How to Resolve Conflict on a Jobsite

Because it WILL happen...

Jobsites can be rough places - there’s a ton of work going on [hopefully], and there are a lot of characters around. Surprises, weather, supply chain, challenges, delays, zoning, inspectors…they can all add up to create a stressful stew. The single biggest challenge, though, just like many things: the people.

When I first started working construction, my boss told me, “Construction is a people job.” Sure, you have to know a lot about how things go together, and contracts, and code, and stuff…but really…you have to know about people.

I knew he was right after my first day on the job, and going on 20 years at this point, I know it even more.

It’s also one of the major things folks are concerned about on a job - how to deal with conflict, have hard conversations, and navigate interpersonal issues in a realm they’re not used to working in.

There’s an element of intimidation, as well - construction sites have a certain reputation, and it’s not without a lot of truth - and if you’re not used to it, it can be pretty tough.

And while there shouldn’t be *serious* conflict on a jobsite, there can often be tension, as schedules compress and budgets get stretched and surprises happen. And sometimes that can boil over into straight up conflict.

Jobsites can be rough and tumble places for those not used to it!

For example, let’s say a contractor installs a window upside down. The architect shows up onsite, points out the offending window, and now the owner is concerned as well. Obviously it needs to be corrected, but whose fault is it, and who’s going to pay?