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Firms rarely miss goals because their teams lack the skills to do their jobs. They miss goals because they lack discipline under pressure.

In Part 2 of FMI’s 2026 Project Management Study, What High Performers Do Differently During Execution, we examine why some contractors consistently deliver predictable results while others experience execution chaos. 

Based on survey responses and interviews with 243 construction executives and 84 project managers across the United States, this research identifies three non-negotiables that separate high-performing contractors from the rest: 

  1. A Structured Operational Playbook
  2. Disciplined Change Order Management
  3. Accurate, Consistent Forecasting

This report gives construction leaders clear indicators to identify and actionable steps toward better project outcomes, profit margins, and schedule predictability.

Key Findings from Part Two

  • Nearly 90% of contractors report having a defined project management playbook, yet only 24% apply it consistently across projects.
  • Contractors with consistent change order processes meet or exceed schedules 80% of the time.
  • Firms with the most forecasting rigor hit their budgeted profit objectives 92% of the time.

If you want predictable profitability in an increasingly volatile environment, this study is a must-read.

Need a refresher before diving into Part 2? Revisit Part 1: Why Project Management Still Fails.