Stress is part of life—and work, and to an extent, stress can be motivating and even clarifying and illuminating. Nonetheless, stress run amok is bad for us—and bad for business too. Read on for practical advice from construction management professionals, who share tips based on how they keep their own stress in check.
Stepping Back, Collaboration and Conversation
Though there are plenty of jargon-filled (and often costly) stress-relieving tactics and products on the market, there is also plenty of solid, down-to-earth advice to be found. For example, tips from industry leaders at Construction Business Owner emphasize knowing when to step back, seeking help, and taking a tech time-out in favor of actual conversation. As Chris Hopper, EVP at Skanska USA Building reminds us, “Most situations aren’t as extreme as they feel in the moment, and taking a step back allows for a more balanced view…,” as does reaching out for help:
Navigating stressful situations at work starts with leaning into your support system. I rely on our leadership team and subject matter experts across the company, as there’s usually someone who’s seen a similar challenge before. Open communication, both upward and downward, is key because it ensures alignment, reduces uncertainty and builds trust during uncertain moments….I also try to stay positive. Asking myself, ‘What’s the best possible outcome here?’ helps shift my mindset toward solutions. And if time can help, I don’t hesitate to ask for it, because sometimes just a bit of space can lead to a much clearer path forward.
At ICM, Greg Naylor, VP of Preconstruction, also emphasizes the value of connecting with others, despite the fast pace required by the work of “constantly executing bids to keep our project pipeline strong”:
Since the fast pace can be demanding, we manage stress by holding weekly preconstruction meetings between our Denver and Pueblo offices. These sessions are an opportunity to share ideas, pool resources and support one another. By fostering a collaborative environment where no one feels isolated or overwhelmed, we keep morale high and reinforce our core value of being ‘One ICM.’ A culture of teamwork and mutual support is something we actively promote across the company, because it keeps employees happy and our business profitable.
Although there are ever more ways to leverage technology for relaying information and gathering inputs, human to human conversation still plays a vital role in the workplace, and Marty McCarthy, a leader at CBIZ, reminds us that it’s imperative to make time to talk:
In today’s fast-paced environment, we rely heavily on Teams, texts, emails and other digital tools to communicate. While convenient, these platforms often lead to misunderstandings. We agonize over how to word our responses and still worry we’ll be misinterpreted, which only adds to the stress.Most of us have received a vague or confusing message that prompted a phone call — only to hear, ‘Oh no, that’s not what I meant. I’m sorry it came across that way.’ It’s a reminder that real-time conversations often offer the fastest path to clarity. When we speak in person or over the phone, we can hear tone, ask follow-up questions and align perspectives — nuances that are lost in written messages … .In my experience, the most effective way to reduce workplace stress is through meaningful, real conversations. Encouraging more of them can foster stronger relationships and a healthier, more dynamic work culture.
Still Stressed? Try Re-Thinking Your Role
Running off to close the sale with a potential new client? Texting the field crew with new directives? Squeezing in a call with your best materials supplier? Re-assessing your cash flow? What else is on your list? You are not alone as a business owner if you’re doing too much, and though it may seem counterintuitive, a better approach to running your business quite likely involves clarifying your own role, and doing less, as construction business coach George Hedley explains:
To decide your best and most effective role, rank what will give your company the highest return for growth and profitability. Successful company presidents primarily focus on providing effective visionary innovative leadership, winning high-margin sales, customer development, overseeing the estimating department, growing capacity, and hiring and developing top talent. To make your vision become a reality, you must make tough decisions to: Stop doing the work including acting as a project manager, estimator, and general field supervisor….Focus on growing your company and building capacity by hiring the right people with the right talent, the right experience and the right values with the ability to move into a more responsible leadership position.
Collaborating For The Win
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