Team management, culture and leadership

How to stop micromanaging your construction business

What’s the solution to go from micromanager to all-star leader? It might just be construction management software.

Do you micromanage?

If you want something done right, do it yourself … well, maybe not always. That way of working may seem fine in theory, but it’s often bad for business.

Being a very (very!) hands-on manager might feel like it’s just extra due diligence to guide the team, but it’s a perilous path toward micromanagement. Employees who feel suffocated aren’t likely to stay at a company long, an implication many in the industry can’t afford to face with the current labor shortage. Plus, this way of leading is bad for bosses, too.

Running a construction business is a demanding job. You’ve got clients to impress, projects to keep on track and a budget to balance. The last thing you should be worrying about is whether people were CC’ed on an email in the correct order.

If that last example sounds familiar, then uh oh. You might just be a micromanager. But not to fret. We’ve got the lowdown on how to stop micromanaging – and the fix you need could just be construction management software like Buildertrend.

1) Delegate, delegate and delegate some more

No good business owner sets out to be a micromanager. However, it’s too easy to step in (and step on toes) when it’s your own name on the front door. Many contractors have worked their way up – having done a little bit of everything in the world of homebuilding. So, they know what needs to be done and how to do it right.

Now it’s time to give others the opportunity to learn those lessons. The solution on how to stop micromanaging is often to start delegating. Instead of giving your crew or subs a step-by-step plan of how you want something accomplished, instead focus on the desired outcome and ensure they have the right resources to reach the end goal.

That right resource is often construction management software. With this system, all the job details are kept in one place. Your team can easily look up to-do’s, scheduling and client messages – right from their cellphones on the job site.

It’s a win-win. They’ll feel empowered and you’ll feel less stressed.

2) Create a strong, collaborative team

The old adage says communication is key. That couldn’t be truer when it comes to solving the problem of how to stop micromanaging.

It doesn’t just come down to communication between boss and employees. Collaboration should be happening between all parties working on a project. Why? Because collaboration improves workplace performance. The team knows they can trust one another and will help each other solve problems to get the job done. The less you’re involved in the minutia, the less chance you have to micromanage. Plus, that means more time to actually run the business.

With features for communication, streamlining workflows and increasing accountability, tech like Buildertrend strengthens collaboration. To further create this positive atmosphere, embolden your crew by taking a general interest in the ideas they bring to the table, allow them to contribute and provide recognition for a job well done. Doing so will foster the type of employees who stick around and grow alongside your business.

3) Set clear expectations

Not setting clear expectations is setting others up to fail. It’s as simple as that. The clearer you are about the goals of any job, its deadlines and how you’re going to measure success, the better your employees are going to perform.

Do you want to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a task by X amount of days? Are you hoping to fit in a certain number of projects per quarter? Is it all about quality and keeping clients happy? Implementing goals like this gives your team a better understanding of what is required while keeping them more motivated.

However, there’s a fine line you don’t want to cross. Setting expectations means telling team members what you want them to achieve, not exactly how.

4) Go straight to the source – ask employees what they want

When considering how to stop micromanaging, sometimes the best idea is to gather other ideas. That starts by simply asking “How would you like to be held accountable?” or “How often would you like me to check in?” You might be surprised at what you hear.

No one employee is the same as another, and the best managers are able to recognize those differences and act accordingly. Moreover, by asking for input, you’re giving more autonomy to your team and establishing a deeper layer of trust. This two-sided conversation shows you value their opinions. It could also help you recognize signs of micromanaging you may have otherwise missed.

This is the right step in building the type of workplace that not only attracts the best but retains them, too.

Don’t manage it alone. Trust tech to help you tackle it all

Breaking the cycle of micromanaging isn’t easy, especially for construction business owners who wear many hats. But why do it all if you don’t have to?

Let construction management software lessen the load. It’s time to take back your time – and software has the tools to help. Instead of micromanaging, Buildertrend allows you to easily delegate tasks, improve collaboration and set clear expectations.

Schedule a demo with the leading software for homebuilders, remodelers and contractors now.

Ready to take back your time?

About The Author

Sean Robinson

Sean Robinson Sean Robinson is a senior content marketing specialist at Buildertrend

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