Business Intelligence – April 2021

What is one skills training or professional development opportunity that has been beneficial for your employees over the past year? 

Lisa Murray 
Director of Learning and Development 
Wohlsen Construction Company 

Wohlsen developed a program called “Leadership in the Field” that is focused on providing professional development for our superintendents through a year-long series of events. Eight internal, Wohlsen “content experts” provide learning experiences for 16 superintendents from four regions. The group meets monthly to focus on topics that will enhance their technical skills and leadership abilities. The goal is to equip participants with new strategies to tackle their daily challenges, while strengthening current skills. It also prepares them for the next level of leadership.

One of the unique courses offered as part of this series is called “Emotionally Intelligent Leadership.” This is not a topic widely discussed in construction and many think it’s the “fluff” stuff.  However, the ability for superintendents to identify, use and manage their emotions productively, while positively influencing the emotions of others on their team, is a highly valuable skill on these complicated construction projects. Wohlsen is proud to offer this course as part of the series.

As a business leader, I believe the most impactful training we have received over the last year is reacting and responding to the pandemic itself.  Although last year has been exceptionally challenging on a personal and professional level for everyone, our organization has viewed this as an opportunity to become more resilient, flexible and stronger altogether.

Our business development and estimating practices pivoted rapidly and continually to shifting market paradigms. Our project management staff have become increasingly aware of outside effects of material and manpower supply chain issues. Our business accounting has become better informed regarding client and vendor financial solvency and supply chain financial impacts. 

Most aspects of our business have seen alteration in one form or another, but the common thread is toughness. The lessons we have learned over the last 12 months are irreplaceable and have fostered significant personal and professional development in our staff.