Leadership in Construction

Project Management
Building a Strong Foundation for Success

D R . J O S E P H B E R L I N P. J U A N Z O N
CIVIL ENGINEER
 Outline-Objectives
Understanding Leadership and Management: To gain a comprehensive
understanding of what leadership means in the context of
project/construction management and to distinguish between the roles
and responsibilities of leadership versus management.
Exploring Leadership Styles: To delve into various leadership styles,
understanding their characteristics, benefits, and limitations, and to
determine when and how to apply each style effectively in different
construction project scenarios.
Best Practices in Leadership: To introduce and discuss proven best
practices in construction project leadership, emphasizing the
importance of trust, communication, ethical considerations, and
adaptability in leading successful construction projects.
Practical Insights through Case Studies: To analyze real-world case
studies of construction projects, focusing on the leadership approaches
employed, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved, thereby gaining
practical insights and inspiration for effective leadership in construction
project management.
 Construction project management is a complex and challenging field that
requires effective leadership and management skills. It involves overseeing
the planning, design, construction, and completion of a construction project,
Overview while ensuring that it is completed on time, within budget, and to the
required quality standards.
Effective construction project management requires a combination of
technical knowledge, leadership skills, communication strategies, risk
management, and project completion expertise.
Leadership is the ability to inspire,
guide, and influence individuals or
groups to achieve a shared vision or
goal.
 Visionary Planning & Organizing
Influence Control & Direction
Objectives:
Risk-taking Project Risk Aversion
Goals
Change Agent Maintaining
Status Quo
Developing Others
Task-oriented
Key Quality
Traits of
a Project
Leader
Team building
Building a cohesive and high-performing team is essential for
a project success.
Leaders must foster collaboration, motivate team members,
and create an environment that encourages growth and
innovation.
Problem-solving
Construction projects often face challenges and obstacles. A
leader should have the ability to identify problems, analyze
root causes, and develop effective solutions to keep the
project on track.
Decision-making
Leaders must possess strong decision-making skills to analyze
complex situations, evaluate options, and make informed
choices that align with project goals and stakeholder
expectations.
Communication
Effective communication is crucial for a construction project
leader. It involves clearly conveying information, actively
listening, and fostering open dialogue among team
members.
Effective communication is also pivotal for a project leader
as it ensures alignment of goals, fosters trust, facilitates
collaboration, and enables informed decision-making,
ultimately driving the project's success.
Leading the
Construction
Project
MOST COMMON LEADERSHIP
STYLES
 Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders inspire and motivate

their construction teams by setting a clear vision,
fostering innovation, and encouraging professional
growth.

They lead by example and are often seen as role

models, driving teams to exceed their own
expectations and achieve exceptional results.
This style is particularly effective during the
conceptual and planning phases of
construction projects, where vision and
innovation play a crucial role
 Transactional Leadership

Transactional leaders operate based on clear

structures, roles, and rewards.

In construction project, they set specific tasks,

monitor performance, and provide rewards or
corrections based on outcomes. Their focus is on
efficiency, routine, and adherence to standards.
This style is beneficial during the execution
phase of construction projects, where tasks
are well-defined, and consistent
performance is essential.
 Autocratic Leadership

Autocratic leaders make decisions unilaterally,

with minimal input from team members.

In construction, they provide clear directives and

expect tasks to be executed as instructed, ensuring
tight control over the project.

This style can be effective during critical project

phases where quick decisions are necessary, or
when dealing with safety protocols where
there's little room for deviation.
 Participative (or Democratic) Leadership

Participative leaders involve team members in the

decision-making process, valuing their input and
feedback.

In construction, they foster a collaborative

environment, ensuring that diverse perspectives
are considered, leading to well-informed decisions.
This style is beneficial during the planning and
review phases of construction projects, where
collective input can enhance project outcomes.
 Laissez-faire Leadership:

Laissez-faire, also known as "hands-off"

leadership, involves leaders providing minimal
direction and oversight, allowing team members
to make decisions and manage their tasks
independently.

