Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Your design team clashes with the construction crew over changes. How can you navigate conflicts effectively?

In construction management, effective communication and collaboration are crucial, especially when it involves the design team and the construction crew. Conflicts often arise over changes during the building process, which can lead to delays, increased costs, and compromised quality. As a construction manager, your role is to navigate these conflicts effectively to ensure that the project remains on track and that all parties are working towards a common goal.

1 Understand Issues

To effectively manage conflicts between your design team and construction crew, you must first thoroughly understand the issues at hand. Listen actively to both sides to grasp the technical details and the underlying concerns driving the disagreement. Whether it's a safety consideration from the construction crew or a design integrity issue from the designers, recognizing the validity in each perspective is crucial for finding a resolution.

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Hany Elmancy, MSc, BSC, SFC, SSYB, PE, PMP, MBA

Senior Program Control | PMO Consultant | Planning & Project Control | Risk Manager | Delay Analysis Expert | Forensic Planner and claim specialist | Instructor | PMC-Senior Portfolio Controls | Public Speaker
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Drawing from my experience in construction, it's crucial to first understand the underlying issues causing the clash between the design team and the construction crew. This involves listening to both sides to grasp their perspectives and concerns. For example, scheduling a joint meeting to hear each team's viewpoints can reveal specific pain points and misunderstandings.

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2 Open Dialogue

Encourage open dialogue between the design team and the construction crew. Facilitate meetings where both parties can express their viewpoints and concerns in a structured environment. This approach not only fosters mutual respect but also allows for creative problem-solving. By ensuring that all voices are heard, you help to build a collaborative atmosphere where solutions can be found that satisfy both the design and practical implementation aspects of the project.

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Khalid Elsir

Civil Structural Engineer | Dubai Municipality G 12 Design Approved DM | Project Manager
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Schedule regular meetings with representatives from both teams and create an open forum where concerns and suggestions can be voiced without judgment. Ensure all parties feel heard by actively listening and acknowledging their perspectives. Clearly define project goals and ensure both teams are aligned on the overall vision. Encourage both teams to work together to find solutions rather than viewing each other as adversaries.

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Hany Elmancy, MSc, BSC, SFC, SSYB, PE, PMP, MBA

Senior Program Control | PMO Consultant | Planning & Project Control | Risk Manager | Delay Analysis Expert | Forensic Planner and claim specialist | Instructor | PMC-Senior Portfolio Controls | Public Speaker
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Leveraging my construction experience, fostering an open dialogue between the design team and construction crew is essential. Encouraging transparent communication can help both sides express their concerns and collaboratively find solutions. For instance, holding regular coordination meetings where both teams can discuss changes openly can prevent conflicts.

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3 Compromise Solutions

Finding compromise solutions is often the key to resolving conflicts between design and construction teams. This may involve adjusting design elements to accommodate construction constraints or finding alternative construction methods that align with the original design vision. Your role is to mediate these negotiations, ensuring that compromises maintain the project's integrity and feasibility.

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Hany Elmancy, MSc, BSC, SFC, SSYB, PE, PMP, MBA

Senior Program Control | PMO Consultant | Planning & Project Control | Risk Manager | Delay Analysis Expert | Forensic Planner and claim specialist | Instructor | PMC-Senior Portfolio Controls | Public Speaker
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Reflecting on my construction expertise, finding compromise solutions that address both the design team's vision and the construction crew's practical concerns is key. This might involve adjusting designs slightly to fit construction feasibility without compromising the overall vision. For example, working together to modify design elements can meet both aesthetic and practical needs.

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4 Decision Authority

Sometimes, to move forward, you'll need to establish clear decision-making authority. Determine who has the final say on specific issues, whether it's the head architect for design-related matters or the construction manager for on-site decisions. This clarity can prevent stalemates and ensure that decisions are made efficiently while still respecting each team's expertise and responsibilities.

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5 Implement Changes

Once a decision has been made, it's essential to implement changes quickly and effectively. Communicate the agreed-upon solutions to all stakeholders, and ensure that the necessary revisions are made to project plans and documentation. Timely implementation demonstrates respect for both teams' input and helps to maintain project momentum, reducing the risk of further conflict.

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6 Monitor Impact

After resolving the conflict and implementing changes, monitor the impact on the project. Assess whether the solutions are working as intended and if they have caused any unforeseen issues. Continuous monitoring allows for adjustments to be made if necessary and helps to ensure that similar conflicts are prevented in future projects.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Construction Management

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Your design team clashes with the construction crew over changes. How can you navigate conflicts effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Open Dialogue

3 Compromise Solutions

4 Decision Authority

5 Implement Changes

6 Monitor Impact

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

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Your design team clashes with the construction crew over changes. How can you navigate conflicts effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Open Dialogue

3 Compromise Solutions

4 Decision Authority

5 Implement Changes

6 Monitor Impact

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

Rate this article

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