Iceberg Effect in the Construction Industry: What We Don’t See Matters

The image of an iceberg is a powerful metaphor often used to describe the hidden complexities behind seemingly straightforward endeavors. This is particularly true in the building and construction industry, where what you end up seeing – the finished building – is just a small part of the whole story. Most of the real work and challenges in building and construction are not seen by most people, just like most of an iceberg is hidden under the water.

The Submerged Challenges

Beneath the surface lies the bulk of the iceberg, immense and unseen, representing the true scope of a construction project. It’s here in the depths where the complexities and the core efforts reside. The following elements are often overshadowed by the project’s success, yet they are integral to its realisation:

• Systems & Processes: Every successful build relies on robust systems and processes. These are the frameworks that ensure efficiency, quality, and safety throughout the lifecycle of a building and construction project.
• Compliance: Adhearing to building regulations and ensuring compliance to these tasks are well managed  and executed. There is no wriggle room in this space.
• Environmental Concerns: Sustainable construction practices and environmental stewardship are not just ethical choices but also often  legal requirements  that must be integrated into the project planning and execution.
• Negative Cash Flow: Financial management is a critical issue  that can undermine even the most well-planned construction projects. They require constant  vigilance and savvy accounting management.
• Leadership: The challenges faced by leaders in construction are immense. They must navigate multiple and complex  stakeholder relationships, workforce management, and the overall strategic direction of the project.
• Quality Advice: Investing in specialist advice is necessary to address the specific challenges faced in construction projects – quality advisors will help you avoid obstacles that you might not have the expertise to navigate on your own or haven’t seen before.
• Contract Administration: It’s one thing to negotiate a contract that works for you but the risks for builders if they don’t comply with terms of the contract and overarching legislation can be catastrophic.

The Unseen Effort

The left side below the waterline is equally important for individual members of the team. It includes the fear, doubt, and failures that are overcome, the self-reflection that fosters growth, the experimentation that leads to innovation, and the long hours and hard work that are invested without immediate reward. It is also about the bravery to take on large-scale projects with all their uncertainties.

The “Iceberg Effect” in building and construction projects tells us that the part of the work we can see is just a small piece of all the effort and challenges. It’s important to remember and value all the hidden work that goes into construction. There is a lot of effort that goes into building a beautiful building, but a lot of the hard work, sweat, and energy is below the waterline and can often be forgotten in the whirlwind. It’s important to have a strong planning process in place to best manage the project and to remember to keep going despite some of the challenges of the items below the surface.

As your business grows in building and construction, so does the complexity and level of risk. The Iceberg will only get bigger, and more items will be added below the waterline, so it’s important to be across it as the business evolves.

If you need a hand navigating what can be challenging waters in the building and construction game, don’t be afraid to reach out to a specialist – get in touch today.