Crucial Conversations

Crucial Conversations is a very influential book which actually saw its first printing in 2002. The authors claim that “the heart of almost all chronic problems in our organizations lie in crucial conversations.” They assert that 80% of projects requiring cross-functional cooperation – that’s pretty much any construction project, isn’t it? – will cost MORE and produce LESS than forecast. Furthermore, they say they can predict with 90% accuracy which projects will fail – primarily due to people’s inability or reluctance to hold five specific crucial conversations. That’s attention grabbing, isn’t it?

Please tune in this week as Wayne defines what a crucial conversation is, gives examples, and gives three construction-specific instances where crucial conversations could make a difference. What do you think? Can anyone in your company hold anyone else accountable? Does your culture allow for that? If not, what might the costs be? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.

A new class of The Contractor Business Boot Camp begins in Dallas in March 2025. Give your rising leaders the opportunity to learn the skills they will need to run a successful construction business from industry experts and peers alike. Contact Charlotte at ckopp3@performanceconstruction.com to find out more.