Of course not. That’s a sure path to screwing up the build right? But, using outdated approaches to people is quite likely negatively impacting the business. When it comes to human resources, despite years of labor force woes, construction companies are often relying on old playbooks. Ready to move on? Consider the practical application of behavioral intelligence.
Optimize Talent
At The Predictive Index, Matt Poepsel suggests that it is time to totally reimagine “how we attract, retain, and optimize talent to secure a competitive advantage,” observing that the old “tough it out toolbox” is getting us nowhere, and pointing out that in today’s market, the most successful businesses are those that “understand and work with the human element of the job site, not those with the deepest pockets, biggest equipment fleet or glitzy tech.” Specifically, Poepsel recommends focusing on these three actions to meet today’s construction demands:
- First, map your team’s behavioral patterns. Identify who thrives under pressure, who excels at detailed planning, and who builds the strongest relationships with clients and subcontractors. Understanding how your people naturally work helps you leverage their strengths across projects.
- Second, invest in your frontline leaders’ people skills. Your superintendents and foremen shape daily site culture. Give them tools to read team dynamics, manage conflicts, and build psychological safety. Both technical expertise and people management determine project success.
- Third, build flexibility into your operations where it makes sense. Review which roles truly need full-time site presence and where hybrid arrangements could work. Smart flexibility means giving your people the autonomy to deliver their best work while maintaining project momentum.
Of course, strategically overcoming workforce challenges also involves wisely leveraging technology for operational efficiency. Toward that end, Adam Stark at Jet.Build encourages actively recruiting more tech savvy workers, and points out:
“The construction sector’s talent shortage is more than just a hiring issue. It’s a holistic rethinking of their workforce, requiring more and more skilled employees … .While no single solution will address this challenge completely, technology advancements can play a critical role in empowering and rejuvenating the construction sector workforce.” As important as tech savvy team members are, however, human connection still matters, and, Poepsel suggests that it is in fact even more than ever:
- Psychological Safety Drives Better Projects: When workers feel secure enough to speak up about safety concerns or suggest process improvements, projects run better. Sites with strong psychological safety see fewer accidents and faster problem resolution….
- Human Connection Matters More Than Ever: Technology is transforming our sites, but success still hinges on relationships. The most effective teams find the sweet spot between digital efficiency and personal interaction. Your best crew leaders know when to rely on project management software and when a face-to-face conversation will get better results.
- Flexibility Opens New Doors: Even in construction, where much work requires being on-site, flexibility matters, especially to the 91% of leaders who see it as key to satisfaction. Office staff, project managers, and estimators often can split time between site and home without impacting quality. The key is matching work arrangements to both project needs and individual work styles.
Team Up For The Win
Teamwork is the secret sauce of most success stories—and Colonial Surety is here to help you succeed. Our Hometown Bond Program helps local builders get credit based underwriting bonds for up to $250k—no financial statements required.
Growing from there, construction business owners can get in on more action by qualifying for The Partnership Account® for Contractors. Once qualified, you’ll use our power of attorney to issue your own bid bonds, in minutes. Order performance bonds with speed and ease too. Plus, you’ll bid and win more than ever as you leverage your:
- surety line of credit—in writing;
- private digital dashboard;
- daily snapshot of single and aggregate limits
- ability to update work on hand
Surety Bond programs for construction businesses of every size are right here: Bonding Programs at Colonial Surety Company
Founded in 1930, Colonial Surety Company is a leading direct seller and writer of surety bonds and insurance products across the USA. Colonial is rated “A Excellent” by A.M. Best Company and U.S. Treasury listed. Let’s connect today: Colonial Surety.