Hey – Walker and Davis here.
Happy Saturday morning to the Laying Foundations community!
Throughout your career in construction, you will mentor and be mentored by many people. How can you learn to truly invest in others, especially those who are new to construction and your company?
Today’s issue takes about 5 minutes to read and was written for you by Walker Lott.
Enjoy.
As an organization grows, there will be more and more new faces showing up at the office, job site, meetings, etc.
As a manager, co-worker, leader, executive, etc., it becomes necessary to connect with the new entry-level employees in your company.
This is easier said than done because, for someone new to the industry and new to a company, it can be intimidating and confusing.
So what are some ways to make it easier for the new hire during their first few months?
1. Be Approachable
Leaders within an organization need to be approachable and accessible to new hires. Make time to speak with them, answer their questions, provide guidance, and be a friend when needed.
Being open and available will go a long way.
2. Provide Mentorship Opportunites
Obviously, you cannot mentor every new person who gets hired, but you can help create an environment for it.
Those who are new to construction are looking for guidance and feedback. Start trying to give corrective feedback and help grow those on your team to be the best they can be.
3. Listen to their Feedback
New hires can provide valuable feedback on your organization’s processes and culture. Take the time to listen to their feedback and use it to make positive changes within your organization.
At the end of the day, people just want to be heard, and by allowing them to speak their mind, you will be amazed at what you can learn.
Quality of the Week: Curiosity – Having a propensity for learning
20-Year-Old Self Advice: You are not as important as you think you are. Be willing to take risks without fearing the critiques of others.
Construction Fun Fact:
The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, took only six years to build. The construction process involved over 12,000 workers and cost over $1.5 billion. At its tallest point, the Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters (2,716 feet) and has over 160 floors.
- The project was initiated in 2004, and construction began in 2006.
- The Burj Khalifa was designed by Adrian Smith, an American architect who worked for the firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM).
- The construction process involved a number of innovative techniques, including the use of specially designed high-strength concrete and a unique “jump-form” system for constructing the tower’s core.
- At its peak, the construction site was home to over 12,000 workers from around the world.
- The building was officially opened on January 4, 2010, with a spectacular light and fireworks show.
- Today, the Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai’s most popular tourist attractions, with visitors from around the world coming to admire its stunning architecture and enjoy its observation deck, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding desert.
Check out episode 114 on The Laying Foundations Podcast!
Join us for a conversation with the Women Talk Construction Podcast co-hosts Christi Powell & Angela Gardner. Christi manages WBE for 84 Lumber all over the United States, and Angela is the Director of Business Development and Marketing for Hill Electric. At the heart of the ladies are people who genuinely care for each person they come into contact with; they share their stories on how they joined our industry and how we can encourage others to be their very best. Check out their website and podcast to learn more about everything they are doing to forge paths for women in the construction industry.
