A construction project management professional, who is also a graduate researcher at The Catholic University of America Washington DC, Adepeju Sanusi, has revealed the reason emotional intelligence (EI) is important at construction sites.
She said today’s fast-paced and multicultural construction industry was not just about steel, concrete and blueprints that made projects successful, adding that the role EI played at construction sites could not be overemphasised.
Sanusi lamented that although EI was powerful to construction, some site engineers and project managers often overlooked it.
She said: “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand, manage and respond to emotions. EI isn’t just a buzzword from business books. It comprises real, measurable competencies like self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation and social skills.
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“When construction professionals master these skills, they become better communicators, leaders and collaborators. Take communication for example, a project team that practises emotional awareness is better at recognising nonverbal cues, listening actively and adjusting their approach across cultural lines.
“It’s not about being soft, it’s about being smart. Teams with high El are better equipped to manage conflict, build trust and meet project deadlines under pressure. Research shows emotionally-intelligent managers are more likely to foster inclusive environments, resolve disputes and unite teams in stress environments.”
“These soft skills lead to hard results on job site where delay and budget overruns can cost millions. Still, El is not often emphasised in task-driven industries such as construction. Many believe efficiency, not empathy, drives outcomes. However, ignoring team dynamics’ emotional and cultural dimensions is a mistake.’’