Management Under Construction

Dee Davis
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

We are all constantly under construction In our personal and professional lives we seek to constantly learn and grow, and make better decisions. Together we will explore topics of construction, sustainability, leadership, and business as they apply to various industries and our personal journeys.

  1. S3 E23 The Impacts of Textiles and Indoor Air Quality on Your Health with Cynthia Harvey Brown

    2d ago

    S3 E23 The Impacts of Textiles and Indoor Air Quality on Your Health with Cynthia Harvey Brown

    Indoor air quality, textiles, VOC, organic, chemicals, buildings, fabrics, health, building design, hormones, men's health, new construction, remodel, off gassing, ASHRAE  The Hidden Dangers of Indoor Textiles and How to Create Healthier Environments This episode tackles the often-overlooked impacts of everyday textiles and indoor air quality and materials on our health, emphasizing practical swaps and smarter choices. Whether you're a homeowner, building professional, or just health-conscious, Cynthia Harvey Brown brings valuable insights to help you reduce chemical exposure and improve indoor air quality and your overall health.   In this episode: The connection between textiles, materials, and indoor air quality How off-gassing from carpets, furniture, and clothing affects hormonal and reproductive health Practical steps for reducing indoor toxins, including choosing safer fabrics and products The importance of certifications like OEKO-TEX and GOTS in product safety How chemical exposures impact men’s health and fertility The significance of proper ventilation and building flushes for new construction How consumer demand can influence industry changes Strategies for small, affordable lifestyle adjustments to create healthier homes Differentiating between marketing hype (greenwashing) and genuine sustainability Timestamps:  00:00 - Welcome and episode overview on indoor environmental health 00:47 - Cynthia’s background in textiles, fashion, and wellness 02:06 - How textiles influence indoor air quality 03:00 - Standards set by ASHRAE and health impacts 03:59 - Links between everyday fabric choices and hormonal health 04:10 - Cynthia’s personal journey with textile-related health issues 05:56 - Indoor pollution misconceptions and actual risks 06:24 - The reality of pollutants and off-gassing from carpets and furniture 07:29 - Understanding off-gassing and chemical releases in homes 08:42 - How chemical odors indicate indoor chemical presence 09:42 - Durability and lifespan of chemical off-gassing from products 10:39 - The reproductive and hormonal effects of chemical exposure 11:35 - Taking informed consumer actions and questions to ask 12:42 - Common chemicals in textiles to be cautious about 13:12 - The presence of PFAS in everyday clothing and its risks 15:26 - How flame retardants in children’s sleepwear pose concerns 16:05 - The importance of safe, natural clothing and how prices are shifting 17:00 - The impact of synthetic workwear and breathable fabrics 19:35 - Choosing sustainable and natural materials in apparel 22:07 - Building and renovation tips: low VOC paints and proper airing out 23:32 - Practical air flushes for new constructions and renovations 24:56 - The dangers of fragrances and synthetic air fresheners 26:26 - Small steps to reduce toxin load in your daily environment 28:03 - The life cycle of synthetic furniture and products 30:44 - Questions to ask when buying mattresses and furniture 33:15 - The connection between chemicals and declining male fertility 34:39 - The importance of pre-conception environmental health 36:00 - How rising cancer rates are linked to toxin exposure over generations 38:48 - A shopping guide for safe textile and home products 41:45 - The importance of trust and certification in product safety 45:28 - Balancing budget and safety: the real cost of cheap, synthetic products 50:20 - The risks of scented products and natural alternatives 52:21 - Smell-good products and their hidden chemical risks 55:00 - The marketing term "all natural" and what to watch out for 58:13 - Advocating for systemic change via consumer demand and policy 61:49 - How industry certifications and policies can accelerate safer choices 66:46 - Resources for trustworthy brands and product databases 69:29 - Practical tips for new renters and homeowners to reduce chemical loads 73:48 - Connecting with experts for personalized guidance 75:14 - The benefits of resale and secondhand shopping to minimize exposure 77:00 - Key questions to ask when purchasing mattresses and couches 78:31 - The critical role of proper ventilation and building flushes for new spaces 80:18 - Final tips and encouragement for making small, impactful changes  Resources & Links: OEKO-TEX GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) EWG (Environmental Working Group) Green Guard Certification Marley and Moose – Natural Kids’ Store Connect with Cynthia Harvey Brown: Start Living Sustainable Email: support@startlivingsustainable.com Free Guide: ‘5-Easy Ways to Reduce Your Exposure to Household Toxins For Immediate Health Results’:        https://startlivingsustainable.com/freebie  Allergy Defender:  I love how easy this product is to use. I can spray it in the air, on bedding, furniture, and other fabrics throughout my home to help neutralize particles and reduce allergens, and it's safe around children and pets. I literally use it every day             https://allergydefender.com/?ref=Cynthia  Switch Natural is an app for ingredient-conscious shoppers. I recommend downloading this app to your phone through my link. Whenever I'm shopping for personal care, beauty, or cleaning products, I can scan the ingredient list and quickly see if there are ingredients I may want to avoid and why. It takes so much of the guesswork out of shopping. https://gmm.one/311b45c3-dee5-44d1-93ba-da5f63b22d7a   My Healthy Home Reset Audit Session: For your listeners who would like a more personalized approach, this is a one-on-one session where I'll help them identify the highest-priority opportunities to reduce unnecessary exposure based on their home, lifestyle, concerns, and budget. As a thank-you to your audience, I'd be happy to offer listeners $50 off the Healthy Home Reset Audit. If they mention your name when booking, I'll apply the discount before the scheduled session: https://startlivingsustainable.com/coaching

