Leadership on design and construction projects
See also: Leadership styles.
Leadership is as important to the internal culture of construction organisations as it is in any other sector. Effective leadership is vital if a client’s needs are to be met and business improvement is to be maintained.
Leadership is a complex process that encompasses a wide range of behaviours, styles and traits, but the aim of leadership at its most simple is to successfully influence others to accomplish an objective.
The concepts of management and leadership are often confused. Managers tend to employ what are termed ‘hard skills’, i.e. planning, directing, organising, and so on. They are occupied with establishing clear targets, driving correct and best practice and making short-term decisions and plans. Whereas, leaders tend to employ ‘soft skills’, i.e. guiding, influencing, motivating, risk-taking, innovating and have a longer-term perspective.
Daniel Goleman popularised the theory that effective leaders have a high degree of emotional intelligence, with four key characteristics:
- Self-awareness.
- Self-management.
- Social awareness.
- Relationship management.
Other commonly cited traits of effective leadership include:
- Enthusiasm.
- Champion of change.
- Good communicator.
- Risk-tolerant.
- Visionary.
- Brave.
- Motivational/inspirational.
- Leads by example.
- Good delegator.
- Open to advice and other opinions.
It has been argued that the ‘ideal leader’ does not exist, and rather it is the combination of different factors dependent on the specific circumstance of the organisation or project that contribute to a strong leadership style.
In relation to construction, Chan’s 2008 case study involving 15 industry leaders identified three instrumental factors in leadership development; people, places and events.
The 1998 Egan Report ‘Rethinking Construction’ identified ‘committed leadership’ as one of five key drivers of change for the industry. Egan defined this as follows:
‘Management believing in, and being totally committed to, driving forward an agenda for improvement and communicating the required cultural and operational changes throughout the whole of the organisation. In construction, there is no part of the industry which can escape this requirement: it affects constructors, suppliers and designers alike.’
A 2008 report called ‘Leadership in the construction industry’ by CIOB found that there was a stark lack of leadership within the industry. Research suggested that within larger construction companies, 18% were not developing their leaders in any way, and 45% had no formal succession plan or leadership strategy.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Army training and civil engineering.
- Construction organisations and strategy.
- Egan Report.
- Emotional Intelligence in Construction.
- Integrated project team.
- Leadership styles.
- Project manager.
- Recruiting and retaining talent in the construction industry.
- Relationship management.
- Team building.
- Thought leadership.
Featured articles and news
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.