Construction coordination is a complex and dynamic process that involves multiple stakeholders and teams working together to deliver a successful project. With so many moving parts, it can be challenging to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project is progressing as planned. One way to achieve this is through effective communication, but as the old adage goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” In other words, don’t just tell me what you’re going to do; show me!

Show-Don’t Tell!

In writing, “Show, don’t tell” is a principle that suggests that it’s more effective to use descriptive language and vivid details to allow readers to experience a scene, character, or emotion for themselves, rather than simply telling them what’s happening. The problem with telling something versus showing them is that telling can be less effective in engaging the reader and limit their ability to draw their own conclusions or emotional connections to the story.

When writers “show,” they use sensory details and concrete examples to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. This approach allows readers to draw their own conclusions and form their own emotional connections to the story. Showing instead of telling can actually help the reader better understand the facts of the story by making them more engaging and memorable. When the reader is engaged and invested in the story, they are more likely to remember the facts and details that are presented.

In the context of construction coordination, this means that it’s not enough for teams to simply communicate their plans and strategies. They must also demonstrate how they will carry out those plans and strategies through concrete actions. For example, if a contractor promises to complete a specific task by a certain date, they must show how they plan to do that by providing a detailed schedule, allocating resources, and setting up a system for tracking progress.

The Problem with Just Telling…

Simply telling someone what to do instead of showing them will lead to mistakes, delays, and costly rework. When instructions are provided verbally or in written form only, there is a risk of misinterpretation. Different people can interpret the same instructions in different ways, leading to mistakes and inconsistencies. You can’t leave anything vague or open ended in construction. Everything must be clear and complete. If I had a nickel for every time someone told me they understood what I was saying on a conference call, well I’d have a lot of nickels….

One trick I learned is always to repeat the action items and depending on the situation, have the other person repeat the task they just received. Sounds too simple and somewhat demeaning, but I’m telling you it works in several ways. Repeating the direction helps them translate the task into their own thoughts/logic and visualize it. Like I said before, when someone can visualize it, and for you to see if they understand. Which is very important and will help minimize mistakes.

For example, an engineer telling a subcontractor to “install the piping” may not provide clear instructions on what, where, or how to install it. The subcontractor may not have all the information available to make assumptions. This is one of the reasons the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) maintains the strict “Four C’s” rule for specifying construction documents. Which are “Clear, Concise, Correct, and Complete”. But I’ll expand more on that in a future blog post.

The Benefits of Showing…

Showing rather than telling can also help teams to identify potential issues and conflicts early on, before they become major problems. For instance, if a subcontractor raises concerns about the feasibility of a design, they should not just voice their concerns. But also provide examples and evidence to support their claims. By doing so, they can demonstrate why the design may not work and suggest alternative solutions. Which will be more effective and save time.

Moreover, showing rather than telling can also help teams to build trust and credibility with one another. When teams see that their counterparts are willing to back up their claims with action, they are more likely to view them as reliable and trustworthy partners. This can create a virtuous cycle of cooperation and collaboration, where teams work together more effectively to achieve common goals.

So How Can You Show Instead of Tell…

The following are a couple ways you can show someone instructions on your next construction project:

1. Provide visual aids: Visual aids, such as drawings, diagrams, or photos, can help provide a clearer understanding of what needs to be done. For example, an engineer could use a 3D model to demonstrate how different parts of a structure fit together.
2. Use hands-on demonstrations: Hands-on demonstrations can help show the specific steps required to complete a task. For instance, a contractor could demonstrate how to properly install drywall or lay concrete by performing the task themselves. They can even install a mock-up. Which is just a miniature version of the full scale system. In fact, a lot of owners actually require mock-ups or even test slabs to make sure the contractor will build exactly what they want. (I even had to install a test patch of asphalt before. I mean, how much variation can you get with asphalt. But the Owner required it. So, we made one)
3. Conduct site visits. Site visits can help show the progress of a project and any potential issues that need to be addressed. For example, the Owner could visit the construction site to ensure that the building is progressing according to their operational needs.
4. Host meetings or presentations: Meetings or presentations can help show progress, goals, and expectations for a project. For example, a project manager could host a coordination meeting to discuss how different contractors’ work fits together to achieve the specific goal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phrase “Don’t tell me, show me” is particularly relevant to construction coordination. While effective communication is essential in any construction project, simply telling someone what needs to be done is often not enough. By showing someone what needs to be done, you can ensure that there is a clear understanding of the task, greater clarity on the details, improved collaboration, and reduced costs. So, the next time you’re coordinating a construction project, remember: don’t just tell me, show me!