Savvy construction executives have developed (or are developing) top-notch problem-solving skills.
Even if you were born with a highly developed problem-solving gene or learned early on problem-solving basics, you can continue to grow this highly desired trait.
Think of it like this, just as top athletes develop muscle memories for their skills, top construction management executives develop muscle memories for problem-solving. And just as those athletes must continue practicing their skills, so must the executives in the construction world.
It is Called
Problem-solving comes under several different guises. You may think of it as:
Thinking on your feet
Being able to ad-lib
Extemporizing
Improvising
Playing it by ear
Winging it
Moving on the spur of the moment
Doing it on the fly
Rising to the occasion
Formulating
Working it out
Coming up with
Predicament resolution
The Stages Involved
Determine the issues that created the problem. Does the immediate problem need to be dealt with while still working on what underlying issues need correcting? Are financial or deadline matters involved?
Consider the people who will be affected. What are their interests? The priorities involved in the resolution will take people into account.
List the possible solutions. Will it take a team to get this information? Will you need to include others who know what you don’t know? Can you get the data differently?
Evaluate the possible solutions. Is it time to choose a set of criteria for determining good, better, best possibilities? Will a simple listing of pros and cons be worthwhile?
Select the best option for the moment.
Write down the best solution with all the details and implications.
Make contingency plans. Remind those involved of the changes. And when you make changes, try to anticipate the inevitable fallout.
Implement the solution.
Learn More
This article from mindtools discusses the Six Thinking Hats® way of looking at decisions differently.
You may want to check into taking one of these online classes concerning problem-solving. From Coursera or Digital Defynd.
Finally, this excellent essay from Effectiviology discussing the protégé effect gives information that is arguably among the best ways to learn more about any subject, including problem-solving.
Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735
Comments