Stop the "Blame Game"

In 2008 when I first bought PARAGON, we wanted to create an inclusive atmosphere where all the stakeholders in the project could be recognized, heard, and respected for their hard work. From the board room to those performing manual labor-based jobs, every individual in a construction project is critical for the project’s success. At PARAGON, we know fostering a culture of respect is paramount to the success of any projects.

This is where many companies would tell you that they have a patented or exclusive method, that will be shared with you only after you have hired us. We are not going to do that here. The fact is, every job relies on three main tenants to be successful: collaboration, communication, and integrity. These are easy words to say or write, but extremely difficult to execute on. Several companies have used these words in presentations or marketing material without actually displaying them in their actions. Walking the walk is so much more difficult than talking the talk.

Many professionals in the industry revert back to what I call “the blame game” as soon as the project gets tough. “If the architect would have completed his design…” “If the contractor would have followed the plans…” “If the owner would have had the right budget to begin with …” –I’ve heard every “blame game” excuse in the book. The truth is, no project has ever had the “perfect” set of drawings, or that every detail on the drawings were built exactly as they were intended. On every project, developers have had some kind of challenge to make the numbers work.

But, regardless of the inherent impossibility of perfection, there is a way for projects to be completed successfully. The real key to success is allow each member of the team be vulnerable. To create an environment where the entire team is allowed to not only achieve but also to make mistakes, and then own up to them. And, when those challenges arise, ALL pitch in to solve the problem, because each team member knows it’s only a matter of time before he or she too will need the help of the other member of the project team to find solutions. When that time comes, do you want to look to the person you just buried on the last issue for help? Will you have the integrity to admit you made a mistake and need help at all?

In the litigious environment we live in, we are told to assign blame, to shed risk, to point the finger. Unfortunately, when you blame others you only compound the problem. Think of this as a credit card account and each time there is a problem to resolve, it’s like a transaction. If you resolve it immediately then you pay little to no interest, no late fees, and you maintain a higher credit score with your team. If you don’t, you accrue interest, build up fees and charges, and lower your ability to borrow again from the team around you.

In 2019, as and industry, let's try to do more of the right thing and stop trying so damn hard to be right all the time.

Jeffrey L. Hall, CEO/President