Leaders intervene only when necessary and trust

their team's expertise and judgment.
This style is effective in teams with highly
Multiple projects supervision. skilled, self-motivated, and experienced
members who require little supervision.
 Situational Leadership

Situational leaders adapt their leadership style

based on the task at hand and the maturity or skill
level of their team.

In construction, they recognize that different

project stages or challenges may require different
leadership approaches.
This style is versatile and can be applied
throughout a construction project, especially
when dealing with diverse teams or
unexpected challenges.
 Authentic Leadership
Authentic leaders are self-aware, genuine, and
transparent. They lead with integrity, are true to
their beliefs and values, and are open about their
strengths, weaknesses, and emotions.
Trust Building: Naturally build trust within their
teams, which is crucial in construction projects where
collaboration and teamwork are essential.
Open Communication: Their transparent approach
encourages open communication, ensuring that
potential issues or concerns are addressed promptly.
Employee Engagement: Team members are more
likely to be engaged and committed when they feel
their leaders are genuine and approachable.
Ethical Decision-Making: Authentic leaders prioritize
ethics and integrity, ensuring that decisions made
align with the best interests of the project, team, and
stakeholders.
Challenges in
Construction
Project
Leadership
Ethical Dilemmas
One of the biggest challenges in maintaining
credibility, responsibility, and accountability in
leadership is navigating ethical dilemmas. These
can include situations where an engineer or leader
is asked to compromise their values or morals in
order to achieve a certain outcome, or where they
must make a difficult decision that could have
negative consequences for stakeholders.
Navigating these dilemmas requires a strong moral
compass, as well as the ability to consider all
perspectives and potential outcomes before making
a decision.
It also requires the courage to stand up for what is
right, even if it is unpopular or goes against the
wishes of others.
Conflicts of Interest
Another challenge in leadership is avoiding
conflicts of interest.
These can occur when a leader has a personal or
financial stake in a decision or outcome, which
could cloud their judgment or influence them to
act in a way that is not in the best interests of
stakeholders.
To avoid conflicts of interest, leaders must be
transparent about their relationships and potential
biases, and take steps to mitigate any conflicts that
may arise.
This can include recusing themselves from certain
decisions or seeking outside opinions to ensure
objectivity.
 Pressure to cut corners
A third challenge in leadership is the pressure to cut
corners or meet deadlines at the expense of quality and
safety.
This can occur when there are competing priorities or
limited resources, and can lead to shortcuts being taken or
risks being ignored.
To avoid succumbing to this pressure, engineers and
leaders must prioritize quality and safety above all, and
communicate the importance of these values to their
teams and stakeholders.
They must also be willing to push back against unrealistic
expectations or timelines, and advocate for the resources
and support needed to do their jobs effectively.
Best Practices in
Construction
Project
Leadership
Setting Clear Goals
and Expectations
(Visionary)
One of the key tools for developing
credibility and responsible Leaders is
setting clear goals and expectations.
This involves defining what needs to be
done, when it needs to be done, and who is
responsible for doing it.
By setting clear goals and expectations,
team members are more likely to
understand their roles and responsibilities,
which leads to better performance and
accountability.
Effective
Communication
Effective communication is another essential tool
for developing credible and responsible Leaders.
Leaders and engineers must be able to
communicate clearly and effectively with team
members, clients, and stakeholders.
By communicating effectively, misunderstandings
can be avoided, and everyone involved can have a
clear understanding of expectations, timelines, and
responsibilities.
Leading by Example
Leaders must lead by example to develop
credibility and responsibility.
This involves modeling the behaviors and
qualities that are expected of team members.
When leaders set a positive example, team
members are more likely to follow suit, which
leads to a more productive and accountable
team.
Adaptabilit
y
Adaptability as a leader in construction
project management refers to the
capacity to adjust strategies, plans, and
leadership styles in response to
changing project conditions, unforeseen
events, and stakeholder needs, while
maintaining focus on the project's goals
and ensuring successful completion.
Risk
Management
Risk management, refers to the systematic process of identifying,
assessing, prioritizing, and addressing potential threats and
uncertainties that could adversely impact the project's objectives.
This involves proactive planning to mitigate potential risks,
implementing controls to prevent their occurrence, and developing
contingency plans to respond effectively if they materialize.
In the context of construction leadership, effective risk
management ensures that projects are delivered on time, within
budget, and to the desired quality standards, while safeguarding
the safety and interests of all stakeholders involved.
Collaborative
Problem-Solving

