Why your teams can make or break data center project success
Delays cost millions, and the data center boom is unstoppable. Learn why high-performance teams hit milestones and how leaders can build them.
Data center construction is accelerating globally, and many projects still fall behind schedule or go over budget. With millions lost for every month of delay, the pressure is high. One area that can separate those that deliver from those that struggle? High-performance teams. In this article, JMJ’s Executive Director, Michael Levin, explores why team performance is a large factor in achieving data center milestones and how leaders can build teams that perform.
The data center boom
The data center industry is expanding at unprecedented speed. Global construction spend is set to reach $453 billion by 2033, with US investment doubling within the decade. Energy demand will rise to 1,500 TWh by 2035, requiring three to four times as many facilities by 2040 to keep pace with AI, IoT, and edge computing (BDC Network). For project directors and managers, this means delivering ever more complex builds against challenging deadlines.
The cost of team instability
Data center builds demand precision in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), engineering, commissioning, and integration. Yet two-thirds of operators report difficulties hiring and retaining employees, with nearly half losing talent to competitors.2 The fallout is significant:
- Cost overruns: €200–300M in losses for a €1B project (Kwant)
- Missed milestones: Scope creep and unclear roles slow progress
- Quality risks: Inconsistent teams compromise reliability
Success hinges on the right team, aligned from design to commissioning.” Camille Ford, Principal Consultant, JMJ
What high-performance project teams do differently
Delivering large, complex builds depends largely on how well people work together. The highest-performing project teams share some common traits:
- Early alignment: Owners, contractors, and vendors start with the same goals and a clear “one team” mindset
- Clarity of roles: Everyone knows what’s expected of them and of others, which reduces duplication and wasted effort
- Strong leadership: Leaders set direction, address conflicts quickly, and keep energy high when disruptions occur
- Structured routines: Regular check-ins, transparent dashboards, and open communication help teams track both progress and morale
- Retention focus: Skilled professionals stay engaged when they feel valued and supported, reducing costly turnover
High-performance teams are built through deliberate leadership matched with structures and clarity.” Michael Levin, Executive Director, JMJ
Proven results from hyperscale builds
When these practices are applied, projects consistently avoid costly delays and quality issues. In one €1B hyperscale build, better team alignment cut overruns, accelerated revenue, and created millions in value. Other projects have seen earlier milestone delivery and lower turnover, preserving expertise across the build cycle.
Preparing for the future of data center delivery
Future projects bring fresh challenges. By 2030, US data centers could consume 12% of national electricity (McKinsey). Talent pressures are also set to grow, with millions of new roles needed in the sector within the next few years. Applying proven approaches to alignment, leadership, and team resilience will be a differentiator between those who struggle and those who achieve.
Your competitive edge
With delays costing €10M+ per month and demand soaring, lean teams are your edge. Are your teams able to collaborate and deliver lean projects that consistently achieve high-performance results?
At JMJ, we’ve built our High-Performance Projects™ approach around these principles to help leaders worldwide turn pressure, complexity, and challenge into results.
Download our brochure or contact us to explore how we can help your team deliver your next data center project with confidence.