Coaching the site manager: effects on learning and managerial practice

Coaching has emerged as a potentially powerful leadership development approach, capable of effectively blending theoretical knowledge and practical skills in onsite training. To date, little research on the use of coaching in the construction industry has been published and the coaching literature is primarily written by coaches with vested interests. In addition, there are a limited number of critical and empirical evaluations of the approach. A year-long action research coaching project in the Swedish construction industry shows that site managers participating in the coaching programme developed skills for reflecting on their work life situation, improved their communication, and became better equipped for seeing a broader range of perspectives in their work. In addition, the coaching programme opened up new discussions in the construction projects, which benefited further communication. The overall reception of the coaching programme was enthusiastic. While coaching does not come without costs and efforts, it may serve as a leadership development approach capable of helping site managers develop their leadership skills, cope with work-family conflicts, and improve their communication.