Staying Ahead of the Curve: The 5 Top Qualities for Site Supervisors in 2023

Site Supervisors are the ultimate multitaskers of any infrastructure project. They're not just responsible for overseeing activity on-site, but they also serve as the vital link between field and office teams.

So, it's no longer enough for Supervisors to simply have construction experience. In today's world, soft skills are just as important for ensuring the project runs smoothly and that the field teams are kept informed.

To be an effective site Supervisor, there are 5 qualities you must possess. Here they are:

1 - A Way With Words

A Supervisor must be able to communicate effectively - both in writing and verbally. They should be able to take the scope of a project and break it down into bite-sized chunks, while keeping everyone in the loop.

In addition, they should be able to motivate their team and handle any interpersonal issues that might arise.

2 - A Knack for Solving Problems

Site Supervisors have to be ready to deal with all sorts of challenges - technical, site access, and interpersonal.

There's no telling what might come up, so your Supervisor must be able to think quickly and logically to solve problems and minimise the impact on the project as a whole.

3 - Flexibility Is Key

Your Supervisor must be able to adapt and be flexible. They can't always predict what's going to happen on the job, so they must be able to come up with contingency plans.

For instance, if poor weather limits the ability to complete planned works, your Supervisor should work closely with their manager to amend the works and keep everyone informed of any changes.

4 - The Ability to Prioritise

Supervisors need to be able to prioritise their activities, assign plant and labour, and delegate tasks effectively.

They must also be able to take into account the skills and experience of their team members and estimate how long a job might take or how many people are needed.

5 - Tech-Savvy

The rail industry is embracing new technologies with great enthusiasm, but implementing new digital processes can be challenging.

Your Supervisor should be open to new technologies and quick to learn. They can champion new solutions among their team and make sure everyone is happy with the change.

In conclusion, while experience in construction is still important, Site Supervisors need more than that to succeed in their roles.

Soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, flexibility, prioritization, and technology, are becoming increasingly essential.

By possessing these qualities, Site Supervisors can help ensure that infrastructure projects are completed on time and to a high standard.

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