Change Management In The Construction Industry
Construction does not immediately jump out as an industry that may face issues with change management, but in fact this is simply not the case. This last year has seen many changes within the construction industry, running operations throughout a year that has faced both the coronavirus pandemic and had to make plans for the effects of leaving the European union and the uncertainty surrounding imports when the Brexit transition period ended. It is essential, therefore, for construction companies to become familiar with change, in order to cope with essential changes, both planned and emergent.
Challenges facing the smaller construction business
A few major organisations dominate the construction industry and generally operating on narrow margins and with complex supply chains. The many smaller businesses are equally likely to face similar issues and perhaps be in even more need of a successful revision of their business operations. The industry as a whole faces a need to adapt and make changes to stay competitive and it now more than ever could benefit from applying excellent organisation change management skills to assist. Taking the need for change seriously, accessing the advantages offered by technology advances and managing the change process seriously will ensure that those more readily prepared to manage change do not leave you behind.
What can your business do to stay in the game?
It certainly makes sense to be proactive. Start by assessing your business strengths and weaknesses, gain an understanding of how your business handles and copes with changes you have previously made and do not be afraid to access the service of an organisational change consultant. Construction company leaders may also benefit from change management training
Building flexibility into a construction company
It is vital to build flexibility to change into an organisation for construction companies, both those who take on large and complex projects and those that operate on a smaller scale. A business that is not flexible in its attitude to change may well see themselves suffer as others more prepared gain larger market share. As a construction manager, you can help to effect change by ensuring that you set an example and ensure that everyone has a common understanding of the business vision and status. Creating a central point for communication from the outset can ensure that you avoid costly mistakes, and the project can remain on track.
Whether you employ services of external change management consultants or seek to manage change within, an understanding of how to support people through change will be necessary. Resistance is one of the biggest reasons that changes fail, so learning how to support people through change is crucial.
Responding to the future-of work and life in a positive way, when it comes to both planned and emergent change will allow those in the construction industry to benefit from future changes, rather than becoming overwhelmed by them. Adopting new technologies, rationalising operations and considering the long-term impact the recent pandemic has had on businesses will allow construction companies to have a future proof business, no matter what changes come next.
