Here's how you can mitigate the risks of not incorporating strategic thinking in construction careers.
In the dynamic world of construction, overlooking the importance of strategic thinking can lead to missed opportunities and preventable mistakes. As a professional in this field, embracing strategic thought processes is crucial to navigate complex projects, manage resources effectively, and stay ahead of the competition. Strategic thinking enables you to forecast potential challenges, devise comprehensive plans, and adapt to changing circumstances, ensuring that your career and your projects are built on a solid foundation.
Continuous learning is vital for keeping your strategic thinking skills sharp in construction. You should stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. This might involve taking courses, attending workshops, or engaging with professional communities. By expanding your knowledge base, you can anticipate changes in the construction landscape and make informed decisions that align with long-term goals.
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1. Education stay updated on industry trends and strategic skills. 2. Goals set clear, long-term career objectives. 3. Networking build a diverse professional network. 4. Mentorship find mentors who value strategic thinking. 5. Feedback seek regular feedback for improvement. 6. Market awareness keep informed about market and industry changes. 7. Adaptability be flexible to adapt to new opportunities. 8. Risk management apply risk management strategies in projects. 9.Planning integrate strategic planning in your work. 10. Evaluation regularly assess and adjust your career strategy.
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No mercado tradicional da construção, defendo a importância do aprendizado contínuo. A adoção de novas técnicas construtivas deve vencer o receio das mudanças. A integração de tecnologias avançadas, como por exemplo a inteligência de dados, é fundamental para o mapeamento e monitoramento eficazes das atividades, serviços e demandas da construção. Investir no desenvolvimento profissional e manter-se atualizado com o cenário vigente são diferenciais competitivos cruciais. Acompanhar as últimas tendências e práticas recomendadas do setor é essencial para afiar as habilidades de pensamento estratégico e garantir o sucesso a longo prazo. Precisamos juntos transformar o setor.
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Keeping your strategic thinking skills effective in construction , you should embrace continuous learning and stay up to date with the latest industry trends, best practices and technology. That way you will be able to increase your knowledge, you will be able to identify changes in the construction industry, making informed decisions that are in tandem with futuristic goals. You stay relevant by taking courses, attending seminars and workshops and getting engaged with other professionals.
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To perform a good job. As per HSE or as per process. You must be competent to do so. To be competent is not just to have a bachelor or a master or other graduation and stop there. When you planify a determinated position you must define what you need from now - staring point and what must be the objective that must be achieved. You need to plan. Starting by the qualification that you need for the position on that moment and the the continuity. You start by inductions, mentoring and when you do mentoring you can also determine the need of training. A anual traing plan for each employee and mentoring are 2 very important tools. After we can check by doing safety walks and see if that tool is really effective.
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Filipe Aço
Engenheiro Electrotécnico
(edited)A nossa actividade de construção obriga que estejamos preparados para assimilar rapidamente novas metodologias nos processos de construção sejam para garantir mais protecção de pessoas e equipamentos, protecção do ambiente de acordo com novas legislações e garantir mais qualidade e eficiência na utilização dos recursos disponíveis. Tudo isto para ser sustentável e competitivo no mercado. Uma forma também agradável de de aprender é ensinar. Se promover-mos um ambiente em que a experiência e as novas metodologias sejam transmitidas, discutidas e assimiladas de forma útil e eficiente para serem implementadas, a empresa e as pessoas saem a ganhar, assim como o posicionamento estratégico da organização.
Effective planning is a cornerstone of strategic thinking in construction. Begin by setting clear objectives for your career and each project. Understand the scope, timelines, and resources required. Anticipate potential risks and have contingency plans in place. By meticulously planning, you can ensure that your projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.
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O planejamento eficaz é, sem dúvida, um dos alicerces do pensamento estratégico na construção. Iniciar estabelecendo objetivos claros tanto para sua carreira quanto para cada projeto é crucial. É essencial compreender detalhadamente o escopo, os prazos e os recursos essenciais, antecipando possíveis riscos e preparando planos de contingência adequados. No entanto, é importante ressaltar que, além do planejamento, a execução adequada também é fundamental. No setor da construção civil, que ainda enfrenta desafios significativos em termos de desperdício, é necessário não apenas planejar com antecedência, mas também acompanhar de perto a execução. Defendo a ideia de que o planejamento e a gestão eficaz da execução devem andar de mãos dadas.
