Charles Erwin Wilson, President of General Motors in the 1950s, famously said, “As General Motors goes, so goes the nation.” Today, we can see a similar trend with companies like Amazon. The recent delay in the groundbreaking of the second phase of Amazon’s $2.5 billion headquarters project, and the company’s cancellations, closures, and delays of warehouse and fulfillment center construction, highlight the need for strategic flexibility and adaptability in the construction industry.
The Challenge for Construction Company Executives
The challenge for many construction company executives is that they’re constantly dragged into project-specific problems that for months (and even years) and this keeps them from taking time away from the day-to-day to focus on bigger picture strategic thinking. That’s why it’s crucial to develop strong project leaders. This means promoting a culture of continuous learning and growth and investing in leadership development.
The Role of Outside Experts in Developing Leaders in Construction
One way to develop strong leaders is to bring in an outsider to provide leadership training. As parents, we are always amazed at how our kids eat up what their sports coaches or teachers tell them, when they’ve been oblivious to us telling them the same thing for years. It’s the same way with people in your company. It’s human nature to listen more to an outsider who knows what they’re talking about, which is why bringing in an expert is so effective. Just make sure the outside expert aligns with your values and the way you run your business and has construction expertise.
The Benefits of In-Person Interaction
Virtual leadership classes via Zoom are effective, but there’s nothing like in-person interaction. Over the last two years, I’ve conducted two virtual leadership classes with W.M. Schultz Construction, Inc. Last week for the first time, we met in person. It was a great opportunity to focus on leadership development of foremen, superintendents and project managers.
Staying Nimble and Adaptable in the Face of Change
The performance of companies like Amazon can serve as a barometer for the broader economy. By being strategically nimble and adaptable, construction companies can chart their own course and thrive no matter what the future holds. But this requires that executives have time and head space for strategic planning, not project building.
Developing Strong Leaders
Developing strong leaders is key to the success of any construction company, and outside experts can be powerful allies in achieving that goal. By investing in leadership development programs, promoting a culture of continuous learning and growth, and bringing in outside facilitators, when necessary, construction companies can thrive in the face of change and uncertainty.
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