Leading with Purpose
Jatin Bassi
Chief Operations Officer
Evos Buildcon Pvt. Ltd.
Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge,” says Simon Sinek, a principle embodied by Jatin Bassi, COO at Evos Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. His leadership journey transformed when he moved from the contractor side to the developer side in a tier-2 city, reshaping his understanding of organisational success. This new role brought substantial responsibilities, requiring him to streamline operations and navigate a diverse team of both new hires and seasoned employees. Jatin realised that true success is not just about processes but cultivating strong people skills and a collaborative environment. In his first six months at Evos Buildcon, he focused on building a core team, conducting a maturity assessment of the workforce, and enhancing teamwork and accountability. His hands-on approach established a solid operational foundation while emphasising the importance of calmness during adversity and ownership of challenges. Through this experience, Jatin’s leadership style evolved to prioritise people and teamwork. He believes empowering individuals and fostering an inclusive culture is crucial for longterm success. Today, Jatin leads Evos Buildcon with a commitment to collaboration, quality manpower, and nurturing a strong, unified team. He shares more about his journey in conversation with TradeFlock.
How has your leadership style evolved in managing complex projects across geographies?
Over the years, my leadership style has evolved into a more persuasive, collaborative, and communicative approach. Initially, my focus was on task completion and strict project control. However, managing complex construction projects across diverse geographies taught me the value of flexibility and inclusiveness. I’ve learnt that success comes from understanding local nuances, fostering open communication, and building strong relationships with teams and stakeholders. By embracing these styles, I’ve created an environment where ideas are shared, decisions are well-reasoned, and everyone feels involved. Additionally, leveraging technology and data-driven tools has allowed me to manage projects more efficiently, ensuring alignment and transparency across all levels.
What strategies ensure timely and budget-friendly delivery of complex construction projects?
With 14 years in the construction industry, I’ve developed strategies to ensure complex, innovative projects are delivered on time and within budget. Thorough planning and risk assessment help identify potential challenges early. Leveraging technology enhances collaboration, while a strong core team fosters innovation. Regular communication keeps everyone aligned, and client involvement builds trust, ensuring the final deliverable matches their vision. I also prioritise continuous improvement through post-project reviews to refine processes for future projects. These combined strategies enable successful and timely project delivery, driving excellence in every endeavour.
How do you manage risks in culturally and regulatorily diverse projects?
In projects with significant cultural and regulatory differences, my risk management approach is comprehensive and adaptable. I begin with a detailed risk assessment, addressing financial, technical, cultural, and regulatory aspects. Understanding local cultural nuances is crucial, so I build relationships with local experts and stakeholders to align our project with their perspectives. To navigate regulatory differences, I work closely with legal teams to ensure compliance and foster connections with local authorities for smoother operations. Flexibility is key; I remain adaptable to adjust our strategies when unexpected challenges arise. Regular risk reviews and continuous feedback help us make timely adjustments. I also prioritise team training on cultural sensitivity and regulatory awareness, empowering them to handle local challenges effectively. This approach mitigates risks, strengthens partnerships, and enhances project success across diverse environments.
What challenges arose in your transition from project manager to leader of cross-functional teams?
Transitioning from a project manager to a leader overseeing cross-functional teams and business development presented several challenges. A significant shift was moving from task-focused execution to strategic, big-picture thinking. Managing diverse teams necessitated building trust and understanding each member’s strengths and perspectives, fostering collaboration, and creating a unified vision. Balancing operational duties with business development was another challenge. I concentrated on cultivating relationships with partners, vendors, and stakeholders, aligning projects with market needs while enhancing our offerings. Open communication and active engagement were crucial in maintaining these connections. Collaborating closely with HR ensured the right talent was onboarded and developed, supporting team morale and growth. Over time, adaptability, strategic thinking, and clear communication became essential in overcoming these challenges, allowing me to evolve into a leader capable of driving both operational and business success.
How do you ensure a seamless client experience in construction projects?
Ensuring a seamless and transparent client experience in construction is essential for building trust and long-term partnerships. At Evos Buildcon, I prioritise clear communication from the project’s inception. In our first meeting, we set realistic expectations, outline the project scope, and establish a schedule for regular updates to keep clients informed. Our dedicated CRM team serves as the primary contact, addressing queries promptly for personalised service. Transparency is key; we involve clients in decision-making and use project management tools for real-time progress tracking. Post-project feedback sessions refine our services and strengthen client relationships. This approach ensures a positive experience, aligning with our commitment to delivering lasting homes.
What inspires you in your field, and how does it shape your leadership?
I find inspiration in books and podcasts about leadership and innovation. Engaging with thought leaders expands my perspective and enhances self-awareness. By sharing insights and fostering open discussions, I cultivate a culture of continuous learning at Evos Buildcon, driving innovation and empowering my dynamic team to thrive.