Thoughts From A Woman In Construction (Part 2)
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Read time: 5 minutes
My 10+ years of studying and working with executives in the construction industry has led me to the conclusion that the most effective organizations innovate and change well before the rest of the industry. And they do it by creating grassroots movements- movements started by the people. This is the key to long-term business success.
One effective construction organization I know (a national contractor with well over $600MM in revenue in 2022) enlists the help of Employee Resource Groups. These groups empower employees to discover areas for change, discuss how they fit into the organization’s strategies, and then implement them as appropriate. How fun is that! And I can’t imagine a better way to get buy-in for change at every level.
This is just one example, but every lasting construction company has innovated and changed many times, and done it many different ways. After all, the world has changed! And so have people’s standards.
Meanwhile, not all change is good. I know a few times myself where I was convinced my idea was right for our company, only to realize it didn’t fit with enduring strategies that made the company successful for the 29 years before I got here! Each time was a great learning experience. And I’m sure I’m not done with them.
The great differentiator, then, between effective and ineffective construction organizations, is how do they manage change?
Do they resist change?
Or do they embrace change?
Do they tell their people to change?
Or do they ask their people how to change?
The job of the leader is to ask questions and find out what change to embrace, and what change to resist because it will cost the company in a negative way.
Today, one piece of change I think every lasting construction organization needs to embrace is the movement to bring more diversity, equity, and inclusion to the industry. Construction is severely understaffed, and more than that, it needs to get with the times! The world has changed, millennials care about DEI, and it’s going to be a big part of growing for the future.
Need proof?
Look no further than Women In Construction Week, which officially kicks off tomorrow, March 5th!
Long-lasting construction companies like Clark Construction Group, Gilbane Building Company, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Mortensen, DPR, and many more (subs and GCs alike!) will spend the week hosting jobsite stand downs, webinars, charity drives, and much more. All for the sake of promoting women in the construction industry. When industry giants are involved, my rule is to pay attention!
This week, we are talking to Kara Guelzow. Kara is a Project Manager, women in construction advocate, and great leader. I hope you enjoy and learn something along the way!
Let’s all be advocates and make the industry 1% better.
Q: How long have you been in the construction industry?
A: I started as an intern in 2013 and did 3 summers and liked it so much that I have been working my way up the ranks the past 7 years full time!
Q: What is your favorite part about working in construction?
A: I get bored easily so being able to work on a new project every few years and travel is right up my alley. Every day is a new challenge to overcome that always keeps me on my toes.
Q: What would you tell a young woman thinking about taking a construction track for her career?
A: There is a lot of room for improvement in terms of communication and new ways of doing things. Even though a lot of the old timers say “that’s the way we’ve always done it” don’t be afraid to put a spin on things. It’s also very important to be direct in this industry.
Q: What is something you deal with as a woman in construction that the average person would be surprised to hear?
A: General harassment. Even though it is 2023 there are still guys that will be creepy. That said there are also a lot of really good guys that have your back. The important thing is to be honest and speak up when it does cross a line and makes you feel uncomfortable.
Q: What systems does your company have in place to help you navigate being a woman in construction?
A: My company has quarterly get together for the women. As the company grows there are so many new women that we don’t always get to know each other due to jobsites being in different states so we have also broken into groups of 4 to go out for breakfast/lunch and form a more intimate relationship so that having uncomfortable conversations come easier.
Q: Are there any trade or other professionals organizations other women should get involved with
A: NAWIC is one. I also went to Purdue University and in the Construction Engineering and Management major, we mentor young women over the summer as they navigate their internships.
Q: What’s your best piece of advice for men in the construction industry to be better advocates?
A: Listen and understand different experiences. As a woman walking to the jobsite in the early or late hours when its dark, I make a point to not walk near parked vehicles for fear of being attacked (something that is just engrained in most women). One of the engineers asked me why I did that one day so I told him and his mind was blown that that is something most women think about. Just because something doesn’t cross your mind as a potential issue, understand that it could affect others.
Q: What’s your best piece of advice for a woman in the construction industry who might be struggling with the gender disparity?
A: There’s rotten eggs everywhere you go, don’t let that be the reason to stop you from joining a really interesting industry. There is always someone, somewhere that will have your back. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. I think there is a lot of potential growth for women as leadership understands the value women bring to the table
Kara has taught me a lot about women leadership in construction and I'm really grateful our paths crossed.
Next week we’ll feature co-founder and business owner Jodi Martinez!
Can't wait to see you then.
Your friend,
Matt
P.S. Don’t forget to donate to Girls On The Run. Any amount will make a difference
Spark Notes:
Conflict is a huge part of construction.
Most of it stems from one side or another using the Contract as a weapon.
You can use the Contract more effectively if you do these 4 things:
Read the Contract
Know the key terms
Set boundaries with your partner
Stay objective
You’ll be running better projects with less conflict in no time.
Go give it a try tomorrow, and let me know how you do.