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Effective planning in construction strategic thinking begins with highlighting clear objectives for your projects and your profession, analyzing the timelines, scope and resources needed for each project, anticipate potential risks or contingencies. Your effective planning will ensure your projects are completed on time, within the budget framework and achieving the anticipated project quality standards.
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El pensamiento crítico te obliga a planificar de manera sistematizada y ordenada; la ausencia de planificación estratégica es sin duda el mayor dolor en muchos países y sus malas inversiones; un ejemplo claro de planificación está en la historia de las grandes civilizaciones y de las actuales potencias. Un profesional de la construcción que es capaz de planificar antes de todo, es sin duda un gran aporte a nuestra sociedad; garantiza un cambio y camino al desarrollo sostenible.
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Being flexible is crucial. No plan survives its first contact with the real world. Whether it’s a definable feature of a project, a complete project or your career, embrace change because it will happen whether you’re on board or not.
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Planning in construction is a must, but unfortunately it doesn’t mean the project will run smoothly. There are lots and lots of factors that can hold a construction project up. Illness to staff Material shortage Weather Unforeseen circumstances Just to mention a few. Construction is never plain sailing due to the above , and all will likely come into play at some point along the line. However, all you can do is plan the best you can.
Strategic thinking in construction often involves collaboration. Foster strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Effective communication and teamwork can lead to innovative solutions and a more cohesive project approach. By valuing the input of others and working together strategically, you can overcome challenges more efficiently and ensure the success of your projects.
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Rule of thumb for success: *BUILD A TEAM* 1. Surround yourself with loyal and sound people 2. Surround yourself with loyal, sound, intelligent, educated people. 3. Surround yourself with loyal, sound, intelligent educated people with diverse expertise. 4. Surround yourself with, loyal, sound, intelligent educated people with diverse expertise who are excellent communicators. 5. Surround yourself with loyal, sound, intelligent educated people who are excellent communicators who are loyal team players who work smart and hard to achieve the team’s goals. Of course, it would be difficult to find any single person who can fit all of these qualities, thus: *BUILD A TEAM*
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Ao meu ver, o planejamento estratégico vai além da colaboração entre pessoas e equipe, também engloba a capacidade de utilizar tecnologia e outras ferramentas de forma estratégica. Contudo, com certeza, defendo que a diversidade de ideias e perspectivas é um dos maiores impulsionadores da excelência. Acredito firmemente que unir mentes criativas resulta em uma abordagem mais abrangente e propícia a conquistas brilhantes, tanto na construção quanto em qualquer outra área.
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Collaboration and building strong relationship with team members, clients and other stakeholders will boost your strategic thinking in construction. Innovative solutions most times, occur as a result of effective communication and teamwork, and a more detailed project approach. When you value the input or recommendations from other team members and stakeholders, and also by strategically working together, you have succeeded in overcoming obstacles, ensuring the success of your project.
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Effective collaboration and communication sets a great tone for the life of the project. Understanding the client's needs will provide a pathway on how to direct the contractor to achieve desired outcomes. Regular meetings closes the gap for potential disconnections and managing milestones ensures the mood of the project remains positive, on time and hopefully within budget.
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Develop professional relationships. Nurture them and gain mutual respect & trust. What you say and how you say it matters. Cool heads will prevail. Be professional, stick to the facts, and take the high road. Strive for Win-Win solutions.
The ability to adapt is essential for strategic thinkers in construction. The industry is known for its unpredictability, with factors such as weather, supply chain issues, and regulatory changes affecting projects. Stay flexible and be prepared to adjust your strategies as needed. This agility can help you manage unexpected situations effectively and maintain project momentum.
