Question

1. Talking to on-campus recruiters, strong leadership skills is the most frequently mentioned attribute sought in college graduates. Discuss the importance of leadership to the effective management of construction projects. What differentiates management and leadership? What makes a good leader? Share an example of good or bad leadership that you have personally experienced. Lastly, where do you stand in your personal growth as a leader? What skills do you seek to improve before graduation?

Answer 1

Answer 1)

Leadership is a very important aspect when it comes to construction projects because of various reasons. They are-

1. Construction projects are of long durations and hence to complete the project on time and with all due requirements of the project fulfilled, it requires somebody to take the leadership and take the project to its expected completion.
2. Since construction projects are complex and involve a lot of executional direction, a leader is required to carry these responsibilities.
3. Leadership is the only attribute that can lead a group of people to work in as a team and with harmony towards a common goal.
4. A leader strives to have a vision for the project without which the project cannot be started.
5. A leader is a constant source of motivation for the people working in the project.

Answer 2)

The major difference between management and leadership is that management involves the actual tasks involved the project i.e planning, scheduling, regulating controlling and leadership involves only the visionary skills such as setting goals, recognizing skills of resources, motivating people, and giving them right direction.

Answer 3)

A good leader is recognized by the following skills:-

1. He should be optimistic.
2. He should have good problem solving skills.
3. He should motivate his team in any situation.
4. He should have a vision for himself and others.
5. He should be a good orator.
6. He should be supportive to his team.

Answer 4)

My college had an inter-college debate competition event and I was the head of the student committee. I managed the whole event by myself. I set out responsibilities for each task to one person each and made sure that they fulfiilled their responsibillity well in time. The participating teams were given their registration tokens and a token ID. They were served refreshments by my team. The event was started on the set time. But, there happened to be a power cut during the event.  I patiently handled the situation by calling the electricians and got it fixed. The event was a success.