    1h 12m
  2. S3 E22 The Most Common Critical Mistakes in Performance Reviews and How to Avoid Them

    Jun 8

    S3 E22 The Most Common Critical Mistakes in Performance Reviews and How to Avoid Them

    performance review, personnel, training, evaluation, management, supervisor  Summary In this episode of Management Under Construction, Dee Davis breaks down how to give effective performance reviews—highlighting common pitfalls, best practices, and innovative approaches like 360 reviews. If you’re looking to move beyond generic evaluations and truly support your team’s growth, this provides essential insights. Key Topics The gap in formal training for managers on conducting reviews Why performance reviews shouldn’t be done in a vacuum and the importance of input from others The limitations of remote and field supervisory assessments How to ethically solicit honest, constructive feedback from peers and clients The significance of employee-driven accomplishments and goal-setting The value of 360-degree reviews for comprehensive performance insights Common mistakes like assigning irrelevant goals and making reviews a one-sided process Practical tips for gathering data from various sources based on the employee’s interaction level How to leverage employee achievements to inform development rather than just compensation The danger of “monovision” from employers that ignores employee human factors Timestamps: 00:00 - Why most managers aren’t trained on performance reviews 00:31 - Common misconceptions about reviews and how they’re often handled poorly 01:00 - The pitfalls of subjective, unilateral evaluations and remote supervision challenges 01:59 - Standard review categories and why multi-source input is essential 02:27 - How to solicit honest feedback from colleagues and clients 02:56 - The importance of involving employees in self-assessment and goal creation 03:27 - Limitations of a manager’s knowledge on technical skills and the need for peer input 03:56 - Assessing productivity and quality in distant or field teams 04:04 - Gathering insights on initiative, responsibility, and customer interactions 05:02 - Remote teams and how to evaluate attendance and punctuality effectively 05:22 - Encouragement for sharing and engaging with the content 05:30 - Combining observational data and peer input for teamwork assessments 05:58 - Encouraging employees to thoroughly document their accomplishments 06:06 - The misconception that good reviews automatically mean large raises 06:36 - Why companies often understate employee potential to suppress expectations 07:07 - Improving goal-setting processes by involving employees in defining meaningful objectives 07:35 - Introducing 360-degree reviews for a well-rounded performance picture 08:05 - Practical tips for conducting multi-source evaluations and the value of broad feedback 08:35 - Final thoughts and encouragement to broaden your review processes

    10 min
  3. S3 E21 Stop Manpower Turnover from Eating Your Profit

    Jun 1

    S3 E21 Stop Manpower Turnover from Eating Your Profit

    Manpower, construction, leadership, labor, staffing, projects, changes, communication, productivity, profit, trust, commute  Managing Manpower Changes in Construction Projects: Strategies to Minimize Disruption  In this episode of Management Under Construction, Dee Davis explores the often-overlooked impact of manpower shifts on construction projects and offers practical insights to keep projects on track despite staffing changes. Whether dealing with turnover, reassignments, or commute issues, understanding how to navigate these challenges is crucial for project leaders.  Key topics covered: How manpower changes typically impact project trust, communication, and productivity The significance of effective leadership in mitigating staffing disruptions The critical role of communication in avoiding schedule delays People skills as a foundation for maintaining team cohesion during staffing changes The ripple effect of workforce turnover on multiple organizations within a project Strategies for project managers to lead, communicate, and connect with their teams The importance of recognizing and addressing turnover causes proactively Practical steps to improve leadership presence, communication practices, and people management Timestamps: 00:00 - The real-world effects of manpower changes on project success 02:20 - The pain points of tough commutes and their impact on staff retention 03:06 - Exploring reasons behind reassignments and their impact on projects 04:02 - The hidden costs and ripple effects of turnover in construction sites 05:27 - The importance of understanding organizational dynamics and dependencies 06:24 - Defining leadership: Taking charge for the collective benefit 07:01 - Why clear, consistent communication prevents schedule delays 08:24 - Cultivating people skills to improve team engagement and morale 09:16 - How to lead without formal authority and influence your project culture 10:08 - Practical steps to become a better leader, communicator, and team builder 11:06 - Closing thoughts: Building resilient teams to manage manpower challenges

