3 Steps to Developing Next-Gen Construction Leaders

The construction industry still faces one key challenge from the pandemic: high turnover rates, peaking at 68%. While 2022 saw a notable decrease, 88% of construction firms still struggle with workforce replenishment.

Leadership, especially in high-stakes fields like construction, is pivotal in determining employee happiness, efficiency, and commitment. The logic is clear: leaders who are continually nurtured and supported in their roles tend to stay with their organizations and create environments where their team members feel valued. When leaders are encouraged and empowered, they're more likely to stay. The same goes for those they lead. In a nutshell, when leadership flourishes, so does the workforce, and your company as a whole.

So what are the top three tools for developing next-gen construction leaders and reducing turnover? Let’s dive in.

1. Create Shared Core Values and Purpose

It's hard to move forward if everyone isn't moving in the same direction. Creating shared core values provides a clear direction for leaders and employees. Every decision, strategy, and action stems from these values. This could mean a shared dedication to craftsmanship, safety, or sustainable building practices. 

Emerging leaders need more than technical expertise; they need a strong sense of purpose, direction, and belonging. A strong and cohesive culture can significantly boost productivity and morale in construction, where teamwork and collaboration are critical. It allows every team member, no matter their role, to navigate challenges with the broader organizational vision in mind.

SwiftLeadership Café modules on Creating Shared Team Purpose and Leading from Values emphasize the power of shared purpose. Leaders with a clear picture of the team’s core values and purpose will be better positioned to steer their organizations toward continued success. This not only helps attract the right talent but also plays a vital role in retaining them. After all, when leaders feel aligned with an organization's values, they become significantly more invested.

2. Build Communication Skills

Clear communication can make or break a project. And even the smallest miscommunication can lead to significant and costly errors. Since construction projects demand collaboration, leaders need to be able to communicate effectively and adapt to the communications style of their team. Good communication often makes teams more productive, but it also fosters a sense of camaraderie—which is critical when the goal is to build a company where people want to work.

The Effective Communication module from SwiftLeadership Café offers tools to develop these skills. It trains leaders to relay instruction, understand and address concerns, and encourage open dialogue. Clear communication = fewer mistakes, better morale, and more successful projects.

3. Improve Employee Engagement

Engagement at a construction site isn't just about ensuring everyone is busy. Employee engagement translates to workers diligently adhering to safety protocols, proactively communicating issues or suggestions, and consistently striving for excellence in their craftsmanship.

It manifests in how workers collaborate, how everyone feels a part of the larger mission, understands their role, and takes pride in their contributions. SwiftLeadership Café's module on Employee Engagement highlights how managers play a substantial role in fostering this environment. Managers account for at least 70% of the variance in employee engagement scores. This statistic underscores the influence of effective leadership on the ground. 

Build Your Next Generation of Leaders

Leadership isn't just about making decisions; it's about guiding, nurturing, and inspiring teams. Effective leadership skills for construction leaders and managers are crucial, not just for the success of individual projects but for your organization's long-term stability and growth. When leaders are given the tools and training to excel in their roles, they also let everyone excel around them. 

At SwiftLeadership Café, you can be confident that your existing managers, frontline leaders, and supervisors can transform into better leaders while creating happier, more invested employees. Our easy-to-navigate training modules provide practical leadership skills for your employees without taking time away from day-to-day business.

It's time to lay the foundation of your construction managers’ training. Try SwiftLeadership Café for free with your two-week trial today.