Leadership in Construction

If you don't set people up to be successful, you can't be surprised when they fail.   

Here are my 6 steps to set people up to succeed with any task:  

1. Connect people with the purpose. "Why is the task worth my best effort?",  

2. Deliver a clear and concise message. It's the leader's responsibility to ensure the message is received. Deliver the message in several formats, visual, audio, written word,  

3. Agree what good looks like. Contextualise the desired outcome,  

4. Agree expectations. Expectations for time and quality. Agree expectations with the team before the Client,  

5. Arrange check-ins. So not to suprise anyone, agree when you are going to check-in on progress  

Finally...  

6. Identify and remove blockers that will hinder progress.  

I hope that you can really use these steps and feedback your experience.  I hope that this episode brings you value and if you like it, please subscribe and follow me on LinkedIn. 

The biggest mistake I have have ever made in my career was not listening to those who I led.   Very soon I was surrounded by people that had nothing to say and I was one of those managers who kept complaining 'Why do I have to everything myself!'.   It was simple, I just wasn't listening.   What I realised was that I had to put all my technical skill and knowledge that I had and possess to one side and focus my attention to the technical contribution of others.   When I put my technical knowledge to one side and focused on helping others, everything started to change. People started to trust that they could share their ideas and values and I would listen (and ask the occasional question or two) and not impose my own thoughts and ideas. People started to believe that they could solve problems on their own and it empowered people to make decisions.   I only give my suggestion and consult my technical knowledge when it's asked for.   I now value the contributions of others over my own, and the results are profound.  I hope you enjoy this Episode and it brings you value.

Season 2 Episode 1

As leaders we need to be in the 'helicopter' to be able to see what is coming up ahead, and see the progress of what has been made so far.   Leaders need to be able see pit falls and blockers coming up along the road. Leaders also need to see what the end looks like and hold that vision in their minds.  But seeing and knowing this is not enough. As leaders, we need to be able to communicate; The vision, the blockers, and the progress to our team.  In this episode I explain why communication of these things are essential to becoming a great leader!  With blockers, every leader needs to gather the information and disseminate the information to the team. Leaders may not have all the answers, but the collective team can solve anything. Therefore it is essential for leaders to communicate to their team what blocks are coming that may hinder progress.  Leaders also need to communicate the vision of what is trying to be achieved, and connect that to the day-to-day activities of the team and why what they are doing contributes to further their cause. This helps to inspire the team.  Leaders need to be able to recognise and communicate the progress to the team. Explaining where we started, and how far we've come. Celebrating the wins and learning from our failures.  I hope you enjoy this Episode and tune in next week for the second episode!

This the Final Episode of Season 1 of the Leadership in Construction Podcast.   Soon There will short videos of specific leadership issues, and again, in November 2021, interviews with amazing and fantastic people will resume.  I want to thank all that listen, watch and support the Podcast and I hope that it brings you value.  In this episode I am joined by Brandi Davey, Paul Unwin, and Patricia Haywood, each an amazing guest from season 1. In this episode we answer questions from you the listeners and viewers.   I hope you enjoy and continue to enjoy the future content to come.

Leadership in Construction Episode #022 In this Episode I am joined by David Stitt a Leadership Coach from DSA Building.  In this episode with talk about coaching for results, how conversations are effective form of leadership and coaching, and how important it is for leaders to inspire.

Leadership in Construction Episode #021 In this Episode I am joined by Jonathan Thorns, an Architect from Lincolnshire UK!   Jonathan has a long history of mentoring students at University and helping with their steps into the construction industry.  With Jonathan, we discuss how mentoring can be effective in helping to develop others and their development within the sector!

Leadership in Construction Episode #020 In this Episode I am joined by Thilan Legierse, an executive coach from Austrailia.   Lets face it, accidents happen, misunderstandings are common, and good communication is rare.  Conflicts and disputes should be expected and not avoided.  Our relationship with conflict damages our ability to resolve conflicts amicably and retain good relationships.   Sweeping issues that arise under the carpet only serves to fuel conflicts and disputes.  When we expect conflict and manage our attitude towards conflicts then our ability to resolve the conflict is much more successful.   Being open and honest helps us to build trust and create an environment where people feel safe enough to make mistakes without judgement and ridicule. Accepting that people will make mistakes helps us to release control and support those who need it when they need it.  This week, on the Leadership in Construction Podcast, I am joined by Thilan Legierse as we discuss conflict resolution and how trying avoid conflicts can be more damaging.

Leadership in Construction Episode #019 In this Episode I am joined by Charles Buchanan, a Clinical Professor of Leadership at the Ohio State University.  With Charles, we discuss the role of technology plays in the training of the next generation of leaders and the importance of self-reflection.

Leadership in Construction Episode #018 In this Episode I am joined by Alex Slavenburg, Author of the book "Leading with a Smile".  With Alex, we discuss the importance of paying attention to the people you lead and caring for them.   We also talk about the "Three hats of Leadership" and "Walk the Talk" from his book.