Article 13: Building a Strong Foundation: Key Insights for Developing an Engineering Company in Sri Lanka

In the fast-paced world of business, decision-making speed and precision are crucial for success. However, in the realm of engineering, technical expertise is equally vital. The foundation of a successful engineering company lies in having a capable and motivated team, all working towards a clear and common goal.

A significant challenge that many engineering businesses face is prioritizing leadership while overlooking the team’s technical competence. During interviews, candidates often meet only the bosses or owners, without any interaction with the team they’ll work with. Unfortunately, this can lead to joining a team that lacks the necessary technical skills and relies more on office politics than actual expertise. Such dynamics can severely hinder the company’s growth and reputation.

The approach to project acquisition is another critical factor. Some companies make the mistake of chasing after projects before building a solid team. This often results in the owner or lead engineer being forced to wear multiple hats—engineer, designer, project manager—essentially managing the entire project alone. Not only does this stretch resources thin, but it also compromises the quality and timely delivery of work.

Moreover, taking on projects for which your team is not competent is more than just risky—it’s ethically wrong. Doing so puts both the client and the engineer on the other side in a difficult position. The consequences of such decisions can lead to substandard work, missed deadlines, and strained professional relationships. To avoid this, one effective strategy is to verify the credentials of the team in advance before awarding projects. Ensuring that the team has the necessary skills and experience not only protects the integrity of the work but also fosters trust and long-term partnerships.

In engineering, much like in the creation of the Taj Mahal, no single person can achieve greatness alone. It’s the collective effort of a skilled and cohesive team that transforms vision into reality. For Sri Lankan engineering companies, the priority should be clear: Build a competent and technically proficient team before pursuing projects. This approach, while requiring an initial investment of time and resources, reduces risks and ensures that the company is prepared to deliver excellence from the outset.

Owners and leaders must recognize that the key to success lies in assembling the right team first. With the right people in place, not only can projects be won, but they can also be delivered with exceptional quality. It’s a strategy that may seem risky at first, but it’s one that will pay off in the long run, establishing a strong foundation in Sri Lanka’s competitive engineering market.