At the beginning of each new year, I feel a palpable sense of excitement and possibility in the air. For me, as for many folks, the start of a fresh new year signals a time for reflection, New Year’s Resolutions, and fresh starts. For those of us in the construction industry, it’s the perfect opportunity to set new goals and strengthen our project teams. After all, successful construction projects are built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and strong relationships.
For construction leaders, a fresh start means taking a step back to evaluate what worked well and what didn’t on your project team. It’s about learning from past experiences and best practices, then using those lessons to improve processes and outcomes. Below are five possible New Year’s resolutions that will foster your personal, team, and project success:
New Year’s Resolution #1: Enhance Your Communication Skills
Improving communication with your team can be a game-changer! You might start by honing your listening skills—really tune in to others without interrupting. Show that you value their input by nodding, asking follow-up questions, and summarizing their points. Clear and open communication is the cornerstone of any successful project. Resolve to hold regular team meetings, encourage feedback, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Be transparent in your own communication; share updates, challenges, and successes openly. This builds trust and keeps everyone on the same page. Don’t forget to be clear and concise in your messages to avoid misunderstandings.
New Year’s Resolution #2: Foster Trust
Fostering trust on a construction project is like building a sturdy foundation—it’s essential for success! Transparency is key, so keep your team in the loop about project updates, challenges, and decisions. Encourage open communication where everyone feels safe to share ideas and concerns. Show respect for each team member’s expertise and contributions, and don’t shy away from giving credit where it’s due. Lastly, be supportive and approachable—lend a hand when needed and be a good listener. Avoid speaking negatively about others and assume good intent. By creating an environment of trust, you’ll pave the way for a more cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team.
New Year’s Resolution #3: Promote Collaboration
This is about being the glue that holds everyone together. Start by encouraging open communication—create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and feedback. Be proactive in organizing regular check-ins and brainstorming sessions to keep everyone aligned and engaged. Show appreciation for your colleagues’ contributions and celebrate team successes, no matter how small. Be a bridge instead of a wall, ensuring that information flows smoothly and everyone is on the same page.
New Year’s Resolution #4: Show Appreciation
A little recognition of the team goes a long way. Celebrate milestones, acknowledge hard work, and express gratitude for your team’s efforts. And lastly, sprinkle in some positivity, humor, and encouragement—everyone appreciates a kind word or a bit of praise!
New Year’s Resolution #5: Invest in Training and Support
As amazing as you are, you are one person. You don’t have the skills (or the time!) to excel in every area. Consider investing in training for you and your team to build skills such as negotiation, conflict management, and collaboration. In 2024, I completed the IPI Project Leader Training and became IPI Certified. Now, entire project teams are able to go through this valuable training and Certification process where they can develop both the technical skills and mental discipline to operate in a more collaborative environment (learn more at https://partneringinstitute.org/TeamSignUp). Teams with these skills are high performing – solving problems and making decisions so much faster and better. Each of us Partnering Facilitators are also collaboration experts who can help your team improve communication skills and help your group optimize performance. With the right support, your project will soar to new heights, and you’ll be the hero who made it all happen.
Before reading this post, you might have thought about other New Year’s resolutions—promising to hit the gym daily or finally learning to play the ukulele. Why not instead make resolutions that actually stick and will make a difference in your project outcomes and relationships? Instead of aiming for that elusive six-pack, resolve to develop skills and behaviors that will lead your project team to success in 2025.
Here’s to a year of successful projects, strong relationships, and endless possibilities. Happy New Year! 🎉
~ Kate
Kate Stewart’s distinguished career spans 25 years as a professional neutral and organizational development consultant for numerous large organizations. Her expertise includes Partnering facilitation on high-profile projects, such as the Kansas City International Airport mega program. She has served as a coach, trainer, researcher, and thought leader across various industries and disciplines on both domestic and international fronts. Kate is based in the picturesque Paradise Valley, Montana, where she enjoys hiking, gardening, and reading.
For more information, please contact Kate Stewart, katestewart@orgmet.com / (406) 414-9922 (cell) or OrgMetrics RobReaugh@Orgmet.com / (925)449-8300