Management Under Construction

remote work, employer perspective, employee perspective, productivity, hybrid work, communication, trust, onboarding, work-life balance, job seekers

Management Under Construction podcast, Dee Davis explores the multifaceted world of remote work from both employee and employer perspectives. The discussion highlights the benefits and challenges of remote work, including productivity, communication, and the importance of trust. Dee emphasizes the need for employers to adapt to the changing landscape of work, particularly as job seekers increasingly prioritize remote options. The conversation concludes with a call for supervisors to enhance their management skills to effectively lead remote teams and embrace hybrid work models.

Takeaways

Remote workers save significant time and money by avoiding commutes.
Job seekers prioritize remote work options over work-life balance.
Many new employees feel disconnected and undervalued when working remotely.
79% of managers believe remote teams are more productive.
Trust and communication are crucial for managing remote teams.
Companies can save substantial costs by reducing office space.
Not everyone prefers remote work; some miss in-office interactions.
Employers must adapt to attract top talent in a remote work environment.
Supervisors need to improve their skills for managing remote employees.
Flexibility in work arrangements benefits both employers and employees.

Chapters

00:00 The Remote Work Landscape
04:56 Employer Perspectives on Remote Work
09:58 Challenges of Managing Remote Teams
14:44 The Future of Work: Hybrid Models
18:12 Conclusion: Embracing Flexibility in Work

contract labor, independent contractors, hiring challenges, staffing solutions, project-based work, employment trends, workforce flexibility, contractor advantages, recruitment strategies, business transitions, podcast, construction, management, fractional, human resources, personnel, manpower; hiring

 In this episode of Management Under Construction, Dee Davis discusses the value of independent contractors and how they can help businesses navigate staffing challenges. She emphasizes the growing trend of independent contractors and addresses common concerns employers have about hiring them. The conversation highlights the advantages of independent contractors, including their ability to start quickly and the flexibility they offer. Dee also provides insights on how to effectively fill long-open job requisitions and the differences between hiring independent contractors and full-time employees.

Takeaways

Contract labor can help overcome staffing hurdles.
Independent contractors are skilled professionals, not just temps.
The market for independent contractors is rapidly growing.
Independent contractors can start working quickly without extensive onboarding.
Hiring independent contractors can be more cost-effective than full-time employees.
It's important to critically assess job requisitions that remain open for too long.
Interview processes should be engaging and not rely on automation.
Hiring an independent contractor can be a temporary solution, not necessarily a long-term commitment.
Communication and honesty are key when working with independent contractors.

difficult people, workplace conflict, leadership, communication, project management, difficult coworkers, difficult clients, difficult bosses, conflict resolution, personal growth

In this episode of the Management Under Construction podcast, host Dee Davis shares personal experiences dealing with difficult people in the workplace, including challenging coworkers, clients, and bosses. Through storytelling, Dee reflects on lessons learned and offers insights into handling such situations more effectively. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, delegation, and self-awareness in navigating workplace conflicts.

Takeaways

Dealing with difficult people is a common experience in the workplace.
It's important to set boundaries when helping others with their workload.
Micromanagement can lead to frustration and inefficiency.
Having direct conversations early can prevent escalation of issues.
Understanding that difficult behavior often stems from the individual's own issues can help in not taking it personally.
Maintaining professionalism is crucial, even in challenging situations.
Recognizing the difference between personal and professional conflicts is key.
Leadership should foster a supportive environment, not one of fear and humiliation.
It's essential to learn from difficult experiences to improve personal leadership skills.
Sometimes, the best option is to remove oneself from a toxic environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Difficult People
06:16 Dealing with a Difficult Client
09:41 Navigating a Challenging Boss

leadership development, women in construction, transformational leadership, coaching, networking, career advancement, Andrea Janzen, Ambition Theory, construction industry, empowerment,  women in leadership, business growth, challenges, mentorship

In this episode of the Management Under Construction podcast, host Dee Davis welcomes Andrea Janzen, founder of Ambition Theory, a leadership development company focused on the construction industry. They discuss the unique challenges women face in this traditionally male-dominated field and how Andrea's journey into coaching was largely unplanned. Andrea shares her background in marketing and how her experiences led her to coaching, particularly for women in construction. She emphasizes the importance of transformational leadership, which contrasts with the more common transactional leadership style prevalent in the industry. Andrea's workshops, such as 'Reignite Your Ambition,' aim to empower women by helping them identify their motivations and align them with opportunities in their careers.

