Co-Contributors Build More Together

​We must have all heard about the exponential power of leverage where one plus one equals eleven (not two or even three). For some of us, this might be just a motivational statement and we may not take the time to digest the concept. This exponential phenomenon could be ours if we truly leverage the power of our unity.

Real life examples of exponential power might encourage us to believe and implement the concept in our life and business. So, lets dive in and look for practical applications of one plus one equals eleven.

One of the industries where the concept of one plus one equals eleven is the construction industry. We have experienced exponential outcomes when relevant stakeholders have come together to contribute in the execution and completion of a construction project. In fact, participation by well-connected contractors had multiplied the value of the project as a whole and for each stakeholder. At the very least the outcome for each stakeholder has been higher than if they were doing it all by themselves.

For a project to have multiple returns for all involved, the following POINTs have to be observed.


P - PromiseMake a promise and believe in what you promise. Perhaps more importantly, make sure to deliver what you promise. Generally speaking, construction projects usually are not delivered within the specified timelines and/or allocated budget. The bigger question is what can we do about this issue as it is costing the reputation of our business in particular, and our industry as a whole. We may not be able to solve this problem for everyone in every project at all times, but definitely we can do something about it. We can try to improve our situation.

One of the main reasons that we can not deliver what we promise is that we try to handle multiple projects at the same time. I understand that the nature of our industry is such that we want to secure our future by lining up more contracts in our pipeline. I appreciate that we want consistent job for our workers. We want a stable business. But maybe we can find other ways to bring stability to our business instead of juggling with multiple projects at the same time.

If we give our full attention to the project on hand and deliver what we promise, we will have consistent business in the long run. Our clients will happily refer us to others. We will earn a name for ourselves in an industry where people are hesitant to refer. We just have to be patient to reap the reward of delivering what we promised on time and within the budget.

Another temptation for a contractor could be to undertake multiple aspects of the same project. It is never a good idea in any business to be everything to everyone and particularly this is definitely not a good approach in the construction business. People who try to work on different aspects of a project usually jeopardize the quality of the project as a whole. As a result, this type of contractor always chases new business and the vicious cycle continues.

Instead of being involved in multiple aspects of a project, it is much better to specialize in one thing. Each project will improve the contractor's skills and knowledge in that particular area. The contractor will deliver with higher quality of workmanship and be more efficient with each undertaking. As a result, this type of contractor will do more business and eventually will be known for a very defined specialization in the industry.

A specialized contractor is in the best position to offer end to end solution because every detail is known to a specialist. They dive deep into a particular area which makes them considerate of all possibilities. When one contractor does one thing and does it very well, the chance of projects being delivered efficiently, within the specified time and perhaps within the allocated budget goes higher.


O - OwnershipAll the parties involved in a project should take a sense of ownership for the project as a whole and for their specific section in particular. What does it mean to take a "sense of ownership?" All it means is that the person in charge treats the project as if it is their own initiative.

As a result of "sense of ownership" mindset, stakeholders are not driven by tasks, but rather by results. They do what they are required to do and at the same time, they look out for the outcome of the project as a whole. So, they don't say: "I have done my job" but rather they ask themselves: "Did my task move the project forward?" Task-oriented people look for excuses to justify their action whereas result-oriented people look for opportunities to move things forward.

People with a sense of ownership have the image of the bigger picture of a completed project in mind, not just their own task or responsibility.

In construction, we can do our job and call it a day or we can take a sense of ownership and go above and beyond. When we go above and beyond, we earn a reputation for ourselves. It builds our image and as a result builds our business in the long run. Not to mention that this type of approach to business will earn us many friends who count on us and rely on our commitments.

When people rely on us and count on our commitments it is a blessing. This is a gift that many don't have and we are able to earn it by simply going above and beyond. We do more than just what is required of us or expected of us. At the very least, we point out a better way when we see others in a challenging situation.

Basically, going above and beyond is neither our duty nor our obligation, but rather it defines who we are. It is our personality trait. People recognize us because of our generous gestures. As a result, we become a moral support for many, and empowering many others, especially the newbies joining the industry. They realize that we truly see our success in their success.


I - ImproveThe nature of the construction business is such that we always have room for improvement. We will always learn from our mistakes. So, we have to be flexible enough to learn from others. We have to be open to suggestions and criticisms.

When our colleagues criticize our work, we should not take it personal. It is about the work, not us. By listening and learning, we improve our skills. So, constructive criticisms are good for us. It is an essential part of being in the construction business. It is in our best interest when our co-workers show us a better way of doing things.

With that in mind, we can also return the favour and do the same. We can share our experiences and expertise. We can save our colleague's time and effort by sharing ways that might take them some time to find out. Why not share the path that we have already travelled?

We have to be mindful and considerate when we make suggestions to others. We can not afford to offend them or demonize them. Lets put ourselves in their shoes. We are builders, not destroyers. And builders build with their craft, not destroy with their impatience. We want to enrich ourselves by enriching others. We want to bridge the gap, not divide.

Seeing others is the best trait that we can learn to earn. Understanding where others come from and why they do what they do will help us put ourselves in their shoes. We may not necessarily agree the way they do things, but we can try to understand them. As a result, our approach will be more considerate and with kindness.


N - NotifyAs a construction contractor, we are so dedicated to our project that we put our head down and focus on the job to be done. We give much importance to the actual work. As a result, we may not have the time or patience to find moments to take ourselves out of the job and try to be "on the" business instead of "in the" business.

Sometimes, by being too involved, we might miss the point. We might lose the track. We might forget to connect the dots. So, it is very crucial to take the time to engage with our colleagues and all stakeholders involved. Sometimes, a few moments of brainstorming can save us from upcoming challenges.

It is crucial for all stakeholders to allocate a time to meet on regular basis. The frequency of meetings depend on the nature of the project and the number of stakeholders involved. At the very minimum weekly meetings are a must.

Lack of communication could lead to misunderstandings which could delay the project and jeopardize our relationships with other co-workers. Regular meetings will minimize miscommunications. It is always better to know and act rather than to assume and act. Being aware of what is going on will help everyone involved.


T - TransparencyTrust is the key in every business and more so in the construction business. Contractors rely on each other to finish the job. Of course, doing the job on time with quality of workmanship is a practical proof to build the reputation of a contractor. But transparency takes the relationship to the next level. Trust based on transparency is solid like rock.

Transparency not only solidifies the relationships, but more importantly expedites the project. The project moves faster when all stakeholders in a project are transparent with each other. No one is thinking of protecting their best interest as everyone feels at peace with each other. Instead of wasting the energy on managing expectations, the full energy is allocated to the project.

When there is a lack of transparency and lack of trust, all stakeholders try to protect themselves from others and as a result most of the energy is wasted on protective measures instead of working on the project. Transparency makes everyone enjoy the journey while giving their full attention to the completion of the project. So, transparency is the best policy for everyone involved.

Again, when we take the ownership of the project, we will treat it as if it is our own project. So, maintaining a transparent relationship with our co-workers is part of who we are and we see it as our duty and responsibility.


s - serviceWe are so focused on the completion of our project that we may forget the service after the project is completed. Sometimes, we might be relieved with the completion of the project not worrying about the after-completion scenario and as result, we might abandon the project.

Our reputation is not only in the completion of the project, but also making sure that the project carries on smoothly with no issues for our client. We have to integrate the after service as part of the project. We have to adapt a system that takes care of the client after the completion of the project.

Our image could be tarnished despite delivering the project as promised if we mess up the after completion service. The last impression is the lasting impression. It is better that we pay attention to this aspect and make sure that the clients are taken care of.