Developing Adaptability, Well-Roundedness: How Seasoned Superintendents Can Help

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By Barry Thomas We all have our professional comfort zones. We can thrive in these safe havens because we’re able to settle in and perform competently with relative ease, all things considered. That said, our willingness to engage unfamiliar experiences, acquire new skills and develop new areas of knowledge and expertise is part of ongoing professional development. For younger superintendents — and the seasoned superintendents who work with them and support their long-term career success — this is worth reminding ourselves. Today’s competitive marketplace and the demand for multi-faceted leaders invite us to think more purposefully about supporting junior superintendents … Read more

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Leadership Skills: Promoting Teamwork, Productivity

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By Brian Hook Back in the day, construction sites were no place for the thin-skinned, and not just because of the extreme weather swings in locations like the Upper Midwest or the Southwest. If work was falling behind or somebody had messed up, a superintendent often would just yell, and then everybody would suck it up and get to work. So-called “soft skills” were out of step with the gritty reality of field work. Times have changed, however, and if your field team hasn’t yet honed those leadership skills relating to emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, teamwork and effective communication, it’s … Read more

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How to Improve Employee Retention through Mentorship

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By Ryan Van Dyke In a society where work-life blending is becoming more common and people are seeking both personal and professional fulfillment in their career, the head-down, clock-punching workplace isn’t meeting employee needs anymore. Construction careers are especially precarious with both demand and the lack of skilled workers rising concurrently. With seemingly unlimited opportunities at the “jobsite next door” in today’s economic climate, employees who feel their skills are undervalued or are unhappy with their career trajectory are likely to leave with little risk. Many companies have worked to improve craftworker benefits to attract and retain top talent – … Read more

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