Dealing with team conflicts in a commercial real estate project. How can you navigate delays effectively?

Avoiding conflict in real estate developments can be a challenge. Address concerns in a timely manner, clarify expectations and encourage dialogue to promote collaborative problem solving. For example, the clash of conflicts between an architect, an engineer and a developer's budget management can be a major obstacle in moving the project forward. The cornerstone to resolving any conflict is the "Clear, honest, and timely approach with initiative and proactivity. By understanding the issues at hand, it is in everyone's best interest.

In construction projects, teams are often assembled quickly by the client, expected to work seamlessly from the start. Sometimes this works well, sometimes not so much. Our site manager once said, “If someone thinks a construction manager actually manages construction, they probably also think a lemon butterfly folds lemons.” I hope the joke translates well into other languages. Wishing you always great teams for your construction projects. A well-functioning team is essential for the success and smooth execution of any project. Remember, the right team makes all the difference.

General communication, both oral and written, is essential to ensure that everything goes according to plan. Making sure everyone understands the objectives, timelines and their respective roles and responsibilities can help avoid confusion and conflict. Hold regular meetings to discuss project progress, solve problems and answer any questions team members may have. From my experience, I have found it helpful to reflect on this: "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can solve today."

A sometimes, conflicts may persist. In this sense, mediation can be an effective option for resolving real estate disputes, as it allows the parties to work together to find a mutually satisfactory solution. This facilitator can be a real estate broker, manager, or any real estate professional who fully understands the depth and substance of the dispute. The mediator is non-binding, but can help the parties to focus and find an amicable solution that benefits both parties.

Unforeseen events and delays may occur, the important thing is to manage them efficiently, especially to assess to what extent they may affect the costs and completion of the project. In this sense, it is vital to communicate and prioritise according to urgency and impact. I have found it useful to separate the urgent from the important and focus on the critical path to keep the project moving forward.

When working in a team, the primary challenge for the leader is how to manage conflict. . The members must feel valued and respected, so the leader must develop a high capacity for empathy and assertiveness to know how to select skills, understand the personality and know how to reach the heart of each one, in this way he or she will have the necessary wisdom to create a collaborative culture of understanding that benefits everyone.

Problems in the construction industry are more the norm than the exception. Different companies and trades, the ideas from architectural firms, and the realities on the construction site often clash. Here are five tips that might help: 1. Clear Communication: Ensure all parties are on the same page from the start to avoid misunderstandings. 2. Detailed Planning: Invest time in thorough planning to anticipate potential issues. 3. Regular Updates: Hold frequent meetings to track progress and address problems promptly. 4. Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt plans as new challenges arise. 5. Strong Leadership: Effective leadership is crucial to keep the team motivated and focused. Wishing you successful and smoother construction projects.