People Focused and Building Leaders
In this episode, Host Adam Hoots interviews Dan Reynolds, Executive Vice President with Gilbane Building Company. Dan shares a bit about growing up in the Midwest in Iowa. Although he’s worked all over the world, the Midwest is still near and dear to him, and he brings those roots to his work daily.
Dan starts the podcast by sharing a saying from his father about the value of “quiet competence.” You don’t need to be the person jumping up on the table. Be the person that’s going to offer ideas, be present, and be able to contribute. He feels that he’s driven to operate that way, and it’s what has ensured his success in the construction industry and in life.
He’s passionate and gets fired up about the people aspects of our industry and how we’re embracing care, collaboration, communication, and culture so much more today. He shares his appreciation for the project teams that worked tirelessly during the pandemic. Those teams that kept us in business and put their lives on the line then and every day.
Building Leaders
He’s committed to spend the rest of his career focused on the people side and building leaders. He wants to make sure our future leaders are absolutely the best and top-notch people they can be, and they are able to in turn help their teams and next generation to also become the best they can be.
It’s about people, trust, behavior. The skill set needed to be successful has changed. We need leaders that can communicate, adapt, and encourage to solve problems and build better. We need leaders that respect and care; that lead by example; that are constant and consistent; that continually question what can be done differently.
Dan discusses how the industry is shifting its approach to promotions and employee growth. Smart firms are still looking at technical abilities, of course, but more they are ALSO looking at behavioral abilities. Historically, you could be a total jerk on the job, but as long as you were skilled technically, you could get promoted. That behavior doesn’t fly today.
About 20 years ago, Dan took a course on situational behavior impact and how to better share the impact someone’s behavior has on an individual. It’s an approach he has practiced and encouraged ever since. Making an example for feedback personal and having those tough conversations is what we need to keep driving our industry.
Dan says you must allow yourself to be vulnerable with people as well. Vulnerability builds trust. You must give and accept feedback. You must be okay to stay behind the curtain and let others shine. You must work to give back to your team, company, and industry.
He closes with the reminder that construction will always be people, so let’s make our people the best we can.
ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:
The Lean Builder’s absolutely, positively NO bullshido podcast. Join Host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that are relevant to those of us who “get it”: the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.
RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website
- linkedin.com/company/the-lean-builder | Our LinkedIn community
GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Adam Hoots | linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for “Hoots on the Ground” and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions
- Dan Reynolds | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-reynolds-6911962/ | Executive Vice President with Gilbane Building Company
Adam Hoots, Construction ACHE Solutions
Adam began his career in the construction industry as a plumber's helper and then as a red-line architect’s helper while attending the University of South Florida. Over the past 20 years, he has steadily advanced his career and has held a variety of roles within the industry. Adam has successfully completed more than $1.5 billion in pre-construction and construction services for a diverse group of industries, including: healthcare, higher education, industrial, life science, retail, and hospitality. Most projects (~$1B) were in life sciences and high-tech laboratory construction for clients. A highly technical builder, Adam excels in efficiency, action, visual communication, and continuous improvement using Lean principles. He serves on several community boards, including Skilled Trades Alliance (www.skilledtradesalliance.net), kidSney (www.kidSney.org), National Kidney Foundation (www.nkf.org), RECAB (Regional Education Center for Advisory Board - Greenville, SC) and SC Career Kids (www.sccareerkids.com). Adam is proud to continue his service to the construction industry through his coaching business Construction ACHE Solutions.
