April 23, 2008

Poor communication can take its toll on construction companies, consultant warns

Despite technology, listening and understanding remain keys to effective communication

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

Despite technological advances, effective communication still ranks as one of the top challenges facing the construction industry today, says Florida-based consultant Kevin Dougherty.

Poor communication can take its toll on construction companies and projects alike, he explained.

“Any weakness or problem in any one of three areas — personal, non-personal and organizational communication — can generate a multitude of problems,” said the vice-president of Kevlar Consulting.

One key to good communication is understanding another person’s position, he advised delegates attending the recent Canadian Mechanical Contracting Education Foundation conference. “Through this understanding, you will have a better chance of getting your point across.”

Effective questioning is one of the most important skill sets, said Dougherty, whose firm specializes in the construction industry and whose clients range from family-owned businesses to corporate conglomerates.

Non-personal communication entails conveying information using electronic and other means. Examples of such data include project-related correspondence and change orders.

“Here is where technology can really make a difference,” Dougherty said, citing a large construction company that has equipped all of its foremen with notebook computers.

The importance of effective communication and negotiation skills was underlined by another speaker, Gerry Call, president of GCA Consulting and Training Ltd.

“When your emotional thermostat goes up, your listening skills go down,” said Call, a member of the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario and a certified human resources professional.

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