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.

1d ago

S4 E4 Can it Really Rain Inside Your Building During Construction?

humidity, temperature, construction, buildings, finishes, design, hvac, flooring, cabinets, adhesives, curing Discover how temperature and humidity affect construction projects, from material application to preventing indoor rain and mold. Essential insights for contractors, builders, and environmental managers aiming for quality and compliance. Main Topics: The basics of humidity and its measurement in construction How humidity impacts material curing, finishes, and building integrity The importance of managing temperature and humidity during construction Risks of indoor rain and mold caused by humidity swings The evolution of industry standards for humidity control in building projects Key Insights: Relative humidity (RH) measures moisture in the air; ideal human comfort range is 40-50% Most US climates hover around 50-60% RH, with exceptions like Colorado (20-40%) influencing static electricity issues Warmer air holds more moisture, which increases perceived heat and humidity sensations Psychrometric charts help predict moisture content at various temperatures, aiding construction planning Incorrect application of coatings, sealants, and flooring outside recommended humidity ranges voids warranties and causes failures Lower VOC paints and adhesives increased the industry’s need to control RH during application Early construction humidity management helps prevent indoor rain and mold, ensuring longevity and safety Controlling indoor humidity during construction can be achieved with temporary equipment or accelerated installation of permanent systems Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing the importance of temperature and humidity in construction 00:22 - Understanding humidity measurement and misconceptions 01:18 - The typical humidity ranges across the US and their implications 01:46 - How humidity affects human comfort and indoor environments 02:13 - Colorado’s dry climate and its technical effects on building conditions 03:08 - Static electricity as a symptom of dry climates 03:22 - Explanation of psychrometric chart and moisture content in air 03:51 - The impact of temperature and humidity on fog, dew, and rain formation 04:18 - Why managing humidity is crucial for construction materials and finishes 04:45 - Risks of applying coatings and sealants outside optimal humidity ranges 05:15 - Historical lack of climate control during construction and recent industry changes 05:40 - Challenges and solutions for temporary space conditioning 06:07 - Impact of low VOC materials on humidity management 06:32 - Early installation of permanent systems for better humidity control 07:01 - The necessity of controlling humidity to prevent interior rain and mold 08:25 - Real-world example of indoor rain caused by humidity issues 08:48 - The dangers of mold in construction and importance of early humidity management 09:17 - The critical need for managing humidity in sensitive builds like clean rooms 09:45 - Strategies for humidity control, including portable A/C units 10:13 - Concluding remarks: Keep buildings dry, safe, and compliant Connect with Dee Davis: LinkedIn
Jul 21

S4 E3 How to Get Submittals Approved in Record Time

Construction, submittals, engineering, project manager, project engineer, fast approval, contractor, save time How to Get Your Construction Submittals Approved Faster: Tips from Dee Davis In this episode, Dee Davis shares expert insights on streamlining the submittal process in construction projects to avoid delays, rejections, and bottlenecks. Whether you're a contractor, designer, or project manager, these practical tips will help you improve submittal quality and turnaround times. Key Topics Covered: The importance of submittals in construction and common misconceptions Why submittals often get delayed or rejected How to prepare clear, specific, and manageable submittals Strategies for faster review and approval, including paragraph-by-paragraph submissions Best practices for avoiding common mistakes like flooding the system or submitting overly large files Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: The importance and challenges of the submittal process 00:30 - Why submittals are necessary despite being tedious 01:21 - Reasons engineered review of submittals is critical 02:21 - How submittals communicate product choices and options 02:52 - The legal impact of approved submittals and substitutions 03:50 - Common issues delaying approval: size, clarity, and procedure mistakes 05:19 - Industry averages for submittal turnaround times and why they matter 05:48 - Typical contractor, designer, and owner frustrations 07:13 - The benefits of peer-reviewing your scope through detailed submittals 07:42 - Practical tips for effective submittal preparation 08:41 - How to make submittals small, clear, and specific 09:09 - The importance of tagging system-specific equipment and parts 10:14 - Using visual cues and markings for clarity 11:15 - Submitting for things not specified, and how to help the reviewer understand your scope 12:08 - What to avoid: lumping product types, large files, and vague info 12:39 - Managing the volume and timing of submittals for quicker approval 13:30 - The dangers of waiting to submit everything at once 14:27 - The advantage of submitting small, incremental submittals 15:00 - Dee’s innovative approach: paragraph-by-paragraph submittals 16:03 - How compartmentalized submittals speed up approval and reduce rework 16:58 - Final encouragement Connect with Dee Davis: LinkedIn Twitter
Jul 13