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Com certeza a capacidade de adaptação um elemento crucial no setor da construção. A imprevisibilidade inerente a esse campo, com fatores como clima, questões na cadeia de suprimentos e mudanças regulatórias, exige flexibilidade e prontidão para ajustar estratégias conforme necessário, mas sempre existiram. Mas mais do que simplesmente ter a capacidade de se ajustar a eventos adversos como mencionados, a indústria da construção precisa estar aberta a mudanças. Embora seja natural resistir a alterações, especialmente em um mercado tradicional como esse, a habilidade de adaptação é importante e necessária não apenas para lidar com desafios recorrentes, mas também para adotar e incorporar novos modelos construtivos.
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Even though, most of construction projects fall under the predictive life cycle, adopting an agile mindset can help adapting to various changes that might occur during the project execution.
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Adapt or die. If momentum is lost, it is very hard to ever recover. Unanticipated costs to the bottom line for doing so will be more than offset by the savings reaped by maintaining momentum.
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A capacidade de adaptação em situações adversas é essencial para enfrentar desafios pessoais, profissionais e organizacionais. Ao se deparar com obstáculos inesperados, é crucial estar aberto a mudanças e prontamente ajustar estratégias e planos conforme necessário. A adaptação não apenas promove a resiliência, permitindo que indivíduos e organizações se recuperem rapidamente de contratempos, mas também oferece a oportunidade de transformar desafios em vantagens competitivas, capitalizando oportunidades emergentes e mantendo-se relevantes em ambientes dinâmicos e incertos. Portanto, a habilidade de se adaptar é uma habilidade fundamental para navegar com sucesso em um mundo em constante evolução.
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In my experience it is essential to have quick adaptability. To do so, Foster a mindset of flexibility and creativity. Encourage team brainstorming sessions to develop rapid, effective solutions for on-site problems. Engage in continuous education and certification programs to keep your skills up-to-date.
Strategic thinking is not just about planning and execution; it also involves reflection. Take time to review the outcomes of your projects and career decisions. Consider what worked well and what could be improved. Reflecting on your experiences will help you learn from mistakes and successes alike, refining your strategic approach for future endeavors.
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Devemos sim reservar um tempo para refletir, sempre em busca da identificação de áreas passíveis de melhoria. É fundamental aprender com os erros e sucessos, refinando assim a abordagem estratégica para empreendimentos futuros. A reflexão representa uma forma de medição, e também uma oportunidade de aprimoramento contínuo. No setor da construção, assim como em qualquer outro, é imprescindível realizar uma avaliação constante dos processos, posicionamentos e demais aspectos relevantes. A reflexão contínua nos desafia a questionar se determinado processo ou abordagem pode ser aperfeiçoado, incentivando a busca pela excelência e pela inovação.
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Every construction project can be done better, and that makes reflection a must at the end of all projects. What did we do well What did we not do well Where did we lose money Where did we gain money Can we improve x What can we stop doing Etc etc etc The exercise of reflection is a must !! I would encourage a team meeting after every project to discuss with your team the above points.
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The biggest lesson I have learned throughout my career is reflecting and learning from it. I incorporated it into my company by having weekly meetings to discuss upcoming projects and also reflect on projects we have finished. It has also exposed collaboration and discussion to identify what worked, what didn't, and how we can improve moving forward.
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Mohammed Ouadi(edited)
J'apprécie l'idée d'analyser les résultats des projets et des décisions de carrière pour identifier les réussites et les points à améliorer. Cela favorise un apprentissage continu et affine les stratégies futures. Cependant, le texte pourrait mentionner l'importance de la documentation systématique de ces réflexions. Garder une trace écrite des leçons apprises facilite la consultation future et le partage des connaissances au sein de l'équipe. En résumé, intégrer une réflexion structurée et documentée après chaque projet renforce l'efficacité stratégique à long terme.
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Keeping the KPI and the project progress is a vital stage, but most of the management fails in reflecting it accurately and in using it to make the balance of the project line easy. Encouraging and appreciating the teams, giving accurate status to the working team, using technology to update the details to the workforce etc are some of the methods to mark the human resources to stay stronger and more enthusiastic to complete the further keystones in the timeline.
