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Introduction
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The skills
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Problem solving
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Teamwork
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Communication
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Adaptability
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Analytical
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Knowledge check
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Summary, resources, & what’s next?
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We want to hear from you!
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Conclusion
Professional & Soft Skills For Construction Management -- Construction Bootcamp (Part 13)
Develop crucial interpersonal and leadership abilities.
Instructor: Ben Ashburn
1 hour
Last reviewed 12/2025
Video Content
Course Description
This course will equip you with the critical attributes needed to excel in today's construction industry. It dives deep into the top five most-wanted skills: problem-solving, teamwork, communication, adaptability, and analytical skills. You will learn that problem-solving is central to construction, as managers constantly navigate issues like material delays, project changes, and labor challenges. Teamwork is crucial for coordinating many people on a job site, including specialty contractors, ensuring smooth collaboration and efficient work. Effective communication, both written and verbal, is also highlighted, showing how vital clear instructions are, like guiding a crane operator safely. You'll explore adaptability, a key skill for handling the daily changes and unexpected conditions that arise on construction projects, from new technology to weather shifts and flexible schedules. Finally, the course covers analytical skills, teaching you to evaluate project risks, review budgets, forecast schedules, and make data-driven decisions that keep projects on track.
By the end of this course, you will walk away with a strong understanding and practical examples of these tangible skills, positioning you as a highly sought-after professional ready for the demanding and dynamic construction industry.
Learning Objectives
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Define and discuss professional skills for management in construction.
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Name the top five soft skills employers look for in construction jobs.
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Describe how the top five soft skills are helpful on a construction project.
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Explain how the top five soft skills can be used on a construction project.
Prerequisites
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Learning Level: Beginner
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Prerequisite Knowledge: Completion of BIM.
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Recommended Knowledge: None.
Continuing Education Course Credits
Course Title: Construction Bootcamp
Course Number: PC-01-061825
Session Number: 1
Curriculum Group Name: AIA Providers
Credit: 12.5 AIA LU
Course Expiration Date: 06/24/2028
Procore's Continuing Education courses may qualify for continuing education credits with other professional organizations or fulfill state licensing requirements. If you are a member of a different organization, you can download your course completion certificate from your learning profile and report your completion yourself to the organization for potential credit. Please refer to the organization's continuing education requirements for course eligibility information.
AIA CES Provider statement
Procore Technologies is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40108059. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will this course prepare me for a successful career in construction management?
This course is specifically designed to equip you with the critical attributes needed to excel in the demanding and dynamic construction industry. It focuses on the top five professional development and soft skills that employers seek on a resume, which are prioritized significantly higher than technical skills by companies. By mastering these abilities, you will position yourself as a highly sought-after professional.
What specific "soft skills" will I learn, and why are they so important for construction specifically?
You will gain deep knowledge in problem-solving, teamwork, communication, adaptability, and analytical skills. These are crucial because the daily work of construction professionals, such as superintendents and project managers, relies heavily on solving problems; it's considered a key component of the job itself. Teamwork is critical due to the many different people on a job site who must interact to get work done effectively. Communication is essential for coordinating diverse teams and ensuring clear instructions, like guiding a crane operator who is completely blind to their load. Adaptability is vital because things change every day on a construction project, from new technology to unexpected site conditions. Finally, analytical skills are necessary to effectively solve problems, evaluate risks, manage budgets, and make data-driven decisions.
What's Next
Continue your learning journey
This course is part of the Construction Bootcamp Learning Path. Explore and complete the additional courses in the path below to complete your journey.
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Construction Bootcamp: Program Intro
View Course PageKickstart your learning journey with the Construction Bootcamp program.
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Construction Bootcamp: Construction Industry Overview
View Course PageUnderstand the construction landscape, structure, and key players.
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Construction Phases & Project Delivery Methods
View Course PageUnderstand how projects are organized and executed.
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Drawings & Specifications
View Course PageLearn to interpret essential project documents.
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Construction Contracts
View Course PageGrasp the foundational elements of construction agreements.
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Estimating & Bidding
View Course PageDive into the critical process of costing and proposals.
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Scheduling
View Course PageMaster techniques for effective project timelines.
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Quality, Safety, & Risk
View Course PagePrioritize excellence, manage hazards, and mitigate project risks.
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Contract Administration (RFIs & Submittals)
View Course PageNavigate essential project communications.
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Contract Administration (Financials)
View Course PageControl costs and manage project scope.
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Construction Site Operations & Project Controls
View Course PageUnderstand day-to-day site management and oversight.
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BIM
View Course PageAn introduction to modern construction technology.
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You are here!
Professional & Soft Skills For Construction Management
Develop crucial interpersonal and leadership abilities.
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Program Exam
View Course PageTest your knowledge with the final exam and explore pathways for continuous learning.
Related Resources
Instructors
Ben Ashburn
After a successful career as a construction estimator — working his way up from estimating manager to senior estimator — Ben has spent the most recent part of his career in construction sharing his skills with other as a construction educator. Ben has an extensive background in construction education: He has been an assistant professor in the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M, and lectured about estimating, scheduling, management, and other related construction topics at Murray State University. He has been a construction training and learning development partner with Procore since 2019.
Reviewers
Janine Trinidad
Janine Trinidad is a Construction Educational professional for Procore Technologies. In previous roles, Janine managed all phases of construction on hotel, mixed-use, and institutional projects in the San Francisco Bay area. She was responsible for negotiating contract budgets and change orders, managing RFIs and submittals, and overseeing quality control, among other duties. She is also a certified transformational coach with a focus on women-centered and trauma-informed methods. She is passionate about transforming the construction industry to be a healthier, more successful and welcoming place to work and believes technology and education are allies in doing so.
Dr. Irish Horsey
Dr. Irish Horsey is a seasoned expert in the construction industry with over 25 years of experience. Currently, she serves as the Director of Industry Advancement at Procore, while also teaching part-time at the Georgia Institute of Technology. A former Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State University, Dr. Horsey specializes in project management, workforce development, and diversity and inclusion in construction. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and a Master's in Construction Management. Her extensive industry experience and academic background make her a trusted leader in advancing best practices and innovative strategies in construction.