Construction lacks visible leadership, shows research

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has exposed a worrying lack of leadership within the construction industry.

Research conducted by the CIOB showed that more than 650 directors and managers in the construction industry - many of who work for companies employing in excess of 500 people - were unable to name any influential leaders in the industry.

When asked to name the person they felt was most influential within the construction industry, most respondents replied “none” or “don't know”. In addition, “the government” was rated as the fifth most influential leader, signifying a lack of clear construction leaders.

Of the individual leaders mentioned, only one among the five most commonly named was a practising construction industry professional.

Chris Blythe, chief executive of the CIOB, said: “For successful organisations, leadership is just as important as having good management, and there is a difference between being a leader and being a manager.”

However, he said that while the research indicates a lack of recognisable leaders, when asked how good a leader they considered themselves to be, 90% of respondents rated themselves as above average or excellent.

“We know there is a great deal of untapped leadership potential out there,” said Blythe. “But from their own view, they are not having their leadership skills improved in the right way.”

The research suggests that construction companies are failing to provide adequate development of leadership potential. This is particularly evident within larger companies, where 18% are not progressing their leaders in any way, and 45% do not have a formal succession plan or leadership strategy.

Blythe said that, while many companies offer financial incentives to develop leadership, only 8% of respondents considered money effective in developing leadership potential.

Ray O'Rourke, chairman and chief executive of Laing O'Rourke, received the second-highest ranking for his ability to get results, vision, passion and ambition. Sir Michael Latham was noted for his ability to influence, his vision and his ability to get results. Sir John Egan scored highly for his ability to get results, his revolutionary approach to the industry, and his ability to influence.

Nelson Mandela was considered to be the greatest leader outside the construction industry (past or present); followed by Sir Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Sir Winston Churchill and Baroness Margaret Thatcher.