you agreed during the initial meeting to start work on the Monday two weeks later. If you then contact the contractor 4–5 days after the meeting to say, “The start date will be delayed by another week,” and then 8–10 days after the meeting say, “Actually, we’d like you to start as originally planned after all”—this kind of back-and-forth from the general contractor will make them dislike you!
Key Points to Explore
When the foreman first hears that the original work has been canceled, he makes various arrangements to fill the gap so that the workers don’t end up idle.
For example, that means going to help out at another site or scheduling other tasks. In a situation like that, if you say something like, “Come as originally planned after all!”—well, you’re just going to make people hate you!
Dealing with Craftsmen: (3) Delays in Providing Drawings and Other Documents
If the architectural and construction drawings are delivered late, we won't be able to prepare the formwork and reinforcement.That’s the thing. It’s a hassle for craftsmen because there are so many things they have to prepare before they even get to the job site, isn’t it? (；´Д｀)
Of course, it’s fine if construction can proceed exactly as per the original drawings, but if, for example, the construction drawings differ from the original ones, it can be a real tragedy when the materials the craftsmen prepared in advance don’t quite fit...
Key Points to Explore
This is simply,If there are changes to the structure or development drawings from the initial contract drawings through the construction drawings, it is important to notify the other party immediately and send the relevant documents via email to ensure coordination.That's it!
It’s a total no-no for a craftsman to say that after arriving on site!!!! People will hate you for it!
Dealing with Craftsmen: Part 4—Their Arguments Lack Substance
"There is no basis for what they're saying" means, in other words,The director himself does not fully understand the drawings and specifications.So that's how it is (；´Д｀)
For example, suppose a carpenter asks the foreman, “How should we handle the corner?” or a rebar worker asks, “I’d like to double-check the joint between the wall and the wing.”
So, if you say something careless and irresponsible like, “Just figure it out,” people will end up disliking you!
Key Points to Explore
The root cause of this situation is,Because the supervisor himself does not fully understand the drawings and specifications, he is unable to confidently answer questions from the craftsmen in his own words.include the following.
If you do this, people will hate you! Let's study so this doesn't happen!!
Dealing with Craftsmen: Part 5—Speaking Down to Them
The director himself,It's a big no-no to speak using phrases like, "Who do you think you are?!"That's it!!
For example, whether it’s during daily morning meetings, lunchtime briefings, while working or supervising, or on the way home after cleaning up in the evening—if you constantly speak to the workers in a tone that says, “I’m the foreman here,” they’ll end up hating you!!
Key Points to Explore
My thinking hasn't changed—it's the same now as it was back then, but,It’s not like directors are “above” and artisans are “below.”That's it!
It’s important to use casual language and treat people as equals!! If you act like you’re better than them at work, you’re sure to make people dislike you!
Craftsmen Series: ⑥ They Don't Show Up on Site
The director himself spent the entire time at the office handling administrative work and paperwork, andNot showing up on site or not observing the work there—that’s a big no-no!
For example, the only times the supervisor is seen by the workers are during the morning meeting, the lunchtime briefing, and when he’s on-site to oversee work. Since the younger workers are doing their best to handle things on their own at the site, it feels like the supervisor only reluctantly shows up when he receives an SOS from one of them or a call from a worker.
Key Points to Explore
I know site supervisors are busy with office work and paperwork, but not going out to the site at all... that’s not good...Balance is key in everything!
Let's get out there to the job site!! If you don't, people will end up disliking you!
Communication really is hard, isn't it?
In this post, we’ve discussed the “Top 10 Behaviors That Make Civil Engineering and Construction Site Supervisors Unpopular [Part 1].”
In the next post, I’ll explain [Part 2]. I’ve also covered the content of this article on YouTube, so be sure to check it out!
Communication is tough, isn't it? (^_^;)
Don't people's dislikes vary from person to person?