Management Under Construction

• S2 E1 Commissioning What's the Big Deal? With John Reis

  Summary In this episode of Management Under Construction, hosts Brad Wyant and Dee Davis engage with John Reis from Engineering Economics Incorporated (EEI) to explore the critical role of commissioning in building projects. They discuss the differences between building and systems commissioning, the importance of early engagement of commissioning agents, and the challenges faced in the commissioning process. The conversation highlights the skills required for commissioning agents, the significance of communication, and the need for readiness in project execution. John shares insights from his extensive experience in the field, emphasizing the value of commissioning in ensuring that buildings perform as intended. Takeaways Commissioning is essential for ensuring building systems function as intended.There is a distinction between building commissioning and systems commissioning.Early engagement of commissioning agents can prevent costly misunderstandings.Communication is crucial for resolving issues during the commissioning process.Readiness is a significant challenge in commissioning projects.Hands-on commissioning agents provide more value than hands-off agents.Understanding the owner's project requirements is key to successful commissioning.The commissioning process should start early in the design phase.Challenges in commissioning often stem from compressed schedules and miscommunication.Finding the right commissioning agent involves assessing their experience and approach. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Commissioning and Guest Introduction03:56 The Importance of Commissioning in Projects05:24 Understanding Building vs. Systems Commissioning12:21 The Role of Commissioning in Ensuring Owner Satisfaction17:43 Skills and Background of a Commissioning Agent20:00 Hands-On vs. Hands-Off Commissioning26:10 Evolution of the Commissioning Industry28:41 The Importance of Commissioning in Modern Construction31:32 The Role of the Commissioning Agent32:45 Engaging Commissioning Agents Early36:10 Challenges in Commissioning Projects40:56 The Need for Knowledge in MEP Management44:08 Defining Readiness in Commissioning47:39 Selecting the Right Commissioning Agent53:38 What Sets EEI Apart in Commissioning https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-reis-a0068659/ [email protected]

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• S1 E20 Running Effective Meetings

  Summary In this conversation, Brad Wyant and Dee Davis discuss the evolution of meetings throughout their careers, emphasizing the importance of making meetings productive and efficient. They share personal experiences and insights on how to run effective meetings, take meaningful minutes, and ensure accountability through action items. The discussion also covers the role of technology in meetings, best practices for meeting efficiency, and the impact of attendance on meeting dynamics. Ultimately, they highlight the need for continuous improvement in meeting practices to save time and enhance productivity. Takeaways Meetings often lack structure and purpose, leading to inefficiency.Effective meeting minutes should focus on action items rather than detailed discussions.Accountability is crucial; each action item should have a responsible person assigned.Sending out meeting minutes promptly increases accountability and engagement.Attendance tracking is essential to ensure everyone is informed and accountable.Meetings should be streamlined to respect participants' time and resources.Technology can enhance meeting efficiency if used correctly.Understanding the purpose of a meeting helps keep discussions on track.Training participants to come prepared can significantly improve meeting outcomes.Continuous improvement in meeting practices is necessary for organizational success. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Meeting Experiences02:18 The Importance of Effective Meetings04:50 Mastering Meeting Minutes09:50 Assigning Responsibility in Meetings14:40 Streamlining Meeting Formats19:54 Utilizing Project Management Tools26:01 Do's and Don'ts of Meeting Minutes27:18 Best Practices for Meeting Minutes32:31 The Importance of Timeliness in Meetings37:59 Efficient Meeting Structures46:02 Managing Meeting Attendance and Participation

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• S1 E19 Tools for Difficult Conversations

