In this episode, I talk with Cesar De La Garza, Senior Project Manager at Ghafari Associates, about how smart listening in project management drives better decisions, stronger project management leadership, and trust within teams, plus the mindset and adaptability behind top AEC project managers.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Cesar:
- What does smart listening in project management mean to you, and how can it help project managers avoid common mistakes and make better decisions?
- What are some practical ways you make sure you’re really understanding your clients or team members during important conversations?
- How do you help your team learn to listen better and communicate effectively in meetings with clients or stakeholders?
- In what ways has continuous learning for engineers helped you adapt and stay successful in the face of changing project challenges?
- Can you share a time when you worked on a project outside your comfort zone and how you turned that into a learning opportunity?
- How do you manage the different expectations from clients, technical teams, and your own personal life without sacrificing quality?
- What’s one of the biggest mistakes you see project managers make, and how can they prevent or overcome it?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Smart Listening in Project Management Builds Better Communication and Fewer Mistakes:
- Smart listening in project management means filtering out noise and focusing only on what adds value to the project. It helps project managers make better decisions and avoid wasting time on unrealistic ideas.
- Effective communication in AEC project management starts with learning the client’s background and terminology before a meeting. Repeating key points and asking for confirmation ensures everyone is aligned.
- Encourage the team to let others finish speaking and ask them to repeat their assignments to confirm understanding. Clear expectations and respectful communication in AEC project management improve how everyone works together.
- Continuous learning for engineers keeps professionals sharp and ready to handle changing tools, teams, and client needs. Every team member, regardless of age or experience, brings something valuable to the table.
- Working outside your comfort zone often highlights the real problem behind a project. Solving that problem with strong systems and process improvements creates meaningful impact.
- Balancing expectations requires a strong team, regular check-ins, and clear communication in AEC project management. Productivity and efficiency may adjust, but quality stays non-negotiable.
- Poor communication typically leads to confusion, delays, or missed goals. Setting clear expectations from the start and keeping everyone updated helps in avoiding project management pitfalls.
More Details in This Episode…
About Cesar De La Garza
I was born and raised in Mexico, in a small city about 200 miles south of the Texas border. Growing up, I learned the value of hard work, respect, and common sense principles that have guided me throughout my life. I earned my bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and administration, specializing in business administration and finance.
With around 35 years of experience, my career started even before I graduated in 1991. From my first professional job to today, I’ve always been passionate about the details because they drive quality, productivity, and efficiency in my work.
If I’m assigned a project outside my preferred scope, I approach it as an opportunity to innovate and adapt. I leverage my knowledge and resourcefulness to reframe challenges, aligning the work with my strengths to overcome any obstacles. This proactive mindset ensures that I consistently deliver high-quality results.
My family is my greatest motivation. Everything I do is driven by the desire to make them proud, just as I take pride in the example set by my parents, brothers, and sisters. Outside of work, I challenge myself physically and mentally, whether it is in the gym or solving puzzles.
Sources/References:
Ghafari Associates
Teams
Webex
Connect with Cesar De La Garza on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
Keynote Speaking
This Episode Is Brought to You By: School of PE
School of PE has been a leading provider of exam prep courses since 2004, helping thousands of professionals achieve licensure and certification in engineering, surveying, and project management. Taught by industry experts, their courses align with the NCEES CBT format and consistently deliver pass rates above the national average. School of PE is recognized as a top-rated provider, and they are committed to student success through expert instruction and high-quality materials. Visit http://www.schoolofpe.com/ for more details and to see how they can best help you achieve your professional goals. Specialties: FE Exam Review, PE Exam Review, Surveying, and PMP.
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