Don’t Let Someone Else Tell Your Story
RECRUITING TOP TALENT: TELLING YOUR STORY No matter if you are a contractor, labor organization, utility, oil company, manufacturer or service provider, if you want to attract real talent today you have to be good at telling your story. And that story is most often told online – if not by you, it will be […]
Honoring The Field
This article is dedicated to the men and women who work in the field. Yes, contractors in our industry take 100% of the risk, but they can do nothing alone. It takes the combined effort and integrity of the tens of thousands of dedicated union craft workers who together build our communities, our states and […]
Preparing for 2018: What’s Your Story?
As you look ahead in 2018, chances are you’re thinking in terms of budgets, new work opportunities, equipment purchases and a thousand other details involved in running a successful business. Manpower is probably right at the top of your list, too. How are you going to find a new crop of bright, qualified people eager […]
The Abuse of Apprentices Stops Now
“I can’t believe I signed up for this s***.” And so began a tale of stupidity, short-sightedness and tradition that reflects a broken culture and wasted talent. The words were spoken to me by a young man after I gave a presentation to 400 young people serving their union apprenticeships. During my talk, I asked […]
The Skilled Workforce Illusion, What Good Leaders Look Like & How To Find Them
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is an interview with Mark Breslin of Breslin Strategies, and in this construction podcast, we cover topics including the following: Topics covered in this construction podcast: Why we need a well-led workforce, not just a skilled workforce. Common mistakes contractors make when it comes […]
Hey Employers: Shut the Heck Up: 90% vs 10%
Most of the union employers I know have at one time or another complained about the quality of their apprentices. For sure the reviews over the last few years is that the training is getting better, the instructors are more professional and that they see progress. But the reality of the situation is this: the […]
The Three Most Important Words a Leader Can Live By
Three words sum up one of the greatest challenges and opportunities for most leaders. And those three words are as simple as this: ASK, DON’T TELL. These words are critically important for leaders at every level of an organization. No matter if you are a CEO or an aspiring rookie leader. Here are five reasons […]
Seven Tips for Effective Delegation
Delegation is the key to advancement. If you can’t find effective ways to move things off your plate and onto others’, you cannot advance. If you can’t delegate in a manner that leverages the talent of those around you, then you can’t advance. If you hoard tasks and responsibilities because you like them, have always […]
Transformed: Create a Professional Foreman for $22.50
Most field supervisors engaged in the construction, energy, utility, or other traditional blue collar role do not self-identify as professionals. That is inaccurate. That is lame. That is a failure on the part of the employer or union to which they are part of. Most of all, it’s just sad. Here is an individual usually […]
For Labor Professionals: Don’t Be the Problem… Be a Problem Solver!!
When training labor professionals in communication or business development I begin with trying to change their orientation to problem-solving. See without even knowing it, most of them have created a handicap with their relationships with their signatory employers, who really need to be there for them when a favor is required or a testimonial provided. […]