Written by Sue Dyer, Founder, IPI   

In construction, one constant remains: change is inevitable. Whether it’s a scope adjustment, an unforeseen condition, or a decision made later than planned, change has the power to either derail a project or, if managed proactively, be absorbed with minimal disruption. For owners and contractors, learning how to anticipate and respond to change is one of the most important skills for keeping projects on track. 

This is where the Delta Factor comes into play. Research from the Construction Industry Institute (CII) shows that when a change occurs has as much impact on cost and schedule as the change itself. For example, if a significant change hits at 25% completion, recovery is still possible. But if that same change arrives at 75% completion, the odds of getting back on schedule drop dramatically. 

The Hidden Cost of Change 

CII also found that the amount of change matters. Projects with less than 5% total change usually finish ahead of plan, while those with more than 10% change often suffer from steep productivity declines. Even more striking: design-phase changes almost always carry into construction. If your design has 20% change, expect about 20% change in the field. That means poor design management can all but guarantee costly construction problems later. 

This gives project leaders an early warning system: if the design phase feels chaotic, take action before shovels hit the ground. 

Building Resilience to Change 

Since change is inevitable, the real question is: how well does your team adapt? The most successful teams aren’t those who avoid change, but those who are resilient in the face of it. Resilient people and teams tend to share five key traits 

• Positive – They see challenges as opportunities rather than threats. 

• Focused – They know what success looks like and keep their eyes on the goal. 

• Flexible – They adapt quickly when things shift. 

• Organized – They manage uncertainty with structured approaches. 

• Proactive – They lean into change instead of resisting it. 

Here’s a quick self-check exercise: 
Rate your team from 1 (low) to 5 (high) on each of these five traits. Where do you score strongest? Where do you need to grow? Use this as a starting point for discussion in your next project meeting. 

Partnering Makes the Difference 

The truth is, no single leader can manage the Delta Factor alone. Successful navigation requires a collaborative environment where owners, contractors, and all stakeholders share information openly, act early, and support one another in building resilience. This is exactly what Structured Collaborative Partnering is designed to create. 

At IPI, we’ve seen time and again that teams who practice collaborative partnering are far more effective at managing change and protecting project outcomes. 

If you want to take your skills, and your team’s skills, to the next level, explore the IPI Project Leader Certification Training. This program equips project leaders with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to guide their teams through uncertainty with confidence. 

Bottom line: Change is inevitable. But with the right mindset, proactive partnering, and the skills taught through IPI’s Project Leader Certification, owners and contractors can turn the Delta Factor into a powerful advantage, keeping projects on track, teams resilient, and outcomes successful.