    12 min
  4. S3 E20 Construction Project Dilemma: The Hidden Risk of Owner Furnished Equipment

    May 18

    S3 E20 Construction Project Dilemma: The Hidden Risk of Owner Furnished Equipment

    Construction; owner furnished equipment; purchasing; equipment; buyout; contractor; procurement; buying power; purchase order; project; general contractor; cost; schedule   In this episode, Dee Davis dives into the complexities and pitfalls of owner furnished equipment (OFE) in construction projects. Understanding these risks can save owners and contractors time, money, and prevent project delays. Discover practical insights to navigate OFE challenges confidently. Why owners or general contractors (GCs) often consider purchasing equipment themselves, focusing on cost, schedule, and design control. The reality behind cost savings of 15-30% and why owners often face hidden expenses and lost leverage. The importance of buying power: how contractors and suppliers benefit from bulk purchasing and long-term relationships. Schedule control and how removing the contractor from purchasing responsibilities weakens project timelines. The critical role of communication: how PO scope, vendor ties, and project coordination suffer without proper channels. Risks of reduced quality assurance and responsibility transfer when owners buy equipment independently. The complications in receiving, inspecting, and commissioning OFE, often leading to delays and defects. Examples from real projects illustrating how OFE failure causes performance issues—like damaged equipment or installation mismatches. The need for precise contractual language, such as FAT/SAT and startup procedures, to ensure proper handling of OFE. Why leaving procurement to owners increases project disruption, costs, and potential scope gaps. The value of involving experts for specialized equipment purchases and when to delegate this responsibility. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to owner furnished equipment risks and benefits 00:30 - Owners' motivations for buying equipment directly 01:00 - The misconception of cost savings and hidden costs involved 01:26 - How schedule control is compromised through owner procurement 02:23 - Challenges with design details, options, and scope changes 02:52 - Pricing markups and the influence of buying power 03:16 - Why owners have less leverage than they think 03:40 - The impact of limited purchasing power for one-off buyers 04:09 - The importance of project volume and repeat business for better prices 04:36 - How owner procurement reduces long-term vendor relationships 05:02 - Diminished schedule influence and vendor leverage 05:28 - The disconnect between design and owner purchasing decisions 05:57 - Loss of control and responsibility overlap when owners buy equipment 06:26 - Communication breakdowns with vendors and lack of performance leverage 06:49 - Owner’s responsibility for managing equipment delivery and scope gaps 07:18 - The need for detailed inspection and the risks of damaged or incorrect equipment 07:45 - The disadvantages of owning equipment without ongoing maintenance or support 08:05 - How standard owner PO terms fall short for complex construction equipment 08:33 - Consequences of severed communication links and scope gaps 09:00 - Risk shift back to owners and responsibilities for offloading, storage, and startup 09:28 - The challenge of managing delivery inspections and damage control 10:02 - Real-world examples of equipment arriving wrong or damaged 10:22 - Handling shipment damages and the importance of proper documentation 10:49 - Startup issues caused by lack of inspections and vendor support 11:15 - Delays and defect rectification due to owner’s unilateral equipment purchase decisions 11:44 - The impact of defect discovery and vendor response times on project schedule 12:21 - How vendor involvement could accelerate problem resolution 12:51 - The difficulties faced when owner procurement leads to project delays 13:14 - Lessons from managing unfamiliar equipment types, like trash compactors 13:44 - The importance of detailed purchase specifications and scope management 14:13 - How incomplete knowledge increases project risks and costs 14:40 - The owner’s role in coordinating complex equipment and the value of expertise 15:18 - The cost implications of coordination failures and last-minute changes 15:40 - Summary: The hidden costs exceeding initial savings of OFE 16:17 - The motivations behind GC equipment purchases and potential pitfalls 16:45 - The importance of communication between procurement, installation, and project teams17:15 - The value of experienced subcontractors managing procurement risks 17:41 - Why procurement expertise matters and when owners should delegate 18:11 - The core reason owners favor OFE: lack of clear understanding of needs 18:44 - Final advice: Owners should focus on defining their requirements and trusting experts

