For Boss’s Day, we’re highlighting a key question: What makes a great Construction Superintendent in the office and the field? From effective leadership to problem-solving, a Superintendent’s impact on a project is significant. Our team sees these qualities firsthand in our own Superintendents, who consistently lead with skill and dedication. Hear from our team on what they believe defines strong leadership on-site.

Q: What makes a good Construction Superintendent?

Strong Communication Skills:

A great Superintendent is able to clearly convey goals, updates, and expectations to the team, subcontractors, and stakeholders, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
They also facilitate open communication, encouraging feedback and addressing any concerns or changes promptly.

Karl Sonntag, our Project Estimator, credits Israel Dominguez for displaying the skills of an incredible Superintendent. Karl said an excellent Superintendent has “good communication and persistence. They possess a willingness to keep doing it!”.

Leadership:

They motivate and inspire their team, setting a standard of excellence by leading through action.
Great leaders also resolve conflicts, delegate tasks effectively, and create a productive work environment that emphasizes safety and quality.

When asking our Director of Construction, Shea Mirtsching, this question his immediate answer was simple, “complete ownership”. He highlighted the excellence of this trait in the way Israel Sr., a Superintendent for AO SERVICES, displays this during commercial drive utility projects. Shea stated, “He shines within site coordination, looking out for the client and our team. He streamlines and navigates the scope of the project, marrying it all together and ensuring all goals are met”.

Problem-Solving Ability:

The ability to quickly identify, assess, and resolve issues as they arise is essential to keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
They approach problems with a solutions-focused mindset, whether it’s dealing with delays, weather conditions, or unexpected changes.

Project Manager, Danny Bowers, stated a great Superintendent is “someone who has a superb, full circle understanding of what needs to be done. They fully understand the work that needs to be completed.”.

Attention to Detail:

A keen eye for detail helps ensure that quality standards are met at every stage of the project, reducing the need for rework.
They are diligent in monitoring safety protocols, compliance with regulations, and the overall workmanship of the project.

When we asked our Corporate Services Manager, Sammy Ramirez, commonly known as Safety Sammy around the office, for his thoughts, he replied a great Superintendent is “someone who cares just as much, if not more, about putting safety first before production. Great Superintendents listen to their people and do not hesitate to take action when they need something.”.

Adaptability:

Great Superintendents remain flexible, adjusting plans when faced with unforeseen challenges or changing project requirements.
They maintain composure under pressure and stay focused on finding ways to move the project forward despite setbacks.

Ryan Gaddy, a Project Manager for AO, explained that a great Superintendent is “someone who thinks and plans ahead, communicating well with all involved in the project. To be a great superintendent is to be forward thinking.”.

These traits help Superintendents lead their teams effectively and ensure the success of construction projects.

After hearing from our team, it is clear that exceptional leadership makes a great Superintendent. We are lucky to have those individuals on our team. On this Boss’s Day, we celebrate them and share our thanks for all they do. Happy Boss’s Day to all the wonderful Bosses and great leaders out there!