Construction Genius

By: Eric Anderton
  • Summary

  • Thomas Edison said, "Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration." This show interviews hard-working construction company owners and executives who share their wisdom, perspectives, and lessons learned from decades of experience bidding, planning, and building profitable projects. Topics include leadership, strategic planning, conflict resolution, niche identification, succession planning, talent management, business development, and business growth. Industry expert, Eric Anderton also shares his insights about how construction company owners can increase project profit by improving communication, running productive meetings, and attracting, developing, and retaining talented leaders. Tune in each week and get practical inspiration for how to build people, projects, and profits. "I know of no genius but the genius of hard work." John Ruskin
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Episodes
  • The Secret Weapon for Project Executives: How to Turn Routine PM Check-Ins into Strategic Powerhouses
    Nov 19 2024

    Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

    In today’s dynamic work environment, meetings should be more than routine check-ins. They need to be strategic, focused, and outcome-driven. Well-structured meetings provide the groundwork to align every decision and discussion with the broader goals of the organization. These meetings are not about micromanaging work but ensuring that each project, conversation, and decision brings the company closer to its long-term goals, whether profitability, customer satisfaction, or brand reputation. In this week’s solo episode, Eric explains the importance of strategic meetings between project executives and project managers.

    Starting the discussion, Eric talks about how to make meetings strategic, productive, and valuable saying that meetings should lead to clear decisions that improve the company's larger goals. This focus will make meetings more productive and ensure they contribute meaningfully to the bigger picture. Eric also suggests when, where, and how much time you should spend for a meeting. Effective meeting preparation is an important part of the process. Eric explains that effective meeting preparation requires more than just status updates. It demands a deeper analysis of how daily activities connect to larger organizational goals. He also walks us through what you should avoid discussing in meetings. He says effective strategic meetings focus on high-level alignment, not on micromanaging every task. While day-to-day details should be handled elsewhere, these meetings should center on discussing issues that impact the bigger picture, like client relationships or organizational strategy. Wrapping up the discussion, Eric clarifies what’s beyond the meetings. A great meeting doesn’t end when you walk out of the room. Project executives should follow up after one-on-ones by summarizing key takeaways, tying every priority back to the company's broader goals, and checking progress against those objectives.

    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

    [02.20] Aligning meetings with broader organizational goals.

    [03.00] When, where, and what time?

    [03.31] What requires effective meeting preparation?

    [05.22] Managing risks, resources, and performance for long-term success.

    [06.30] What to discuss (and skip) in high-level project meetings.

    [07.28] What’s beyond the meeting?

    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    1. Before any meeting, clarify the strategic objectives you want to achieve.

