Nesbitt Connection

In our industry, I’ve observed a growing disconnect between corporate leadership and the boots on the ground. It seems that in an attempt to speed everything up, we’re complicating the processes that used to be so beautifully simple. Don’t set your best people up for failure.

Recently, I’ve undergone some surgery and it’s been an incredible learning experience from start to finish. Along the way, I’ve made quite a few noteworthy observations which I believe are worth sharing, as they may carry important meaning for those in the construction industry and beyond.

Computers are comprised of both software and hardware. One can't work without the other's help.

Companies aren’t much different. In this day and age, it’s easy for the leaders and those in charge to neglect those on the ground doing hard work. This needs to change if you want your company to be successful.

I’m incredibly passionate about helping those in the construction industry do what they need to succeed. It seems nowadays it’s increasingly difficult to find people willing to work in the trades.

Attraction and retention are crucial in times like these. What are we doing to keep our best around?

On this episode of the Nesbitt Connection podcast, I’ll discuss what I call “The Great COVID Hangover” and its negative impact on workplace efficiency and company culture across a variety of industries. I’ll also touch on the importance of regularly talking with your people, along with the dangers of not listening when they just might have something valuable to say.

Persistence is key, as when you stumble and fall, you are the only one who can lift yourself up off the ground and keep going. Competition will lead you to better yourself, as success will place you against others who are just as successful. These are a few of the many valuable life lessons I’ve learned from long-distance running. In this Nesbitt Connection podcast, I cover their implementations in personal development and the work environment.

On this podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome a good friend of mine: Arnie Gess, President of Construction Links. We touch on Construction Links, what it is and why it’s beneficial for smaller businesses; as well as networking, social media best practices and the importance of promoting a positive work environment to potential employees.

In this Podcast, I talk about my own experience of leaving a company I'd been with for 25 years. It was a big change, but it was one that was necessary. The company had changed and I had changed, and it just wasn't a good fit anymore.

What surprised me the most was the amount of support I received. It was really humbling. I realized that your career can become a way of life, and sometimes it's scary to step outside of that comfort zone. But it's important to recognize that everyone has teachable moments, and we can learn lessons in just a few hours if we're open to them. Audiobooks are a great way to learn new things.

So if you're feeling stuck in a rut, don't be afraid to take some risks. You might be surprised at what you can achieve.

Reading is something I do not only for personal enjoyment but also for personal growth. There are a vast number of books written on leadership, with new ones emerging every day, yet still, one of my all-time favourites is The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. The Leadership Challenge is available in multiple languages, has sold millions of copies worldwide, and remains as relevant today as it did when it was released more than 25 years ago. Kouzes and Posner speak to a diverse audience of blue-collar and white-collar folk who are all looking to make a difference through their leadership ability. See how their 5 principles of leadership can help you be the leader that we need in the world today.