    19 min
  5. S3 E19 How Small Design Decisions Can Turn Buildings Into Maintenance Nightmares

    May 11

    S3 E19 How Small Design Decisions Can Turn Buildings Into Maintenance Nightmares

    The Hidden Costs of Design Decisions That Impact Building Maintenance  In this episode, Dee Davis dives into the often-overlooked consequences of design choices in building operations. From fixture inefficiencies to coating mismatches, understanding these long-term impacts can save facility managers and designers significant time and money.  Key Insights: Faulty fixtures like water, soap, and hand dryer combos can cause daily maintenance headaches, impacting user experience. Design choices, such as battery-powered sensor fixtures, significantly increase long-term maintenance costs due to reliability issues. Coatings like intumescent paint from different manufacturers can cause future patching problems, complicating renovations. Sealants, often overlooked, require regular maintenance and proper documentation to facilitate future repairs. Small design and installation decisions, like sensor sensitivity or material selection, have ripple effects on facility management decades later. Common pitfalls include underestimating the lifecycle impacts of seemingly minor choices during initial construction.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview on design impact 00:38 - The importance of documenting decisions for future occupants 1:14 - Faulty restroom fixtures and their long-term maintenance issues 2:13 - How fixture design impacts building upkeep 2:38 - Battery-operated fixtures and maintenance burdens 3:06 - Sensor fixtures and their reliability challenges 3:59 - The complexities of coating choices and future patching issues 4:39 - Variations in intumescent paint application problems 5:11 - Sealant types, usage, and maintenance considerations 6:07 - The long-term effect of poor sealant decisions 6:25 - Imagining solutions like QR codes to explain building features 6:55 - Call to action: Share stories of design decisions impacting long-term maintenance  Email: heydee@managementunderconstruction.com

    7 min
  6. S3 E18 Navigating Complex Projects: How to Catch Up and Contribute Effectively

    May 4

    S3 E18 Navigating Complex Projects: How to Catch Up and Contribute Effectively

    When joining a project midway through its lifecycle, the challenge isn't just understanding what's already been done—it's integrating seamlessly into established processes, relationships, and attitudes. Dee Davis shares practical insights for new team members, especially those stepping into ongoing projects, to accelerate their learning curve and add value quickly. Key topics: The common challenges faced when entering a project 20-30% in progress Strategies for rapid onboarding: observing, listening, and learning Building rapport with established teams and understanding existing dynamics Handling complex communication issues across multiple contractors and buildings The importance of patience and humility in early project stages Practical tips like following the foreman and asking smart questions How to avoid disrupting the project by overstepping early on Recognizing different levels of issues: big vs. small job challenges Timestamps: 00:00 - Challenges of joining a project midstream 00:24 - Intro and personal project update from Dee Davis 00:55 - Why catching a "moving train" is tough for new team members 01:25 - Dealing with established teams' attitudes and processes 01:53 - Understanding the emotional landscape of seasoned team members 02:23 - Strategies for new arrivals: observe, listen, and learn 02:47 - Building relationships early to gain context 03:13 - The importance of patience during onboarding 03:42 - Tips for new project engineers: follow the foreman, be curious 04:12 - Managing expectations: it takes time to get up to speed 04:36 - The benefits of listening more than speaking initially 05:05 - How to bring value without overstepping 05:34 - Handling complex communication and decision-making in large projects 06:03 - Final thoughts and sponsor message

    7 min

  7. Apr 27

    S3 E17 Your LinkedIn Profile is Your First Digital Impression: How To Turn Yours Into a Powerful Connection Magnet with Brian Traichel

