Every construction project has its own set of deadlines, budgets, schedules, and complexities which grow exponentially depending on the scale of the job. It’s critical to have an experienced and qualified project manager that can handle the process with precision and vision. At Valiant Group, we incorporate Military beliefs, practices, and values into everything we do. As Veterans, we provide a distinctive experience and a unique approach to project management. Not surprisingly, military operations and project management are remarkably similar in many ways, so it’s easy to see how translating military experience into project management is smooth.
What is the Project Management Process?
The five phases of project management according to PMI (Project Management Institute) are Initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing. You can think of any project as a temporary endeavor to create a unique product, service, or result. Each phase of the project must be properly executed and managed to deliver on-time, on-budget, and to-scope results.
Core Project Management Competencies
What qualities must a construction or project manager possess to achieve success?
- Knowledge—Thorough knowledge of project scope, sound decision-making, adept conflict resolution, and the ability to translate organization principles into project vision.
- Experience—A proven track record of achievement with full recognition of accomplishment from stakeholders.
- Personality—Ability to adapt in adverse situations; possesses authenticity, trustworthiness, transparency, and integrity.
Core Leadership Competencies & Attributes from the Army
In the United States Army, there are three pillars of core competencies.
- Leading—Focused on leading others by example, establishing trust, and extending influence beyond the chain of command.
- Developing—Leaving an organization in better shape than when they found it and fosters a positive environment.
- Achieving—Centered on the mission: short term objectives and long term goals in pursuit of success.
Applying Military Skills
Many veterans already have solid project management experience—it’s just called something different. An easy way to translate military skills into construction management is to think of missions as projects. In the military, every mission or exercise is planned out with tasks that are a means to solve a problem. Military leaders and project managers use similar tactics and tools to balance time, cost, and quality. The advantage Valiant Group has is the experience of discipline, leadership, responsibility, and most importantly, purpose—all attributes that translate to successful project management.
A Win-Win Situation
Rapid advances in technology and communication have vastly changed the landscape of the construction industry so it is crucial to partner with a construction management company that possesses skills and methods to handle changes in the trade. The significance of clearly defined scope and agility is comparable in the military and project management. Valiant Group approaches each project and its respective tasks using military principles & competencies combined with proven methods of achievement.