    2. Focus on strategic alignment when preparing for meetings.

    3. Ask the right strategic questions during one-on-ones with project managers.

    4. Stay focused on strategic issues and avoid getting caught in the weeds of task-level updates.

    5. Follow up effectively after strategic meetings.

    Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

    Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

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    10 mins
  • Listen, Plan, Build: A Blueprint for Smoothly Navigating Construction Disputes
    Nov 12 2024
    Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me In today's fast-paced and frequently unpredictable workplace, effective leadership and teamwork necessitate a combination of adaptation, empathy, and collaboration. One of the most crucial lessons for leaders is to strike a balance between action and deliberate planning. This entails taking a step back, listening, gathering information before making a choice, and being willing to change course along the road. A commitment to working together, especially when frustrations are high, is crucial to successful problem-solving. Doug Reitz brings over thirty years of experience in California’s construction industry, earning a respected reputation as both a seasoned builder and an influential thought leader. Beyond the billion-dollar projects his company has completed, Doug has made a lasting impact on the industry by sharing his expertise at events and workshops statewide. His focus on creating high-performing teams, cultivating resilient company cultures, and advancing industry best practices has inspired countless professionals. We start the conversation with Doug explaining how to manage yourself in a business transition and the importance of having a support system, whether it's a close-knit team or a personal board of advisors. Doug then clarified the necessity of stepping back from controlling everything and adopting a more empowered leadership style that not only helps develop a more engaged and capable team but also enables leaders to focus on broader strategic goals rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day tasks. Further, he explains the value of the Listen, Plan, Build process as a tool for balanced decision-making and how this process encourages collaboration, bringing the team together and helping to align everyone’s efforts toward a common goal. Further into the conversation, we discuss the following topics regarding successful problem-solving: the value of understanding the experiences of other people, taking slower and smaller steps, handling failures with an open mind, the power of consistency, the role of collaboration, emotional awareness, and sharing purpose in problem-solving. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [05.15] Managing yourself in a business transition. [07.08] The need for adaptability and embracing unpredictability. [11.55] Letting go of the urge to control every detail and allowing others to take ownership. [16.39] Listen, plan, build tool. [22.28] The importance of understanding other people’s experiences. [23.55] The downside of modern technology. [28.48] Taking small and slower steps in construction. [31.14] The role failure plays in success. [32.30] Coping with failure. [35.00] The power of consistency and relationship-building. [38.05] The importance of collaboration, emotional awareness, and shared purpose in problem-solving. [42.00] Doug’s book: A Blueprint for Constructing Success in Leadership and Life KEY TAKEAWAYS Build a support system when facing challenges. Adapt and embrace unpredictability as a leader. Step back and empower your team as a leader. Use the listen, plan, build approach. Understand the power of collaboration and communication. Develop empathy and curiosity as a leader. RESOURCES Connect with Doug LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/doug-reitz/ Website - dougreitz.blog/ Instagram - instagram.com/be_a_builder_/ BUILD: A Blueprint for Constructing Success in Leadership and Life Paperback by Doug Reitz amazon.com/BUILD-Blueprint-Constructing-Success-Leadership/dp/B0DHHJJ5RD When Work Works: Cutting-Edge Solutions for the Contemporary Workplace amazon.com/When-Work-Works-Cutting-Edge-Contemporary/dp/B0D7L356JC Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me
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    46 mins
  • The 90-Day Plan: How to Ensure New Hire Success (or Quickly Identify a Bad Fit)
    Nov 5 2024

    Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

    The onboarding process is a critical phase that sets the tone for a new hire's experience and long-term organizational success. However, many businesses make the mistake of viewing onboarding as a one-time event rather than a continuous process. Common mistakes include assuming the job is complete once the new person is hired, failing to give systematic training and assistance, and failing to define clear performance objectives and goals. By overlooking these essential elements, organizations risk disengaging new hires, missing opportunities for integration, and eventually facing costly hiring mistakes.

    In this week’s solo episode, Eric discusses the mistakes employers make in hiring. He starts the conversation with the first mistake: the hiring process as a one-time job. He explains how an active support system can help prevent disappointment and foster a positive start for both the new hire and the organization. Then he talks about having a structured onboarding process that can help the new employee acclimate to the organization and understand their role and responsibilities. Eric also explains how you can identify any issues early on and provide necessary support by asking about employees’ positive and negative experiences, clarity on their roles, and their ability to contribute. He also explains “The 90-day High-Performance Dashboard,” which is a structured framework designed to guide new hires during their initial three months in an organization.

    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

    [01.02] The mistake of thinking that the hiring process is over once they are on board.

    [02.30] The structured onboarding process.

    [05.00] Ensuring the new people are adjusting to the team and culture.

    [05.46] The 90-day High-Performance Dashboard.

    [08.00] The assessment of new hires.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    1. Recognize that hiring a new employee is just the beginning of the process, not the end.

    2. Implement a structured onboarding process for new hires.

    3. Prioritize ongoing check-ins with new hires during their first month.

    4. Assess a new hire's fit within the first 90 days.

    5. Encourage open communication during the onboarding process.

    You're relieved that you've made a new hire.
    Now, don't let them slip through the cracks.
    Use the 90 Day High-Performance Dashboard to get them up to speed and focused on how to succeed in their new role:
    • Get them clear on what's most important
    • Ensure action and accountability
    • Deepen your relationship with them

    Click this link and download the 90 Day High-Performance Dashboard: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role

    Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

    Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

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    10 mins

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Great information, clearly delivered!!

Very helpful by delivering helpful relevant information. Easy to apply information to my everyday experience as a construction company owner.

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