Valuing Every Individual on the Jobsite with Panel (Episode 67)

In this episode of The Lean Builder’s “Hoots on the Ground” podcast, host Adam Hoots introduces a group of guests who share their experiences and insights on Lean construction. Joining Brian Winningham and Julie Dolan this week are Manny Hoyo, a senior superintendent with Skanska USA, and Sam Sinclair, a field superintendent with E.L. Pruitt. As a fun icebreaker, Adam asks each guest to introduce themselves and share a type of food they do not like. 

Brian “Ranger Winnie” Winningham kicks off the discussion by reading his original story, Honey Wagon Driver. It’s about respect for people and how oftentimes a person’s role and value go unnoticed until that person is not there.

This episode highlights the taboo nature of discussing mental health in the construction industry. Manny explains that openly addressing mental health or acknowledging when one is not feeling well is uncommon in the industry. He points out that there is a cultural expectation to leave emotions and feelings behind and give maximum effort every day. This mentality of suppressing emotions and prioritizing work over mental well-being can have detrimental effects on the mental health of construction workers.

The episode emphasizes the need for awareness and kindness within the industry. It is mentioned that individuals who enter construction often come from diverse backgrounds and may have faced challenges in their lives. Creating a culture of kindness and understanding can support the mental health of these individuals and help combat the stigma surrounding mental health in the construction industry.

Overall, the episode underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health in the construction industry. It calls for a shift in the industry's culture to promote open discussions, awareness, and kindness.

The speakers emphasize the significance of kindness and understanding starting from within oneself before extending it to others. They suggest that individuals must first find kindness within themselves to be kind and understanding towards others. The speaker challenges the industry to introspect and cultivate self-compassion, as they believe it is difficult to show kindness to others without finding it for oneself. By setting an example and understanding the reasons behind others' actions, individuals can create a more positive and compassionate work environment.

The episode also discusses the importance of becoming mental health certified in the construction industry, comparing it to being First Aid and CPR certified. It highlights the need for individuals to possess the skills and knowledge to address mental health issues just as they would physical health emergencies.  Manny mentions his company's green sticker program, where individuals can receive mental health certification training. This program involves wearing a sticker on their hard hat, like displaying First Aid and CPR certifications. The purpose of this certification is not to make individuals certified counselors but to equip them with the tools and resources to have conversations about mental health and direct people to appropriate support.

Overall, the episode underscores the significance of finding the value that each member of the team can add to the project. Construction jobs are not built without the men and women who labor to make them happen. It’s time to show them some respect. The episode ends with each person issuing a challenge to the construction industry!

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:

·        www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

·        http://www.constructionsuicideprevention.org/

·        National Suicide Prevention Line = 988 (Call or text!)

·        Ranger Winnie’s Writing “Honey Wagon Driver” |  https://www.rangerwinnie.com/post/honey-wagon-driver

 

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

·        Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for “Hoots on the Ground” and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

·        Brian Winningham | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fielddrivenlean/ | Owner of Field Driven Lean and Author of Ranger Winnie

·        Julie Dolan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedolan/ | Core Team Member with LCI Ohio Valley CoP and Lean Practice Leader with SSOE Group

·        Manny Hoyo | https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-hoyo-18304a20/ | Senior Superintendent with Skanska USA

·        Sam Sinclair | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-sinclair-b9a41969/ | Field Superintendent with E.L. Pruitt