
Qualities required to be a world class BIM Leader & Manager
Leadership is a niche quality and is rare to find. It is easier to become a manager with training but being an effective leader comes naturally. When you deal with projects it is important to manage properly but when you are dealing with human minds, you have to lead them. When we talk about Building Information Modeling and the technology, any individual who works has to be a Manager and leader both.
Virtual Construction Modelling is progressing fast and is no longer a luxury that some companies only believed in. Many Architectural and Construction Companies have shifted from CAD to BIM to avail the excellent benefits that this magnificent technology offers. Though many companies are still not very comfortable to utilize BIM Model, many big industry players are quite enthusiastic about incorporating it completely. Architectural and Engineering Firms, currently are struggling with seamless execution of BIM projects in the absence of a leader who can take responsibility of the overall project management. You can find a BIM Manager for sure, however finding a leader with key skill sets, HR skills and deep rooted domain expertise in all facets of virtual construction modeling such as BIM Modelling, BIM Coordination Modelling, Clash detection, Installation of components on site etc. is a bit difficult.
When there are many companies willing to opt for BIM, the need to professionals with experience of using Building Information Modelling also increases. There will be two types of requirements that arise, Architects and Engineers willing to execute and some people who are willing to Manage and lead these people. Companies who have begun BIM Implementation have subconsciously created the position of a BIM leader and Manager.
What is a role of a Manager in general? A Manager in general helps in managing a department or a project. A BIM Leader essentially will take care of all the Building Information Modelling projects including the quality checks, delivery schedule, work allocation, project phasing etc.
What are the main skill sets that make a BIM Manager successful?
Deep Domain Expertise: This is one of the primary qualities that a BIM Manager needs to have in order to become successful. It is important to have at least 5 to 6 years of experience in handling BIM projects. Ability to continuously upgrade the software versions, newer technologies, constant research on newer methodologies to execute project etc. needs to be predominant. Expertise in software such as AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD, Navisworks, Tekla etc. is mandatory. Expertise in providing end to end BIM solutions and simultaneously managing human resources is the key to success.
Interpersonal Skills: BIM is a collaborative process and requires support of various departments to ensure success. The BIM leader should be capable of getting all the departments together and ensure that the issues are resolved amicably. Also it is important to convey the issues in a manner it does not hurt the experience and self-esteem of any agency. There may be design changes required from Architectural or structural side and sometimes MEP calculations need to change. The interpersonal skills of the BIM Manager can play a vital role in getting clashes and interferences between model resolved quickly through a productive discussion.
Dealing with Stake owners: Dealing with stake holder is very important for any BIM Manager. To manage stake holder successfully there is a dire need of experience in the Building Information Modelling field.
Excellent Communication Skills: Communication skills is extremely essential to present our designs and BIM Model effectively. As discussed earlier, BIM is a collaborative approach and it demands high level ability to communicate with clients or stake holders. A BIM Manager with good communication skills is like an icing on the cake. Such an individual can strengthen the overall project management process in a company through effective communication.
Ability to Train: When a construction company or Architectural firm implements BIM, it impacts the overall cost and the budget of running the company. There will be subsequent need of hiring experienced BIM Leader along with experienced Architects and Engineers with good knowledge of BIM Modelling Services, Coordination process and overall principles of virtual construction Modelling. However, when we hire an experienced and expert BIM Manager to run the department, we can hire less experienced Architects and Engineers. If the manager is a coach and a mentor, he can train the team with skills and the technology well. Quality of being a coach and mentor will save hiring cost and resource maintenance cost in the long run. Less experienced people come at lower cost than experienced Architects and Engineers.
Time Management: BIM Manager should ideally spend 30% of his time in researching newer technology and training staff. It is also very important for the leader to analyze the overall project cost and identify the issues that can result in lower profitability. Rest of the time should be spent in training and development, quality checks, project productivity analysis, meetings etc. The BIM Leader in question should have great organizing skills and capabilities to become successful.
Conclusion:
We now have a fair idea of the skill sets that a BIM Manager should posess. Many Architectural firms, Construction companies etc. are still in a dilemma whether or not to invest in BIM. For companies who have already got into BIM, they certainly will need a Project Manager or a BIM leader to handle the Architects and Engineers. An excellent leader ensures seamless project execution, management, communication and collaboration between different teams and increases the growth prospects of the company.