The oversimplification of success
The Insight
For projects, there are typically three pillars of success: cost, time, and quality. Achieving the three often defines a successful project. No complications, no variations, just smooth sailing from concept through to completion.
In reality, success is objective.
Many first-time construction sponsors oversimplify what it takes to be successful. They have a vision. They’ve structured their timeline. They’ve calculated their budget. They’ve hired a team to design and build the project. What else is needed?
Problems arise when there are various perceptions of what success looks like.
Bringing on a project manager is an essential early step. Their job is to solidify the definition of success amongst the parties. They implement structure, listen to adversity, recognise innovation, identify and mitigate risk, and produce quality results.
Knowing this, why do so many projects still go ahead without a project manager?
The Impact
Projects that are run without an experienced project manager in charge of their success can be messy. If you’re a sponsor, you may not see the value of a project manager. You’ve hired a designer – they will run the design phase of the project. You’ve hired a constructor – they will run the construction phase of the project. Why would you need someone else to come in and play manager?
Clear communication and objective consistency.
Without having a project manager responsible for the project, the definition of success is inconsistent. What’s important to the sponsor isn’t necessarily important to the contractors.
Broken budgets, hazy timeframes and poor quality affect the sponsor directly. Many times, a project manager is only brought in to clean up a mess that’s already occurred.
Projects need someone with cross-industry experience to identify problems before they occur.
An often-forgotten benefit; a good project manager will turn a group of workers into a high-functioning team. They will be a good communicator who can align goals. They will be empathetic to each party's needs. They will be strong-willed to ensure the original three pillars are not forgotten. These valuable soft skills save the sponsor time and money.