  Summary In this episode of the Management Under Construction podcast, Brad Wyant and Dee Davis delve into the complexities of difficult conversations, exploring the reasons why they are often avoided and the emotional dynamics involved. They discuss personality styles, the impact of fear and discomfort, and provide strategies for effective communication. The hosts emphasize the importance of preparation, setting the right environment, and navigating emotional responses to foster better workplace relationships. Ultimately, they encourage leaders to confront difficult conversations head-on to prevent long-term damage to their teams. Takeaways Difficult conversations are often avoided due to fear and discomfort.Understanding personality styles can help navigate difficult conversations.Emotions play a significant role in how conversations unfold.Preparation is key to having successful difficult conversations.Setting the right environment can influence the outcome of a conversation.Avoiding confrontation can lead to bigger issues down the line.It's important to communicate clearly what you want from a conversation.Emotional responses should be acknowledged but not allowed to dominate the conversation.Leaders must address toxic behavior to maintain team health.Difficult conversations are a necessary part of leadership. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Difficult Conversations01:49 Understanding Personality Styles in Communication07:33 The Role of Fear and Discomfort12:24 Confrontation and Emotional Management17:06 Preparing for Difficult Conversations22:01 Strategies for Effective Communication31:05 Identifying Problems and Solutions33:30 Navigating Emotions in Difficult Conversations36:40 The Importance of Timing and Location41:37 Strategies for Effective Communication48:32 Staying Calm and Present54:32 Understanding the Why Behind Conversations01:00:56 Embracing Difficult Conversations as a Leader

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• S1 E18 How to get the most out of your RFP

  Summary In this episode of Management Under Construction, hosts Brad Wyant and Dee Davis discuss the critical importance of well-written Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in the construction industry. They explore the differences between RFPs and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), share personal experiences with the bidding process, and emphasize the need for clear communication and detailed documentation. The conversation covers essential elements of a good RFP, including project narratives, schedules, and contract types, as well as the significance of incentives and penalties. The hosts also highlight the importance of logistics and site conditions, and the value of hiring consultants to assist in RFP writing. Takeaways A well-written RFP is crucial for project success.Understanding the difference between RFPs and RFQs is essential.Reading and comprehending RFP documents can set contractors apart.Clear communication in RFPs helps avoid conflicts later.Incentives and penalties should be clearly stated in RFPs.A good project schedule is vital for contractor bidding.Logistics and site conditions must be detailed in RFPs.A project facility narrative is important for existing buildings.Providing a sample contract can prevent issues later.Hiring a consultant for RFP writing can save time and money. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mother's Day Greetings01:55 Understanding RFPs and RFQs04:28 Experiences with RFPs06:36 The Importance of Preparation in RFPs08:54 Navigating Conflicts in RFPs11:13 Elements of a Good RFP13:35 The Role of Clarity in RFPs15:56 Contract Types and Sample Contracts18:08 Incentives and Penalties in RFPs20:26 Project Scheduling in RFPs22:33 Logistics and Their Impact on RFPs24:58 Understanding Your Audience in RFPs32:26 Setting Clear Expectations in RFPs35:10 Importance of Project Facility Narratives41:16 Organizing RFP Information Effectively48:36 Managing Owner-Furnished Equipment Risks55:03 The Value of Detailed RFPs

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• S1 E17 Handle Change Orders Like a Pro

  Summary In this episode of the Management Under Construction podcast, Brad Wyant and Dee Davis delve into the complexities of change orders in the construction industry. They discuss the importance of understanding change orders, the psychological factors influencing cost estimations, and the impact of low bidding on project costs. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of building trust between contractors and owners, the significance of accurate documentation, and the challenges posed by design issues. They also explore strategies for effective negotiation and the importance of contingency planning to manage unexpected costs. Throughout the discussion, the hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, providing listeners with practical advice for navigating the often-contentious world of change orders. When you are done with this podcast and implement the wisdom imparted, you will have begun your change order wizard journey. This is the way. Takeaways Change orders are a critical aspect of construction management. Accurate change orders protect the reputation of contractors. Understanding the psychology behind cost estimations is essential. Low bidding can lead to higher costs through change orders. Building trust with owners is crucial for successful change order management. Contingency planning is necessary to handle unexpected costs. Time pressures can complicate the change order process. Strong relationships can facilitate smoother change order negotiations. Design issues often lead to change orders and must be managed carefully. Effective communication and documentation are key to successful change orders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Change Orders01:45 Understanding Change Orders04:17 The Importance of Documentation06:41 Psychology of Cost Estimation09:23 Economic Incentives in Change Orders11:59 The Role of Marketing in Bidding14:18 Trust and Relationships in Construction16:48 Owner's Perspective on Change Orders19:12 Time Pressure and Change Orders20:05 Constructability Issues and Design Changes24:53 The Amnesia Factor in Change Orders33:28 Design Responsibility and Liability38:14 Navigating Change Orders and Owner Expectations39:05 Building Trust and Setting Expectations47:00 Effective Communication in Change Orders56:10 Negotiating Change Orders and Fair Pricing

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