Collaborative problem-solving, refers to the approach of bringing together diverse team members,
stakeholders, and experts to collectively address and find solutions to challenges faced during a
construction project.
In the context of construction leadership, collaborative problem-solving fosters a culture of open
communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
It ensures that decisions are well-informed, considers multiple viewpoints, and are more likely to be
accepted and supported by all involved parties.
By promoting teamwork and harnessing collective intelligence, leaders can navigate challenges more
efficiently, reduce conflicts, and enhance the overall success and quality of the project.
Case Study:
The Grand Hyatt Manila
Tower Project
Background
The tallest building in the Philippines (2018) – Grand Hyatt
Manila stands tall at 318 meters. It is a mixed-use skyscraper
located at a prime location in Bonifacio Global City, Metro
Manila.
The hotel offers a panoramic view of Manila Bay and the
Makita skyline. Standing at the entertainment, commercial,
and financial hub of Taguig, the hotel makes an impression
with its innovative and dramatic architecture, top-notch
accommodation, and a wide range of options and services..
Leadership Approach
The project manager, employed a Transformational
Leadership approach. He inspired his team with a clear
vision of the building's significance, emphasizing its potential
to redefine the city's architectural landscape.
He also adopted elements of Participative Leadership,
involving key team members in decision-making processes,
ensuring that diverse perspectives were considered.
Challenges Faced

Logistical Challenges: Coordinating the delivery of materials

and ensuring that the right equipment is available at the right
time can be complex.
Site Constraints: Urban locations like Bonifacio Global City
can pose challenges related to space constraints, traffic, and
ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
Safety Concerns: High-rise constructions come with increased
safety risks, requiring stringent safety protocols.
Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Ensuring that the
construction adheres to local building codes, environmental
regulations, and other relevant laws.
Technical Challenges: Implementing unique architectural
designs or features might require specialized techniques or
materials.
 Leadership Actions
Open Communication: The Project Manager organized town hall
meetings, allowing local businesses and residents to voice their
concerns and ask questions.
Risk Management: An environmental impact assessment was
conducted, and measures were implemented to protect the
surrounding areas.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: The Project Manager brought in
experts and held brainstorming sessions to address the technical
challenges. Innovative solutions, such as the use of specialized cranes
and materials, were devised.
Adaptability: Recognizing the budgetary concerns, the Project
Manager worked closely with the finance team and stakeholders to
optimize costs, reallocate funds, and secure additional financing
without compromising the project's quality.
Outcome:
Under the Project Manager’s leadership, the Grand Hyatt Manila
was completed with a slight delay but within an adjusted budget.
The project received accolades for its environmental measures,
innovative design, and minimal disruptions to local businesses.
The tower became a testament to effective leadership in
construction, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into
opportunities with the right approach.
Key Takeaways
Visionary Leadership: Setting a clear and inspiring vision
can motivate teams to overcome challenges and achieve
excellence.
Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engaging with
stakeholders can address concerns and build trust.
Innovation: Embracing innovation can provide solutions to
technical challenges and set the project apart.
Adaptive Decision-Making: Being flexible and adaptive in
decision-making can navigate unforeseen challenges
effectively.
 Summary and Conclusion
Leadership in construction project management is not just about
overseeing tasks but involves inspiring, guiding, and influencing
teams towards achieving project goals.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, leaders must equip
themselves with the knowledge and skills to adapt to changing
dynamics.
This seminar/lecture underscored the importance of blending
technical expertise with interpersonal skills, emphasizing that the
success of construction projects hinges on the effectiveness of its
leadership.
Participants are encouraged to apply the insights gained to drive
positive outcomes in their respective construction endeavors.
Questions and
Answers
Leadership in
Construction
Project Management