Management Under Construction

The construction industry faces ongoing craft labor shortages influenced by retirements, geographical factors, and challenges in attracting young talent. Addressing these shortages requires improved leadership training, technical education, competitive pay, flexible work hours, and enhanced safety measures to retain and grow the workforce. This conversation delves into the ongoing craft labor shor...

Commissioning is essential to ensure that building systems function as intended, with early engagement of skilled agents helping to prevent costly issues. Effective communication, thorough understanding of project requirements, and readiness throughout the process are critical for successful commissioning and project performance. In this episode of Management Under Construction, hosts Brad Wyant a...

Meetings are most effective when structured with a clear purpose, streamlined discussions, and assigned action items to ensure accountability. Utilizing technology, tracking attendance, and continuously improving meeting practices enhances productivity and respects participants’ time. In this conversation, Brad Wyant and Dee Davis discuss the evolution of meetings throughout their careers, emphasi...

 Difficult conversations should be approached proactively, with preparation, awareness of personality styles, and strategies to navigate emotional responses. Addressing challenging discussions head-on helps prevent long-term issues, fosters healthier workplace relationships, and is essential for effective leadership. In this episode of the Management Under Construction podcast, Brad Wyant and...

Well-written RFPs are essential for construction project success, requiring clear communication, detailed documentation, and thorough consideration of schedules, logistics, and contract terms. Understanding the distinctions between RFPs and RFQs, including the use of incentives, penalties, and consultant support, helps ensure accurate bids and reduces potential conflicts. In this episode of Manage...

Change orders are a critical aspect of construction management, requiring accurate documentation, effective communication, and contingency planning to manage costs and protect contractor reputation. Building trust with owners, understanding cost estimation psychology, and maintaining strong relationships help navigate negotiations and minimize the impact of design issues and low bids. In this epis...

Fire stopping is essential for life safety in construction, requiring adherence to UL standards, ongoing education, and careful engineering judgments when standards do not directly apply. Collaboration among trades, effective communication, quality control, and selecting the right contractors help ensure compliance, reduce liability, and maintain high safety standards. In this episode of Managemen...

The construction industry faces challenges such as flat productivity, safety concerns, slow technology adoption, and fragmentation caused by specialization and adversarial relationships. Improving collaboration, adopting integrated contracting practices, and leveraging technologies like BIM can enhance efficiency, reduce hazards, and improve overall project outcomes. In this episode, Brad Wyant an...

Sustainability on construction job sites requires attention to cleanliness, waste management, and the design of facilities like job site trailers to support a positive work environment. Promoting clean, well-organized, and environmentally conscious job sites enhances worker safety, productivity, morale, and reflects core industry values. In this episode, Brad Wyant and Dee Davis discuss the often-...

  Business travel has evolved significantly, with rising costs, changing dining and tipping practices, and increasing attention to sustainability. Navigating travel effectively involves managing anxiety, personal preferences, and maximizing rewards while considering the economic and environmental impacts of trips. This conversation explores the multifaceted world of business travel, discussin...

Working with professional recruiters can provide access to unposted opportunities, help navigate a competitive job market, and connect candidates with employers seeking stability and cultural fit. Successful hiring and job searching require clear communication, relationship-building, understanding company culture, and leveraging both technology and human interaction for optimal outcomes. Have you...

ESG reporting means Environmental, Social and Governance, it is the way that companies that can quantify their level of responsibility to their shareholders. In this episode we explain what ESG reporting is and how we may see this grow in the future. We also examine the pros and cons of ESG reporting, its impacts to business and the environment, including examining the question - can you take envi...

Effective leadership requires managing personal stress and modeling self-care, as this directly impacts performance, relationships, and team dynamics. Recognizing stress in others, providing supportive environments, and fostering open conversations help improve well-being, empathy, and overall organizational effectiveness. Isn't it our responsibility as leaders to take care of our people? One of t...

Replacing a “sink or swim” culture with structured training programs equips employees for success, improves engagement, and increases retention. Investing in employee development leads to higher profitability, revenue growth, and a positive workplace culture that attracts and retains talent. In Episode 9 Dee & Brad explore how your company can be 24% more profitable - you heard me! When we thr...

People pursue an MBA to accelerate their career growth and gain access to leadership and management roles that may not be attainable otherwise. Many are motivated by the opportunity to develop a broad skill set, including strategic thinking, finance, marketing, and operations, that enhances their business acumen. Additionally, networking opportunities, exposure to diverse industries, and the poten...

People pursue an MBA to accelerate their career growth and gain access to leadership and management roles that may not be attainable otherwise. Many are motivated by the opportunity to develop a broad skill set, including strategic thinking, finance, marketing, and operations, that enhances their business acumen. Additionally, networking opportunities, exposure to diverse industries, and the poten...

Toxic masculinity and rigid societal expectations around masculinity create emotional strain for men and impact workplace dynamics, often diverting focus from productivity. Fostering supportive environments and encouraging emotional vulnerability can help reduce harmful behaviors and promote healthier interactions for both men and women. Warning: this episode may be an uncomfortable topic, and hav...

Working parents face ongoing challenges balancing childcare, school schedules, and work demands, with flexibility and supportive work arrangements being essential for productivity and well-being. Economic factors, including the gender pay gap and career interruptions, highlight the need for employers to accommodate parental responsibilities and create equitable opportunities for all employees. In...

The meaning of "Made in the USA" has evolved over time, with legal ambiguity, globalization, and labeling inconsistencies affecting consumer understanding and manufacturing practices. Advocating for domestic manufacturing can improve product quality, reduce rework, and address supply chain vulnerabilities, while import practices and unclear documentation pose ongoing challenges. What does made in...

Mental health is a critical concern in the construction industry, with high stress levels, dangerous working conditions, and prevalent substance abuse contributing to elevated suicide rates. Addressing this crisis requires individual and collective action, fostering better communication, celebrating successes, and creating a supportive work culture to reduce burnout and improve well-being. The men...

Rushing design in construction often leads to incomplete, uncoordinated projects, increased change orders, and costly delays. Thorough planning, early issue resolution, and strong communication between owners and contractors are essential for project success and efficient construction. In this episode Brad & Dee explore the speed to market we experience in the construction industry and the imp...

Workplace dynamics have shifted significantly, with shorter job tenures, evolving employer-employee relationships, and increased focus on wages, benefits, and career growth. Building a harmonious and productive work environment requires employers and employees to collaborate, value talent, and address retention, communication, and management challenges. Takeaways The average tenure in jobs has dra...

Welcome to Management Under Construction Podcast! Get to know a little about co-host Brad Wyant!

Welcome to Management Under Construction Podcast! In this bonus feature, get to know co-host Dee Davis. 

Electric vehicles (EVs) have evolved since the 1890s, with market adoption influenced by government subsidies, technological advancements, and emerging competitors, though charging infrastructure and safety concerns remain significant challenges. Considerations for EV ownership include environmental impacts, exposure to electromagnetic fields, grid limitations, and alternative fuels, highlighting...