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
Be Strict, Then Give In
"Be Strict, Then Give In" technique from Paul Schwinghammer’s book, Building Better Relationships. This strategy helps construction professionals manage tense moments, such as picky drywall inspections, without damaging client trust.
The approach involves two steps: first, confidently stating professional standards to establish boundaries and expertise (the "strict" phase); and second, showing empathy by offering to fix the issue if it genuinely bothers the client (the "give in" phase). By doing this, builders validate the client's feelings while maintaining their authority. The hosts explain that this method transforms potential conflicts into opportunities to demonstrate care and flexibility. The episode concludes by noting that this balance of firmness and empathy fosters mutual respect and prevents small issues from escalating into major relationship problems.