What the Olympics taught us about the E1 Construction Network
4 September 2024
Every four years, athletes from around the world gather to compete in the Olympics, showcasing not just their athletic prowess but also embodying lessons in persistence, strategy, and networking. These lessons are surprisingly applicable to the construction industry, given the complexities of tendering and project management. The E1 Construction Network, much like the Olympic games, provides a platform where excellence, connection, and strategic foresight come into play.
Communication is Key: The Raygun Reminder
In the Olympics, the difference between success and failure can often come down to clear communication. Consider a relay race where the baton pass symbolises the transfer of crucial information. A breakdown here can cost the team a medal, much like in construction, where failing to communicate effectively can mean subbies missing out on a tenders or main contractors missing out on securing the best subbies for the job.
However, missing one opportunity isn’t the end of the world. Take Raygun for example – she may not have won a medal in breakdancing but she’s gained a whole lot of media attention (something we may or may not be saying she was solely in the competition for).
Missing out on a tender provides you with learning opportunities to refine strategies and communication channels, and using a platform like E1 ensures that you have the right tool in place to do this efficiently.
The Importance of Persistence: Molly O’Callahan’s Lesson
Molly O’Callahan’s story in the pool is a testament to never giving up. Coming second in one race only fueled her to victory in the next. In construction, resilience is crucial. The E1 network supports this persistence by providing continuous opportunities to bid and secure projects, ensuring that companies can rebound and find success, even after initial setbacks.
It’s Who You Know: Learning from the Fox Sisters
Jess Fox and her sister, influenced by their gold-medalist canoeist parents, have shown that having the right connections can pave the way to success. Similarly, in construction, building a robust network through E1 can connect subcontractors not just to any project, but to the right projects, enhancing chances for success thanks to familial-like industry connections.
Finding Your Niche: Christopher Burton’s Strategy
Just as Christopher Burton excelled in the niche sport of Individual Equestrian, winning silver, subcontractors can thrive by finding their niche in the construction market. E1 helps subcontractors identify their strengths and align them with the right projects, ensuring that they don’t just compete, but compete where they can excel.
Investing in New Talent: The Young Prodigy’s Triumph
Arisa Trew, the 14-year-old who clinched gold in skateboarding, is a brilliant example of the rewards of investing in new talent. The E1 Construction Network allows you to source new talent, rather than always relying on talent from past projects. They might just surprise you…
The Olympic games remind us that success in any field isn’t just about what you do, but how you do it. With the E1 Construction Network, construction firms receive the support, connections, and tools necessary to navigate the competitive construction industry, pushing them to perform at their Olympic best.
