What Every GC Should Teach Their PMs (But Doesn't)

Gil Rosa
Jun 16
2 min read

A Modern Project Manager Starter Kit from the GRPM Field Leadership System

Excerpt:

You can't scale a construction business with project managers who are just professional fire extinguishers. They need tools, not just to react but to lead. Here's what most GCs never teach their PMs (but should).

The Real Problem

Most PMs are thrown into the deep end with vague job descriptions and one unspoken rule: "Keep the job from blowing up."

They're not trained. They're tested.

But you can't build consistent, profitable projects by leaving your PMs to figure it out as they go.

If you want to stop schedule slippage, miscommunication, and costly mistakes, you need to give your PMs a system.

The GRPM Field Leadership Starter Kit

Here's what your PMs need on Day One (and most never get):

1. The Clarity Map

Define exactly what "done" looks like on the contract, the plans, and in the field.
Use a Preconstruction Scope Alignment Session with subs and supers to kill ambiguity before it grows teeth.

2. The Weekly Rhythm System

Daily huddles. Weekly look-ahead. Friday recap emails.
The rhythm should run the job, not the PM's adrenaline.
Teach them to lead with calendars, not a crisis.

3. The Trade Partner Brief

PMs should run onboarding with new subs like a commander with new troops.
Set expectations for communication, site behavior, paperwork, and change order protocols before the first shovel hits the dirt.

4. The RFIs, Submittals, and Scope Guardrails

PMs must understand how to protect scope and own process flow.
Teach them that paperwork is a weapon against chaos, not a chore.

5. The Chaos Protocol

Not everything goes right. That's not the issue.
Do your PMs know how to stabilize a spinning job?
Teach them the 3-Part Chaos Protocol:
1. Pause the bleeding.
2. Re-anchor the schedule.
3. Communicate like a surgeon, clearly, calmly, and in charge.