Staying on the same page

RCS Influencer Patrick Cochran says that contractors should view relationships with all stakeholders as partnerships.

When working with industry partners as a contractor, communication is key. It's crucial that everyone is on the same page about a project. As contractors, we must always keep everyone updated as things change. We can't afford to ignore updates or assume others are aware of changes. Our days are busy, but poor communication only drags out projects. 

When I was directly overseeing projects in the field, I made sure to set reminders and take notes whenever changes came up. That way, when I had the chance to call or send an email, I could quickly make the necessary updates and keep everyone informed. 

Even with the best intentions, miscommunication and mistakes still happen. The key is not to get angry or upset but to work together to find a solution. Afterward, take the time to reflect on how the situation could have been avoided. If a customer is upset due to miscommunication or an issue, it’s important to take ownership of the situation. Blaming others only erodes trust and makes customers doubt your reliability. 

Building strong relationships with vendors is just as important. When you treat your vendors well, they’re more likely to support you during sudden changes or tight deadlines. A solid relationship means they’ll have your back when things get tough. 

Construction, like life, is imperfect. We all make mistakes, including contractors. When mistakes happen, it’s crucial to collaborate on solutions that work for both the customer and everyone involved. Sometimes, that means compromising. But if you maintain strong relationships with your vendor partners, you’ll always be able to rely on them when you need it most. 

As contractors, we should view our relationships with all stakeholders as partnerships. We must work together, communicate effectively and celebrate successes. Blaming others or losing your temper never resolves issues and often makes things worse. Stay focused, and once the project is complete, reflect on how things could have been done differently.