By Wayne Snell, BOAT Vice President, City of Irving
In building safety, technical knowledge matters. It always will. A strong understanding of codes, construction methods, life safety principles, and enforcement authority is essential to the work. But technical knowledge alone does not fully explain why some Building Officials are respected, trusted, and ultimately more effective than others.
The most successful Building Officials often possess a set of quieter skills that receive far less attention. These are not the skills most likely to be listed on a certification transcript or highlighted in a training catalog, yet they often make the greatest difference in daily practice and long-term leadership.
One of those skills is judgment. Codes provide structure, but the work itself rarely unfolds in perfect black and white. Building Officials are often called upon to evaluate incomplete information, competing interests, unusual conditions, and emotionally charged situations. Knowing the code is one thing. Applying it wisely, consistently, and with sound judgment is another.
Communication is another quiet skill that separates strong professionals from merely competent ones. The role requires far more than issuing corrections or citing requirements. It requires the ability to explain decisions clearly, reduce confusion, de-escalate tension, and help people understand not only what is required, but why it matters. In many cases, the difference between conflict and cooperation comes down to how the message is delivered.
Professionalism also deserves greater attention. Building Officials work in environments where pressure can come from many directions, including contractors, owners, design professionals, elected officials, and even internal staff. Remaining steady, respectful, and impartial under pressure is not a minor trait. It is a defining one. Professionalism is often most visible when it would be easiest to abandon it.
Equally important is consistency. People may not always agree with a decision, but they are far more likely to respect one that is applied fairly and predictably. Consistency builds credibility within the organization and confidence in the community. Without it, even technically correct decisions can lose their effectiveness.
There is also the quiet skill of organizational awareness. Great Building Officials understand that their work does not occur in isolation. They know how to work across departments, when to coordinate, when to elevate an issue, and how to keep the larger public purpose in view. They understand that building safety is not just about enforcement. It is also about service, process, trust, and the responsible exercise of public authority.
Perhaps most overlooked of all is temperament. In a profession that often deals with deadlines, disagreements, and high stakes decisions, composure matters. The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and respond without ego is not just a personal strength. It is a professional asset.
As the profession continues to evolve, the conversation about what makes a great Building Official should evolve with it. Technical expertise remains foundational, but it is not the whole story. The quiet skills, judgment, communication, professionalism, consistency, awareness, and temperament, are often what turn technical knowledge into effective leadership.
They may not always be the loudest skills in the room, but they are often the ones that matter most.