Randi Lucas

Presentation: Off Script: Managing Crises on Construction Projects

Abstract: Our training as construction project managers prepares us to plan and execute projects in an organized, logical manner, according to a carefully thought-out schedule of activities. But what happens when a catastrophic event threatens the delivery of the project? Participants in this session will learn strategies for managing unexpected events on a project, from responding to the initial circumstances to recovering and finishing strong.

Key takeaways include:

  • Establishing order in chaotic moments
  • Marshalling resources – when how and whom to call
  • Communicating with the stakeholders when the news is bad
  • Establishing contingency plans for recovering
  • Following through and following up

Whether the initial crisis involves a natural disaster, failed systems or equipment, personnel matters, regulatory factors, environmental issues, other circumstances, or a combination of these, it is likely a defining moment in a project during which its manager must act swiftly.

Optimism is an asset in the very difficult business of managing construction projects. We embark on new projects with this sense of optimism and our can-do attitudes, the project well-planned, organized and the team set to perform. The ability to take effective action when things don’t go as planned, however, is just as critical to a successful project delivery–and to a successful career in construction project management.

PMI Talent Triangle: Leadership

Biography: With almost ten years of construction industry experience, Randi Lucas is a project manager with HITT Contracting Inc.  Randi joined HITT in 2015 as an assistant project manager, working on the largest projects in the company’s portfolio, and now leads projects of all sizes involving construction and renovation of healthcare and life sciences space. As such, Randi’s expertise ranges from ground-up construction of corporate headquarters and hospitals to renovations of historic structures, buildout of clinical tenant space, and more.  Randi is active in Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington and has been accepted to its 2020 Leadership Development Program.