In the newly revised second edition of The Human Side of Construction: How to Ensure a Successful, Sustainable, and Profitable Career as an AEC Professional, renowned construction professional Angelo Suntres delivers an insightful discussion of the root cause of many of the issues plaguing the construction industry today - the lack of human connection. Suntres explains that, in an industry undergoing dramatic changes driven by technology, innovation, and new ways of working, construction professionals will need to make a fundamental shift in the way they think and operate.
The book walks you through how to connect and collaborate with others in the industry and how to address the most common challenges you’ll face every day in construction. You’ll find: - A thorough introduction to relationship building and effective communication with construction industry personnel- Comprehensive explorations of what the construction industry is really like, including real-world examples and techniques to advance your career- Practical discussions of how to find a job that you’ll thrive in and how to stand out from the crowd- In-depth treatments of sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry
Perfect for construction industry professionals, including project managers, contractors, and engineers, The Human Side of Construction will also benefit property owners and managers who regularly deal with people involved in construction.
Table of Contents
About the Author xi
Introduction xiii
1 Human Connection - The Key to Influence 1
Relationships Will Determine Your Success 1
This Will Improve Your Life 3
How It Worked for Me 7
How It Can Change the World 9
2 Your Network is Your Net Worth 11
Develop Your Support System or Perish 11
How to Engage with People Effectively 15
Do You Really Need a Mentor? 18
How to Diversify for Sustainable Success 20
3 Basic Human Connection Skills 23
Trust - The Foundation 23
Communication - The Glue 26
Empathy - The Ultimate Connector 29
Humor - The Icing on Top 31
4 Your Career Arsenal 35
Education Versus Experience 35
How to Leverage Everything You Have 38
Learn From Other’s Mistakes 40
5 We Are All Salespeople 43
Find Your Value Proposition 43
How to Sell Yourself 45
6 Where Has the Trust Gone? 49
Why There is Low Trust in Construction 49
How to Get It Back 51
7 Dealing with Toxicity 55
Workplace Warning Signs 55
Personal Traits to Avoid 57
8 Critical Traits to Embrace 61
Care for People and They Will Care for You 61
Change is Constant - Adapt and Overcome 63
9 Key Skills for Success 67
Don’t Just Network - Connect 67
How to Do More with Less 69
Conflict Resolution - Seek Win-Win 72
10 Provide Solutions to Big Problems 75
Design Problem 75
Worker Problem 77
Generational Problem 79
11 The Special Sauce 83
Know the Basics Really Well 83
Focus on People, Not Things 85
12 Smash Limiting Beliefs 87
Failure Is Not the End 87
Mistakes Make You Better 89
13 Big Picture Mindset 93
Keep the End in Mind 93
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff 95
14 Fair Treatment for All 99
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 99
How to Change the Industry 101
Sustainability: Beyond Design Principles 103
Reducing Inequalities 105
15 Great People Ask Great Questions 107
Questions Bring Immense Value 107
When to Probe and When to Back Off 109
16 Barriers to Human Connection 113
Technology Is Divisive 113
Integrity Is Hard to Find 115
Time is Spent Ineffectively 117
Ignorance Is Not Bliss 118
17 Dealing with Adversity 121
You Will Get Knocked Down 121
Dealing with Job Loss and Unemployment 123
18 Conclusion 127
Appendix A Find Your Calling 129
Appendix B Find Your Place 137
Appendix C Let’s Get Real 141
Index 149
