Savvy construction company leaders focus on developing strong company cultures that promote open dialogue.

The reason is simple.

With the rocketing growth in the construction industry, job applicants often receive multiple offers for employment. While salary and benefits are important, company culture also plays a prominent role in decision-making. Communication is critical to the culture – and whether someone wants to work for you.

Everyday construction scenarios require transparent two-way communication. For example, getting red-tagged on a site can delay work and increase building costs unless you give the flag your immediate attention. Does your crew feel comfortable calling you about situations like this – and even providing suggestions for the next steps?

If your answer is yes, you’ve established a company culture of open dialogue, and a construction recruiter can help find employees who want to work for you.

Answering NO suggests taking a closer look at the ways your company communicates.

What’s the big deal about open dialogue?

Your success depends on your company culture and the ability to engage in open dialogue. Business discussions are less about telling someone what they want to hear and more about voicing truthful opinions.

A culture that honors transparent and honest communication within and across teams gets more done during the day. They work more safely, build greater customer satisfaction, and proactively seek solutions. Open dialogue communicators are:

  • problem-solvers,
  • organizers,
  • brand warriors and
  • recruitment magnets.

Your business grows, and everyone benefits from the new prosperity. And yet only one or two leaders out of ten affirm that they’re satisfied with their communication culture.

What if your organizational culture surrounding open dialogue isn’t where you want it to be?

How construction company leaders create multi-directional communication channels

Open communication builds company culture, and the dialogue begins with you, especially when:

  • promoting the company vision.
  • fostering collaboration.
  • interacting with employees at all levels.
  • providing feedback on job performance.
  • actively listening to your teams and project managers.

Creating an environment for open dialogue requires you to use various communication strategies like:

  • establishing an open-door policy that encourages employees to discuss ideas
  • emailing regular company updates
  • holding quarterly town halls for company updates and employee feedback
  • sending succinct texts out to those on job sites
  • using a construction app (Crew, Fieldwire)
  • calling on the phone

Teach your employees that effective communication goes both ways. Encourage their ideas and opinions. Open dialogue within and across teams will transform your culture and grow your company.

When you’re ready to fill the roles in your business, ask your recruiter to shadow your leaders for a few days. Shadowing provides insight into your culture and reveals what types of candidates will best fit your company.