Why the Definition of “Success” Needs to Change

Why the Definition of “Success” Needs to Change

Project Managers (PMs) are considered successful if their projects are profitable.
But think about that method of evaluation. How much control does a PM have over project profit? On a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being no control, 10 being complete control? They aren’t a 1, but they are certainly not a 10. That is just not how construction works. They fall somewhere in the middle.

That’s why the definition of success needs to change.
The construction companies that deliver consistent profitability, year after year, are the ones that are the most effective communicators. Redefine success as:

Having the right conversations with the right people in the right way, every day.

Your PMs can use this question to evaluate their success:
“Have I had the right conversations, today, in the right way with the right people?

If they say “yes,” then they are a success. If “no,” encourage them to concentrate on getting better at preparing for and having difficult conversations.

Focus your people on the actions they have complete control over.
As you do that, your PMs will be more effective and make the maximum possible contribution to profitability. For more insights on how to be successful, check out this Construction Genius podcast episode:

HOW ORDINARY PEOPLE BECOME EXCELLENT LEADERS

Here’s an episode about having difficult conversations:

HOW TO HAVE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: 7 PRINCIPLES TO USE EVERY DAY

Have your PMs listen to these episodes and then discuss their takeaways in their next one-to-one meeting with their supervisor.