Construction Leadership Training: How to Develop Future Managers

Every business needs effective leaders to be successful, especially when it’s becoming tougher to find and keep qualified workers. Contractors are shaping the future of their industry by providing career-pathing through innovative construction leadership training.

Attracting talent from the outside is proving difficult amid an ongoing worker shortage, and with Baby Boomers retiring, many construction companies are looking to promote from within. By keeping your current crew members, you retain valuable institutional knowledge, workplace relationships and can make more informed decisions.

Below are some helpful ways to develop future construction leaders through in-house training and education.

Establish core values and expectations

When developing a construction leadership training culture, make your company’s core values clear right away. Teaching workers to live and breathe your company values will help give your program a sound foundation.

For crew members to one day become effective leaders, you need to set clear goals for them, teaching them how to run day-to-day operations, address challenges, make ethical decisions and be supportive of their colleagues. This gives future managers a sense of purpose that’s tied directly to your construction company’s core values. Your employees should expect to grow in the following areas:

Managing strategic direction
Motivating other workers
Leading by example
Establishing common goals
Becoming flexible when challenges arise
Interacting with all employees
Keeping a level head

Workers will be more inclined to follow you if expectations are clear and you kick off their career with a positive attitude. It’s also helpful to know how to conduct effective general contractor training sessions.

Pinpoint future leaders with regular one-on-ones

A consistent way of measuring your crew members’ leadership potential is by holding regular performance reviews. Workers who are performing at a higher level may be more inclined to take on additional responsibility someday. Be sure to set higher professional goals for these workers.

Even if some employees have a lot of growing to do, if they display the attitude of a leader, don’t rule them out. Rather, mentor them.

It’s also important for you to acknowledge good ideas when your crew members share them. It shows you value their input. Oftentimes, these employees have a natural ability to take the lead and make things happen.

Additionally, be on the lookout for workers who make suggestions for overall process improvement, not just short-term issues.

Lead by example

If you’re looking to develop great leaders within your team, be sure to display the kinds of leadership qualities you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for leaders who manage their time wisely, set priorities, address challenges and delegate accordingly, be sure to display these strengths.

Access training through industry organizations

It’s beneficial to join industry organizations like the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) because they provide great training opportunities for your workers. Members can take classes, learn industry compliance, network and gain real-life leadership experience.

Many training sessions are also offered online, making it easier for your employees to both work and continue their education.

Seasoned employees are a great resource

Seasoned construction workers can be a wealth of knowledge for the future workforce. Older generations often provide great mentorship to younger workers in the areas of safety, time management and financial responsibility.

Experienced staff can tell stories, share best practices and highlight key career goals. Leaning on these workers is also a cost-effective way to personalize your training approach.

Remain invested in construction leadership training

In order to develop future leaders for your construction business, get to know your workers so you can grow their individual strengths. Be open to new methods of leadership and provide strong mentorship opportunities.

By training future leaders within your crew, you’re investing in the future of your construction business.

The next generation: Find skilled construction workers amid labor shortage

6 ways to reduce construction costs, increase profits on the job site