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

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.

• 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

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

There are distinct opportunities and problems when working with a multicultural workforce, particularly on large projects. When teams come together from different backgrounds with different perspectives, talents, and experiences, harnessing this diversity can boost creativity and problem-solving abilities. However, successful collaboration necessitates a deliberate commitment to communication and trust-building. Setting common goals and encouraging open conversation is critical for managing the complications that result from different cultural norms and expectations.

Our guest today is Bisrat Degefa, CEO & Co-Founder of TruBuild, an AI-powered construction software designed to simplify construction projects. He is a construction expert with vast worldwide expertise. His career began in the UK on rail projects before transferring to Qatar for the Doha Metro Gold Line project. He later managed digital engineering in Kenya and worked on major projects in India, North America, and South America. His team at TrustBuild is pioneering breakthrough AI solutions to reinvent project planning and execution, moving the industry forward. He joined us today to talk about the art of managing large-scale projects in multicultural teams.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[02:18] Bisrat’s journey through the construction industry.
[05:15] The willingness to adapt new technologies: the difference between the Middle East and the USA.
[08:22] Bisrat’s professional journey through Kenya, India, North America, Canada, and the Middle East.
[12:29] A journey influenced by specific goals and opportunities.
[16:28] Navigation through a shared mindset between different races, ethnicities, and cultures. [17:10] Consistent issues on large-scale projects.
[20:26] Federation from a design and project management perspective.
[25:04] Why the UK is best at handling conflict.
[27:08] Building trust in different cultures.
[30:40] Handling the failures of entrepreneurship.
[37:00] Addressing pain points of owners.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. It’s important to foster a shared mindset in diverse teams.

2. Prioritize effective communication within large teams to minimize rework.

3. Ensure the communication of the potential impacts on quality and processes clearly to stakeholders.

4. Focus on establishing clear communication and aligning on common goals.

5. If a mistake is identified, act quickly to rectify it and communicate transparently with stakeholders about the issue.

RESOURCES

Connect with Bisrat

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/bisrat-s-degefa/

Website - trubuild.io/

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 a fast-paced world, a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustaining mental health and productivity. As people handle the responsibilities of their professional lives, they frequently face problems that can contribute to stress and burnout. It is crucial to surround oneself with supportive networks, embrace adaptability, and practice effective communication. Individuals who prioritize mental health and meaningful connections can live a more rewarding and balanced life, increasing their productivity in both personal and professional realms.

Bryce Wuori is an MPM, Asphalt Scientist, and the CEO at Pavewise, a web-based software to maximize productivity and improve project quality. He specializes in asphalt paving and believes that technology will be the key to future success in the infrastructure industry. Bryce has been acknowledged nationwide as an asphalt expert who is currently achieving significant success by incorporating project variables into asphalt pave quality methods to boost project income. He joined us today to talk about the entrepreneurial highs and lows in the construction industry.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[02:27] Bryce's Construction Roots

[06:58] The two factors people need to be a good business person.

[10:08] Mental Health in Construction

[14:10] How communicating and sharing emotions help to reduce stress.

[19:22] Bryce’s first construction company.

[24:20] Understanding Pavewise and the technology behind it.

[26:34] Recognizing business opportunities

[30:30] The process of selling a business.

[33:02] Shifting into a venture-backed software company.

[35:40] Adjusting to a new role in software.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Surround Yourself with Learners

2. Master Communication

3. Accept What You Can't Control

4. Talk About Your Feelings

5. Choose the Right Partners

6. Embrace Guidance and Collaboration

RESOURCES

Connect with Bryce

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/bryce-w-89818b237/

Website - pavewisepro.com/

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 this week’s episode of the “Construction Genius” podcast, we discuss productivity tips relevant to the construction industry based on Elon Musk’s 2018 email to Tesla employees.

Eric starts the discussion with what Elon Musk considers the blight of larger organizations: excessive meetings. He explains why it’s important only to hold large meetings if they provide value to all present. He then shows why it is acceptable to leave a meeting if you are not contributing. Prioritizing your time effectively is important in the workplace. Next, he talks about two major factors regarding communication in the workplace: avoiding acronyms and jargon and direct communication. Avoiding acronyms is important because not everybody has the knowledge of them that differs to specific fields, and it’s important to build a culture where team members can communicate directly across levels, bypassing unnecessary chains of command. The next important tip is to prioritize common sense in decision-making. Be willing to adapt or change outdated company rules when they no longer serve a purpose and encourage a culture where employees feel empowered to challenge and improve practices for better outcomes.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[01:57] Excessive Meetings - The blight of big organizations.

[02:58] Leaving a meeting if not adding value.

[03:29] Reduce using acronyms.

[04:20] Direct communication.

[06:04] Interdepartmental communication.

[07:02] Common sense as the guide.

[07:34] Build a culture open to change and make a better place for employees.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Only hold large meetings if they provide value to everyone involved.

2. If you’re not adding value to a meeting, it’s acceptable to leave.

3. Avoid acronyms and jargon to ensure everyone understands.

4. Promote a culture where team members can communicate directly across levels.

5. Ensure that communication flows freely between departments.

6. Be open to changing company rules that no longer make sense.

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!: https://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

RESOURCES

Kickass Business Meetings Ebook:
www.constructiongenius.com/kam

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

An 831(b) plan, commonly known as captive or microcaptive insurance, is intended to help business owners reduce unfunded liabilities. SRA utilizes the 831(b) Tax Code to create tax-deferred risk mitigation and give business owners greater peace of mind.

Van Carlson is the founder and CEO of SRA 831(b), with 25 years of experience in the risk management industry. His goal is to continue SRA's upward growth while also developing novel products for the market. He joined us today to discuss how to fund uninsured risks without hurting cash flow.

We start the conversation with Van explaining the 831(b) risk management strategy along with the benefits businesses can gain from it. Then we talk about the significance of motivation in financial advice. Risk management should be the primary focus rather than merely seeking tax advantages to avoid potential scrutiny from the IRS. Van then kindly explains the common mistakes people make when setting up an 831(b), especially in the construction industry: proper ownership structure and motivation. We then pay attention to the challenges of exiting an 831(b) plan, where Van explains how they make a simple exiting process.

Further down to the conversation, we discuss the following topics regarding 831(B) risk management strategy: solvency testing, the services 831(b) provides and are unavailable through traditional insurance options, alternatives for 831(b), and the type of businesses that might not be suitable for an 831(b).

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[02:13] What is 831(b) risk management strategy?

[04:43] What 831(b) provides for construction companies

[08:52] The importance of the motivations behind financial advice

[10:35] The common mistakes

[14:33] Solvency testing

[18:41] Challenges of exiting an 831(b) plan

[20:31] What unique services do 831(b) offer that aren’t available through conventional insurance options?

[26:23] The types of companies aren’t suitable for the 831(b)

[27:17] Alternative risk management strategies

[28.48] The red flags

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Evaluate Motivations

2. Clarify Ownership Structures

3. Prioritize Risk Management

4. Participate in Solvency Testing

5. Choose the Right Insurance Agent

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!: https://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

RESOURCES

Connect with Van

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/vancarlson/
Website - 831b.com/