Clear and transparent communication for commercial construction projects
Challenge of Communication in Construction Projects
Without communication, how can we exchange and share ideas and emotions? Webster’s Dictionary defines communication as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.” Therefore, how effective are your communications? Perfect communication may be difficult to achieve, but effective communication is always possible—whether with yourself or with others.
It is certainly more challenging to communicate within a group made up of multiple individuals, each with different interests and potentially conflicting behaviours. This is especially true if you are a contractor aiming to deliver a construction project that exceeds client expectations, while complying with regulations, being monitored by architects, and avoiding disruption to employees’ working hours. Is this why so many commercial construction projects fail? Why a significant number of tenant improvement and commercial renovation projects fail to meet their objectives?
Below are a few observations on communication issues in commercial construction projects:
Misalignment with brand identity or functional needs, rooted in insufficient early-stage dialogue and weak feedback loops during the project.
Poorly managed scope changes, such as vague justifications, late notices, or inflated costs that feel like hidden charges to the client.
Lack of clear, timely updates regarding schedule and costs, leaving clients feeling uninformed.
Quality issues not flagged or addressed quickly, creating the perception of broken promises.
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), poor communication is a contributing factor in 56% of failed projects. It is also a primary reason for project failure. It is clear that project managers spend most of their time communicating, but without clear and transparent communication skills embedded in their mindset, communication will remain a secondary habit rather than a natural, primary one.
Communication as a Core Value
At Xenofan, clear and transparent communication drives our actions and interactions with clients and employees. We offer a unique construction approach, centred on rigorous planning and transparent communication, to ensure an exceptional project delivery experience.
When an individual is driven by the desire to be their authentic best self, their conduct is shaped by the principles of responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty. Below are definitions from the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct:
Responsibility: Our duty to take ownership of the decisions we make—or fail to make—the actions we take or fail to take, and the resulting consequences.
Respect: Our duty to show a high regard for ourselves, others, and the resources entrusted to us, including people, money, reputation, safety, and natural or environmental resources.
Fairness: Our duty to make decisions and act impartially and objectively. Our conduct must be free from competing self-interest, prejudice, and favoritism.
Honesty: Our duty to understand the truth and act in a truthful manner, both in our communications and in our conduct.
Contact Xenofan today to discuss your tenant improvement, commercial renovation, or fit-up project, and experience how rigorous planning and transparent communication can deliver results that exceed expectations.
📞 Call us now to book your free consultation
References
Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Incorporated. https://www.merriam-webster.com/.
Project Management Institute. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, 2017. https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics/code.
Monkhouse, Peter. “My Project Is Failing, It Is Not My Fault.” Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2015—EMEA, London, England. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, 2015.