Summary

In this episode, Brad Wyant and Dee Davis discuss the challenges facing the construction industry, including flat productivity, safety concerns, and slow technological adoption. They explore the impact of specialization, the architect-contractor relationship, and various contracting hazards that hinder efficiency. The conversation also delves into moral hazards and learned selfishness within the industry, emphasizing the need for improved collaboration and innovative solutions. The hosts propose a shift towards more integrated contracting practices and the adoption of advanced technologies like BIM to enhance productivity and project outcomes.

Takeaways

Construction productivity has remained flat compared to other industries. Safety improvements, while necessary, have impacted productivity. Technological adoption in construction is often slow and painful. The architect-contractor relationship can be adversarial and needs improvement. Specialization in trades has led to both efficiency and fragmentation. Contracting hazards like holdup and moral hazards affect project outcomes. Moral hazards lead to learned selfishness among industry professionals. The construction value chain is highly fragmented, complicating efficiency. Proposed solutions include reworking contracting practices and embracing BIM. The future of construction may rely on technology and collaboration to improve outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

02:49 Exploring Construction Productivity

05:57 The Role of Safety in Productivity

08:51 Technological Adoption in Construction

12:06 The Architect-Contractor Relationship

14:59 Specialization and Its Impact on Construction

17:58 Contracting Hazards in Construction

21:05 Moral Hazards and Project Dynamics

37:18 Moral Hazards in Contracting

40:59 Fragmentation in the Construction Industry

43:39 Challenges of Repeatability in Construction

48:26 Evolving Design Requirements

54:04 Reworking Contracting Practices

01:00:45 BIM and Its Challenges

01:07:28 The Need for Collaboration

01:10:28 Investments in Construction Technology

01:17:15 The Future of Trades in Construction

Summary

In this episode, Brad Wyant and Dee Davis discuss the often-overlooked aspect of sustainability on job sites, particularly focusing on job site trailers. They explore the cultural attitudes towards cleanliness, the importance of creating a positive work environment, and the need for better waste management practices. The conversation highlights innovative solutions for reducing single-use items and emphasizes the role of clean facilities in ensuring safety and productivity. Ultimately, they argue that sustainability should be a core value in the construction industry, reflecting the respect for both the environment and the workforce.

Takeaways

Sustainability practices are often neglected on job sites. Job site trailers are typically messy and underappreciated. Cultural attitudes impact cleanliness and sustainability efforts. Designing trailers with sustainability in mind can improve worker morale. Communal spaces can foster better communication and collaboration. Waste management is crucial for job site sustainability. Creating a positive work environment can enhance productivity. Clean facilities are essential for worker satisfaction and safety. Reducing single-use items can significantly lower waste. Sustainability should reflect the values of the construction industry.

Chapters

00:00 Sustainability on Job Sites

03:02 Sustainability Practices in Job Site Trailers

08:19 Creating a Comfortable Work Environment

15:26 Waste Management and Sustainability Challenges

22:42 The Importance of Cleanliness in Workspaces

30:10 Innovative Water Solutions for Workplaces

38:21 Reducing Single-Use Waste in the Workplace

46:38 Sustainable Practices for Job Sites

55:02 The Importance of Clean Work Environments

Summary

This conversation explores the multifaceted world of business travel, discussing its evolution, personal experiences, economic impacts, rising costs, and sustainability practices. The hosts share insights on navigating travel anxiety, dining expenses, and tips for maximizing rewards and benefits while traveling for business.

Takeaways

Business travel has significantly changed since COVID-19.
Personal preferences in travel can vary widely among individuals.
Travel anxiety is common, especially for infrequent travelers.
The economic impact of business travel is substantial, contributing significantly to GDP.
Costs associated with business travel have risen post-pandemic.
Dining out while traveling has become increasingly expensive.
Tipping culture has evolved, leading to automatic gratuities in many places.
Employers should not expect employees to share accommodations during business travel.
Choosing specific airlines and hotels can maximize travel rewards.
Sustainability practices in travel are becoming more important.

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Business Travel
07:14 Personal Experiences and Preferences in Travel
17:20 Economic Impact of Business Travel
24:20 Rising Costs and Changing Dynamics of Dining
27:54 Rising Costs in Dining Out
29:09 The Tipping Culture: A New Norm
32:32 Business Travel: Costs and Changes
35:25 Sustainable Practices in Hotels
38:15 Smart Spending Tips for Business Travelers
42:43 Maximizing Rewards and Benefits from Travel
46:04 The Importance of Direct Booking
52:22 Choosing the Right Credit Card for Travel

Have you ever worked with a recruiter in your job search? Its wild out there right now! In this episode we are joined by Bryce Batts of Career Collective to examine the advantages of working with a professional recruiter as a job seeker and as an employer, as well as to discuss what is happening in the current job market. Bryce provides many tips for job seekers in putting your best foot forward in your job search.

Follow Bryce on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-batts-recruiter/ sign up for her newsletter and find out more about Career Collective at www.mycareercollective.com and their work with the AEC marketplace.

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 environmental measures too far? Join us and let us know what you think!

Isn't it our responsibility as leaders to take care of our people? One of the least taught skills in management and adulting in general is how to manage stress that comes at us from every direction in life. If you aren't managing your own stress, how can you perform well at work, show up for your family when you are needed, or be happy in your relationships? In this episode Dee & Brad discuss what stress management is (and what it isn't!), how we can find what works for each of us, it's a constant challenge. Hey - none of us is perfect, as we detail in our own personal examples where we may not have shown up at our best. After all, we are all Management Under Construction!

In Episode 9 Dee & Brad explore how your company can be 24% more profitable - you heard me! When we throw people into the deep end with no training and then sit back and expect results, we are making a bet that will take a long time, or may never pay off. The sink or swim culture - you know the one, where you are hired, receive no training and are expected to "just know" what you are supposed to do. The construction industry is famous for this but it applies to many other industries. Changing the sink or swim culture to a swimming lessons culture can have massive benefits to your company and your people. Gain knowledge, revenue, profitability, and GASP! Happier employees who stick around! Find out how in this cast!

In this bonus episode, Brad and Harry each share their personal stories of what drove each of their decisions to pursue an MBA.