Unhealthy ego is a destroyer of effective leadership. Our goal is to take a collaborative approach to project management. This requires the removal of ego. The ego has a way of using pride and self-doubt against us. It makes us defensive of our strategies and processes and allows no room for growth. So we have removed ego from our collaborative approach to construction management.
Ego vs. Teamwork
The word ego itself means I myself which means there is no room for teamwork. A person cannot successfully manage a large scale project from beginning to end without a team. Our teamwork-based process ensures cohesive problem solving and avoids the blame game and fighting within the teams. Our collaboration teams include:
- The Client Team: Without the client, there is no project. The client provides vision and direction. They determine project objectives and priorities.
- The Design Team: Without the design team, we have nothing to work with. The designers provide a creative perspective. They know the engineering, structural, and permitting requirements for each project concept.
- The Management Team: Without proper management, the project has no direction. The managers develop the plans required to see the project through to completion. They develop and monitor the schedule, costs, and quality of the workmanship. They are responsible for knowing that the client’s expectations are met.
Ego prevents these incredible teams from being able to work cohesively. The removal of I myself from a team based environment gives each person the ability to express themselves creatively without taking offense if someone opposes for good reason. Successful collaboration requires team spirit, not ego.
Signs of Ego
An egotistic person spends more time promoting themselves instead of listening to other people’s ideas. They often require recognition for ideas. They try to sabotage other people’s ideas or ridicule others if they don’t agree with their ideas.
An egotistic person is often a strict perfectionist. There’s one single right way of doing things, and that way must be adhered to at all costs. They refuse to accept evidence that they may be incorrect about something.
Overcoming Ego
The ability to work in an ego-free environment requires that you drop the I myself mentality and listen to what others have to say with an open mind. Give praise where praise is due to help you break free of the feeling that you want to take credit for everything. Create a vision that people can rally around. Everyone can share a clear sense of purpose when ego is left out of the equation and we work as a team.
Our ego-free construction management system, as described above, is mutually beneficial to all involved parties. Everyone checks their ego at the door and openly discusses the issues surrounding the project.