On Wednesday, March 12, I had the pleasure of attending the Ohio Construction Conference, presented by the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio.
The conference brought together commercial construction professionals and leadership from across the country and included local, regional, and national experts who shared their insights on industry trends and topics.
One of the standout sessions for me was “XY&Z: The Keys to Intergenerational Management,” presented by Dr. Rapp. In this session, Dr. Rapp identified the different generational groups and their unique characteristics. He provided valuable insights into how these demographics think and work, emphasizing the importance of understanding these differences to work more effectively with others.
This session resonated deeply with my leadership philosophy: to get the best out of your team, you must adjust to their mentality and motivation. Forcing them to conform to your style is an outdated and ineffective approach to management. Great leaders know when to take charge, when to remain silent and when to find a balance based on the team’s dynamics and the environment. This approach aligns with my belief that leadership is not about imposing one’s will but about adapting to the needs of the team to create a collaborative environment that achieves organizational goals.
The conference also featured discussions on various construction industry trends, including advancements in technology, sustainability practices and regulatory changes. These sessions provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of the construction industry and offered practical strategies for navigating its challenges.
The Ohio Construction Conference was a valuable experience that highlighted the importance of adaptability and understanding in leadership. It showed me that successful leadership means being aware of the different perspectives and motivations within a team. I’m eager to apply what I learned and keep improving as a leader.
About Schneider Downs Construction Services
Led by a diverse group of shareholders and managers, Schneider Downs provides strategic and practical solutions for our construction clients in all facets of their business. Our dedicated team of more than 350 professionals have a wide background of tax, accounting, technological and business experience in the region, specifically in Pittsburgh and Columbus.
To learn more, visit our Construction Industry Group page.