The conversation delves into the systemic barriers women encounter in leadership roles, including the double bind of needing to be both confident and not perceived as bossy. Andrea highlights the importance of networking and collaboration, especially in the construction industry, where relationships can significantly impact project success. They also touch on the importance of self-awareness and strategic thinking for women looking to advance in their careers. Andrea shares insights on her business journey, including the challenges of scaling her coaching practice and the lessons learned from past failures. The episode concludes with Andrea offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and women seeking to enhance their leadership skills.

Takeaways

Transformational leadership invites collaboration and recognizes individual strengths.
The construction industry often follows a transactional leadership model.
Women face unique challenges in leadership roles, including the double bind.
Networking is essential for business growth and finding opportunities.
Scaling a business requires a clear process and understanding of the target audience.
Mistakes are part of the entrepreneurial journey and provide valuable lessons.
It's important to commit to decisions and avoid wobbling in business strategies.
Women are often socialized to be collaborative, which can hinder their advancement in male-dominated industries.
Finding the right partnerships can enhance business growth and opportunities.
Self-awareness and strategic thinking are crucial for leadership advancement.

Chapters

00:00 Transformational Leadership in Construction
09:35 The Journey into Coaching and Construction
19:48 Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership
29:20 Networking and Building Connections
39:16 Scaling a Coaching Business
49:09 Lessons Learned from Failures
58:41 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Building Better Report

https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/ 

Ambition Theory: https://ambitiontheory.com/ 

Ambition Theory Podcast: https://ambitiontheory.com/the-ambition-theory-podcast/ 

Ambition Theory Leadership Accelerator: 

https://ambitiontheory.com/leadership-accelerator-for-women-in-construction-sign-up/

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

NEF Block Kids, construction education, NAWIC, youth competition, creative thinking, career in construction, Dee Davis, NAWIC Education Foundation, construction industry, educational opportunities, K-12 education, professional development

Host Dee Davis introduces the NEF Block Kids Competition, a unique event that engages children in creative and critical thinking through construction-related challenges. The competition, supported by the NAWIC Education Foundation, aims to inspire young minds and promote the construction industry as a viable career path. Dee shares insights into the competition's history, its impact on participants, and the educational opportunities provided by NEF for both children and adults.

Chapters

www.nef-edu.org

https://nef-edu.org/k-12-and-college/block-kids/

https://www.nawicdenver.com/

https://nawic.org/

NAWIC - National Association of Women in Construction

NEF - NAWIC Education Foundation

ACCE - American Council for Construction Education

www.dcmg.us

[email protected]

www.yspe.co

[email protected]

entrepreneurship, self-sabotage, fear of success, scaling business, customer interactions, self-employment, business advice, side gig, cinnamon rolls, tacos, business, women in business, 

In this conversation, Sandra Gonzalez shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her businesses, Sandra's Sweet Rolls and Sandra's Street Tacos. She discusses the challenges of self-sabotage, the fear of success, and the importance of finding a market for her products. The conversation also covers the realities of self-employment, customer interactions, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Self-sabotage often stems from deep-seated beliefs about self-worth.
The fear of success can be just as paralyzing as the fear of failure.
Identifying a consumable product can lead to a more sustainable business model.
Scaling a business requires trial and error and understanding your audience.
Customer interactions can be challenging, but handling them with grace is crucial.
Self-employment offers flexibility but comes with financial uncertainties.
Building a business takes hard work and dedication, especially in the beginning.
It's important to have a financial safety net when starting a business.
Networking and finding your community can significantly impact your business success.
There is no shortcut to success; it requires consistent effort and resilience.

Chapters

00:00 Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Fear of Success
07:31 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: From Side Gig to Success
15:40 Scaling a Business: Lessons Learned
23:19 Navigating Customer Interactions and Challenges
31:28 The Realities of Self-Employment
39:09 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Links:

5-9 Dolly Parton Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GWFO3zcJkM

 Sandra's Contact Information:

https://sandrassweetrolls.com/

https://sandrassweetrolls.com/sandras-street-tacos

 Mara Meets Sandra's Sweet Rolls Children's Book:

https://a.co/d/7Vn1t8r

Crisis Management, PR Communication, Social Media, Brand Trust, Internal Communication, Crisis Planning, Construction Industry, Transparency, Employee Engagement, Training

In this conversation, Dave Oates discusses the critical importance of crisis communication for businesses, particularly in the construction industry. He emphasizes the need for proactive planning and effective internal communication to navigate crises successfully. The role of social media in shaping public perception and the necessity of building brand trust before a crisis are also highlighted. Oates shares insights on handling major incidents, the balance between transparency and legal concerns, and the value of training for crisis management. Ultimately, he advocates for organizations to invest in crisis preparedness to protect their reputation and maintain operations during challenging times.

takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Crisis Moments in Business
02:56 The Importance of Crisis Communication Planning
05:53 The Role of Social Media in PR
08:45 Building Brand Trust Before a Crisis
11:46 Effective Internal Communication Strategies
14:51 Handling Major Incidents and Accidents
17:37 The Balance Between Transparency and Legal Concerns
20:40 Training for Crisis Management
23:38 The Value of Proactive Communication
26:37 Conclusion and Resources for Crisis Preparedness

Contact Dave:

www.publicrelationssecurity.com

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidoates/

Management Under Construction, Dee Davis, Brad Wyant, questions game, French food, engineering project, parenting, career shifts, technological innovations, construction, farewell

Co-hosts Dee Davis and Brad Wyant engage in a light-hearted and reflective conversation as they play a questions game. They discuss personal favorites, career highlights, and memorable experiences, including Brad's love for French food and Dee's challenging engineering project. The episode also touches on topics like parenting, career shifts, and the impact of technological innovations in construction. As Brad bids farewell to the podcast, the episode concludes with heartfelt exchanges and gratitude for their time together.

Key Takeaways

Chapters

Housing, urban density, and suburban sprawl all influence parking costs, affordable housing, and the effectiveness of public transportation. Learn how these interconnected factors shape environmental sustainability and the future of community development.

In this episode, Dee Davis and Brad Wyant discuss the complexities of housing, urban density, and suburban sprawl. They explore the implications of parking costs, the mental health impacts of different living environments, and the historical context of housing development in America. The conversation also touches on the future of housing and the need for community-based solutions to address the ongoing housing crisis.

WARNING: We take a rare delve into some politics in this episode, so put on your big boy pants! 

Takeaways

Brad is leaving the podcast to focus on personal life.
Parking minimums contribute to rising construction costs.
Urban density can be more sustainable but poses mental health challenges.
Suburban living offers space but can lead to isolation.
The cost of living in suburbs is increasing significantly.
Parking anxiety affects people's willingness to visit urban areas.
Affordable housing often means less expensive, not truly affordable.
Public transportation is crucial for connecting communities.
Nuanced discussions are needed in housing policy.
The rapid development of housing raises questions about demand.

Chapters

00:00 The Cost of Parking and Urban Development
05:08 Living Preferences: Urban vs. Rural
07:35 The Economics of Parking Spaces
09:48 The American Dream and Suburban Living
12:25 Parking Minimums and Their Implications
14:52 Navigating Urban Areas: Strategies for Parking
17:08 Housing Affordability and Urban Density
19:21 Mental Health and Living Environments
22:10 Historical Context: Housing and Racial Dynamics
24:52 Confronting Historical Discrimination
26:07 The Shift to Suburban Living
27:37 Challenges of Urban Living
28:36 Parking and Urban Accessibility
31:30 Affordable Housing: A Complex Issue
34:45 Government's Role in Housing
39:32 The Sustainability of Subsidies
41:59 Urban Sprawl and Its Consequences
45:10 MUC outro.mp4

Accurate construction cost management is crucial for informed financial decisions that drive higher profitability and operational efficiency. 

In this episode of the Management Under Construction podcast, Dee Davis and Brad Wyant delve into the intricacies of cost management within the construction industry. They explore the principles of managerial accounting, emphasizing the importance of accurate cost estimation, tracking, and analysis. The discussion covers various topics including planned versus actual cost analysis, the challenges of cost coding, activity-based costing, and the significance of understanding indirect costs. The hosts share real-world examples and insights on how effective cost management can lead to better decision-making and improved profitability for contractors.

Takeaways

Cost management is crucial for effective managerial decisions.
Managerial accounting differs from financial accounting in its flexibility.
Planned vs actual analysis helps identify cost discrepancies.
Accurate cost coding is essential for meaningful analysis.
Activity-based costing allows for better overhead allocation.
Indirect costs can significantly impact profitability.
Contribution margin analysis helps prioritize profitable projects.
Real-world applications of cost management are vital for success.
Identifying estimating errors can prevent financial losses.
Attention to costs is key for long-term survival in contracting.

Chapters

00:00 The Art and Science of Cost Management
09:32 Understanding Managerial Accounting
19:35 Activity-Based Costing Explained
29:31 Contribution Margin and Its Importance
29:47 MUC outro.mp4