    Unlocking the Power of LinkedIn and Your Brand Voice In this episode, Brian Traichel shares expert insights on how to strategically leverage LinkedIn for consistent networking, branding, and sales growth. Discover practical tips to elevate your profile, build genuine relationships, and harness AI tools for authentic brand communication. Key Topics Why managing your LinkedIn profile should be your top priority in daily networking The importance of authenticity and consistency in personal branding How to craft a compelling LinkedIn profile that attracts your ideal clients The four major LinkedIn sins and how to avoid them Strategies for expanding and deepening your network effectively The role of AI and brand voice blueprints in creating authentic content Using LinkedIn for job searches versus business development The significance of personal interests and commonalities in relationship building Best practices for requesting and giving recommendations Ongoing LinkedIn maintenance: reviews, updates, and staying relevant Timestamps 00:00 - Why LinkedIn should be your primary daily management task 00:26 - How active presence on LinkedIn impacts opportunities 01:22 - Brian Traichel’s journey from sales to LinkedIn expert 02:41 - The evolution of LinkedIn and its potential beyond a digital resume 03:36 - Managing LinkedIn during the pandemic and remote work shift 05:09 - Why your LinkedIn profile is your first impression in 8.5 seconds 05:59 - The importance of focus and consistency in daily LinkedIn activity 07:37 - How to integrate LinkedIn into your routine efficiently 09:25 - Deep dive into profile elements: details that matter 10:05 - The significance of personal history and common interests in networking 12:17 - The value of listing expired certifications and skills 13:01 - Optimizing LinkedIn keywords and sections for visibility 14:16 - The impact of certifications, courses, and educational background 15:11 - The critical role of a custom LinkedIn URL and company logo 16:33 - Identifying and correcting common profile errors and outdated info 17:45 - Maintaining a current profile through regular updates 19:02 - The four major sins of LinkedIn profiles and how to fix them 20:12 - Strategies for creating a professional URL and showcasing smaller companies 21:54 - Building deeper relationships over expanding connections 22:50 - How to efficiently find mutual connections in your network 23:10 - The importance of personalized connection requests and avoiding spam pitches 24:27 - Managing inbox, messages, and connection invites with strategic focus 28:14 - The power of long-term networking and maintaining relationships 30:19 - Reframing sales as connection and relationship building, not pitching 32:17 - Understanding opportunities versus leads in sales processes 37:45 - Tapping into the hidden job market through your network 40:37 - The long-lasting impact of genuine relationships over job boards 42:40 - Introducing Brian Traichel’s new Brand Voice Blueprint process 43:37 - How the Brand Voice interview deepens your market positioning 45:00 - Using AI to create consistent, authentic messaging based on your voice 47:20 - Integrating your brand voice into marketing content and team training 51:57 - Overcoming AI skepticism with human oversight and authenticity 52:21 - Continuous evolution: updating your profile and brand voice regularly 54:42 - Strategies for requesting and collecting recommendations effectively 56:23 - The necessity of a complete, polished LinkedIn profile for credibility 58:52 - How to contact Brian and maximize your LinkedIn presence Resources & Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/briantraichel/ https://profile.brand-voice-interview.com/

    1h 3m
  8. S3 E16 Leadership Development in Construction

    Apr 20

    S3 E16 Leadership Development in Construction

    Construction labor crisis, Workforce development, Mentorship programs, Skill development, Leadership training, Employee growth, Industry challenges, Professional coaching, Training investment, Organizational change Navigating the Construction Labor Crisis: Strategies for Success In this episode, Dee Davis discusses the urgent labor shortage crisis in the construction industry and offers practical solutions for employers and employees to adapt. The focus is on quick promotion challenges, skill development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning to remain competitive. Key topics: The impact of rapid promotion of less experienced workers and how to support them Actionable strategies for employees to accelerate their professional growth How employers can implement mentorship, training, and coaching programs The importance of foundational skills and outside training resources The ROI of investing in employee development — up to 300% on training Building a sustainable approach to workforce resilience amid industry shortages Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the labor crisis in construction 00:33 - Challenges of promoting less experienced workers 01:01 - Supporting young professionals in fast-track roles 01:29 - Tips for employees: Asking for help & self-initiated training 01:55 - The importance of skill development and company-provided training 02:07 - Group training and workshops for collective growth 02:46 - Leveraging coaching programs for leadership and technical skills 03:14 - The role of external trainers and their benefits 03:58 - Employers: Developing mentorship programs and skill-specific training 04:47 - The value of foundational training and clarifying basics 05:20 - The dangers of assumptions about employee knowledge 05:38 - Using outside trainers to enhance on-the-job learning 06:08 - Limitations of relying solely on senior staff for training 06:35 - Cost-effective benefits of professional trainers 07:15 - Creating mentorship and coaching agreements within organizations 07:41 - The high ROI of mentoring, coaching, and outside training 08:16 - Integrated training & coaching for rapid competency development 08:44 - The strategic importance of evolving workforce development practices 09:13 - Final thoughts on adapting to the changing landscape and fostering growth

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We are all constantly under construction In our personal and professional lives we seek to constantly learn and grow, and make better decisions. Together we will explore topics of construction, sustainability, leadership, and business as they apply to various industries and our personal journeys.

Information

  • Creator
    Dee Davis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Yellowstone Professional Education 2026
  • Show Website
    Management Under Construction