Lastly, strong leadership is often the result of strategic thinking in construction. Lead by example and inspire confidence in your team by demonstrating foresight and decisiveness. Show that you can guide projects through complex challenges and achieve goals. As you grow in your career, your ability to lead strategically will become increasingly valuable to employers and clients alike.
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When you practice strategic thinking in construction, you ultimately provide leadership. Leading by example inspires confidence in your team, thereby showcasing foresight and being decisive, this makes you to be valued in taking projects through challenges, surmounting them and achieving goals ultimately. This makes you a strategic leader as you forge ahead in your career, and become very noticeable and valuable to other stakeholders, especially your clients and your organization.
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Liderar é inspirar, contribuo abaixo com algumas técnicas muito eficientes: 1) Comunicação clara 2) Delegação eficiente 3) Ênfase na segurança 4) Habilidade para resolver conflitos 5) Exemplo de conduta A liderança motiva a equipe!!!
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Been a strong lead on any project is critical to the safety and quality of completed works. However, stresses of the project and delayed programmes can lead some leaders getting off course quickly with the project. Leaders of projects need to always be 3 steps ahead and spot the danger, this allows the projects to run as smoothly as they possibly can without delay. Leadership isn’t just a construction skill, but a life skill those who want to progress should consider. There is some great leadership gurus out there, but I would encourage you to look at Simon Sineks work. It’s helped me massively in my career to date.
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Lead by Example: Demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from your team. Inspire Confidence: Build trust through transparency and consistent performance. Demonstrate Foresight: Anticipate challenges and prepare strategies to address them. Decisiveness: Make informed decisions swiftly to maintain project momentum. Guide Through Challenges: Navigate complexities with a clear vision and effective problem-solving. Achieve Goals: Set achievable targets and work collaboratively to reach them.
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Strategy shall be in alignment with From conceptualize phase : Focuse should be on SDGs, ESG, Green Building criteria, LEED design, Sustainable Construction Practices, Use of available technology like BIM, CCTV camera for monitoring & addressing abnormality in Safety & Quality, Use of drone, 3D printing and so on which should be integrated with Lean Construction Practices will definately fatch the end objectives. Last but not the least - keep Learning for career growth/ implementing upgraded Construction equipments, tools, techniques, technologies, best Practices, learnings from past Projects etc. In short life is a continuous learning process to be part of strategy 😀
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Es un asunto sumamente importante en un sector como el de la construcción, caracterizado por ser una actividad laboral sumamente cambiante día a día. Cualquier tipo de obra es un ente 'vivo' repleto de sorpresas para las cuales tienes que estar preparado. Dominar ese aspecto tan importante se consigue con la suma de muchos factores. El primero, ser una persona que se adapta a los cambios, que no le dan miedo los retos y que disfruta de su profesión, este aspecto es fundamental. Luego ayuda que seas una persona meticulosa, organizada y con capacidad de planificar en el corto, medio y largo plazo. Y en segundo lugar, rodearte de un equipo, ya no cualificado, yo diría con ganas de aportar y aprender al que ayudes a crecer profesionalmente.
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In my opinion, to be successful in construction, it is very important to have system thinking along with strategic thinking. Experience shows that managers and employees who have a system thinking have had the necessary cooperation in carrying out work with quality, starting and ending according to the plan, and following up the work, and have participated in the strategic plans of the project. In order to reduce the risk of incooperating in strategic thinking in construction, first of all, there is a need to systematize and create system thinking.
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Correct and sufficient training. Choosing the right team with good skills, Creating empathy between team members in line with organizational goals with different human resource management methods. Creating the necessary incentives for the proper application of goals and plans in line with the advancement of work. Constant review of obstacles and challenges ahead. Continuous follow-up of the plan and goals and review of progress results and comparison with the vision of the organization. Organizing the information obtained from the review and creating useful reports to send feedback to different levels of the organization. Agility of the organization to enable the necessary flexibility in the required times
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Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement where lessons learned from past projects are used to inform future decisions. This helps the company adapt to changing market conditions and stay ahead of the competition.