How to Speak Like a Site Manager When Meeting with Partners

Have you ever been in a meeting where you feel slightly out of your depth? That much happens even to the best of us. As former President of the United States Barack Obama once said - when you get into the room with people at the top levels, you realize they have just the same flaws as anyone else you’ve ever met. That might sound strange, and it certainly doesn’t feel like it in the moment, but it goes to show that if you have the means to learn with good humor and modesty, you can achieve a great amount.

That doesn’t help when you have to meet with a partner about a topic slightly out of your remit. Perhaps you’re filling in for someone, trying to learn more about a particular client working in an unfamiliar industry, or you just want to get the technical information correct. Either way, your willingness to look forward is a great boon.

In this post, we’ll discuss how to speak like a site manager when meeting with partners, so you can adequately relay information about any construction project.

Brush Up on Terminology

Getting comfortable with technical terms can at least help you feel a little less lost, though you can always ask for clarification if you need it. However, you might want to spend some time reviewing common terms for the types of projects you’ll be discussing. Understanding the terms people use when referring to foundation types, building materials, and waste industry terminology can help you feel more confident, and able to contribute. It’s a good idea to understand what certain abbreviations and acronyms mean as well, as it will enable you to avoid Googling immediately. Though of course, a cheeky few taps on your keyboard while someone else is speaking isn’t considered a faux pas in most modern meetings.

Ask Good Questions

Asking great questions shows you are engaged and curious. For example, you could ask for clarification on certain parts of a project plan or get more details about the timeline. People generally love talking about their work and appreciate it when you show a genuine interest in what they do, and also ask them to expand if they seem like they have more to give. Asking open-ended questions can encourage a more detailed and helpful response, which you may be able to relate to through other contextual info. This helps you get the information you need and builds a better rapport with partners.

Listen Carefully to the Answers

Listening is a skill that we generally think shows less of our value, but you’d be surprised. The general rule is to listen twice as much as you talk, and that can work well in meetings. Spend attentive focus on what the other person is saying so you can understand their perspective.

Also, it’s a hard ask, but try not to formulate your next question while they are speaking. Take mental notes of key points or ask them to repeat something if you need to. You could even summarize what you heard to confirm you understood everything correctly. This shows respect for their knowledge and ensures you have all the facts straight. You can bet that even people who understand 100% of the subject may not pay that kind of respect, and partners look fondly when you do.