I was reading through this month’s appointments section when something made me baulk.

Rok, that collection of small builders which prides itself on doing things differently, has appointed someone to be an ‘area leader’.

On investigation, it turns out that this is not something new for Rok. It has had ‘leaders’ in its hierarchy for a few years: area leaders, building leaders, maintenance leaders, construction leaders.

Do we have to call someone a leader for them to be a leader? No. But I suppose it does clarify what is expected. Leadership is a subject which is taxing many construction brains at the moment and it may not be long before we see other firms following Rok’s ‘lead’ on job titles.

There are job titles galore among this year’s winners of the Construction Manager of the Year Awards: project manager, site manager, construction manager, building manager, contracts manager. Different titles, very different projects, but all exhibit leadership qualities: openness and honesty; team-building; persuasion; calm in a crisis; single-minded; innovative; a motivator.

Our congratulations go to every one of the finalists, and in particular to the overall winner, Simon Byford of Sir Robert McAlpine, who oversaw the refurbishment of grade A-listed building The Mound, in Edinburgh.

Not leaders by name, but certainly leaders by nature.

This is our last issue before the end of the year we’ll see you again at the beginning of 2008. It’s a bit early to wish all our readers Happy Christmas, so perhaps we can wish you a successful ending to the year and a few decent days’ rest when the Christmas break finally comes.

Source

Construction Manager