Building Better Relationships in Construction
This podcast series provides actionable strategies for construction professionals to elevate their business by prioritizing strong relationships. Emphasizing trust, transparency, and genuine connection as the foundation for success, the book introduces the "Relationship Bank Account," a framework for understanding how interactions build or erode goodwill. Based on the book: Building Better Relationships, a Guide to Enhancing the Customer Experience for Home Builders, Remodelers, and Construction Managers by Paul Schwinghammer
Building Better Relationships in Construction
The Power of Over-Communicating "What is"
Episode 6 of Building Better Relationships in Construction explores why over-communicating the present is the most powerful tool builders have. Alex and Sabrina explain that silence during uncertainty—like waiting on custom windows—creates anxiety, worst-case assumptions, and erodes trust. Drawing on Paul Schwinghammer’s book, they emphasize shifting from predicting the uncertain future to clearly stating what is known and what actions are being taken now. Frequent “non-update updates” (e.g., “I called the supplier this morning and will follow up tomorrow”) act as small deposits in a “relationship bank account,” building goodwill that can absorb bad news later. Practical tactics include: consistent scheduled updates (ideally calls, backed by emails), factual not fluffy information, always highlighting the next step, using multiple channels (texts, photos), immediate honesty about setbacks, and inviting questions to keep dialogue open. Done well, communication becomes less about certainty and more about maintaining trust and connection.