S4 E2 How Your Job Can Be More Than a Paycheck: Finding Purpose In Your Work

Happiness, finding your why, passion, motivation, paycheck, work, job, people, purpose, building, construction, engineering Finding Your Why: The Key to Purpose and Happiness at Work Discover how understanding your why can transform your approach to work, infuse you with passion, and lead to a more fulfilling career in construction, engineering, or any industry. Dee Davis shares personal insights and practical steps to help you uncover what truly motivates you. In this episode: Why your motivation for work should go beyond a paycheck The importance of introspection to find your personal "why" How your identified "why" can evolve over time Real-life examples of how a clear "why" fuels commitment and passion The role of purpose in supporting others, including family and team Practical tips for digging deeper into your motivations The significance of taking responsibility for your own happiness Encouragement to pursue work aligned with your true passions Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Why finding your "why" matters in your career 00:17 - Dee’s personal story of discovering his "why" during a seminar 00:48 - Why a paycheck isn't enough as a sole motivation 01:17 - The importance of looking inward to find what truly drives you 01:47 - How societal frustrations with pay and work are often misplaced 02:44 - Dee’s realization that his "why" is centered on his team and helping others 03:14 - The evolving nature of "why" over time with examples 03:47 - The significance of creating things with your hands and its deeper purpose 04:34 - How flexibility and helping save lives became Dee’s current "why" 05:02 - The motivation of creating life-saving medicines and supporting impactful work 05:30 - The joy of travel and new experiences as part of motivation 05:58 - Practical exercise: asking "why" repeatedly to uncover your true motivation 06:27 - Supporting family and fulfilling responsibilities as a "why" 06:53 - The importance of doing work you love while supporting loved ones 07:22 - Finding joy in daily routines and connections at work08:24 - Taking ownership of your career happiness and making changes if necessary 08:52 - Encouragement to explore new options until you find fulfillment 09:18 - Closing thoughts: live intentionally by knowing your "why" Resources & Links: Book: Start with Why by Simon Sinek Jeff Klubeck – Leadership & Culture Expert Connect with Dee Davis: LinkedIn Twitter
Jul 6

S4 E01 Keeping Your Commitments: Trust as the Foundation of Success

trust, integrity, truth, commitment Keeping Your Commitments: Trust as the Foundation of Success In this episode, Dee Davis explores the critical importance of honoring commitments—whether at work or in personal life—and how it builds trust, fosters reliability, and enhances relationships. Whether it's a construction project, a personal goal, or everyday interactions, keeping your word is fundamental to success and integrity. Key topics covered: The significance of trust and its impact on personal and professional relationships How breaking commitments damages trust and credibility Examples from construction projects illustrating trust issues The correlation between honesty, accountability, and leadership The importance of being truthful, even when mistakes happen The dangers of breaking promises to oneself and how to maintain self-commitments How societal trust issues mirror personal trust failures Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The significance of keeping commitments and trust 00:28 - The role of trust in construction and interpersonal relationships 00:56 - What constitutes a commitment and the importance of follow-through 01:26 - Example of a project trust breakdown involving a superintendent 02:20 - The impact of broken commitments on trust and organizational culture 03:18 - The role of honesty and transparency when commitments are missed 03:45 - Societal trust issues: politicians and leaders breaking promises 04:14 - The personal toll of trust issues in close relationships 04:43 - The importance of honesty in personal and professional life 05:12 - How admitting mistakes maintains trust and credibility 05:42 - The stress caused by dishonesty and broken promises 06:07 - The necessity of honoring commitments to oneself, with examples like New Year’s resolutions 06:28 - How breaking promises to oneself erodes confidence and belief 06:56 - The importance of follow-through, exemplified by language learning goals 07:22 - Practical advice for honoring personal commitments and self-improvement 07:50 - The significance of maintaining commitments to oneself 08:19 - Final encouragement to honor commitments and celebrate responsibly
Jun 29

S3 E24 The Secret to Stress Reduction on Long Projects

Construction, attitude, positive, stress reduction, choice, project, leadership, success, big projects Leveraging Attitude for Success in Challenging Projects In this episode: Dee Davis shares how adopting the right attitude can transform difficult days into opportunities for growth, especially in long-term construction projects. Drawing inspiration from Les Brown, he emphasizes that while we cannot control external circumstances, our reactions determine our success and well-being. Key topics: The importance of mindset when working on long-term projects which last 2-5 years How attitude impacts relationships and perceptions at work Practical steps to choose a positive attitude daily despite setbacks The significance of emotional resilience during tough days with diverse personalities How to make a difference and gain recognition for your positive influence Strategies for managing burnout and maintaining energy over marathon-style projects The power of intentional reaction to challenging situations, inspired by Les Brown The importance of waking up each day with a mindset to improve and succeed Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the power of mindset in construction projects 00:29 - Why attitude is crucial when working with difficult personalities 01:21 - The challenge of managing long-term projects lasting years 02:41 - The importance of pacing yourself in marathon projects 03:10 - Les Brown’s wisdom on attitude and choosing your reaction 03:38 - The freedom and control in attitude choices 04:04 - How attitude influences relationships with team members 04:32 - Personal success stories of positive impact 05:24 - How to handle tough days and setbacks consciously 06:18 - The importance of letting go and not holding onto negativity 07:15 - Practical tips for resetting attitude at the end of a stressful day 07:42 - Encouragement to start each day afresh with a positive mindset Resources & Links: https://www.lesbrown.com/ My personal favorite Les Brown audiobook: https://a.co/d/0j9eie5A
Jun 15

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
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
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

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

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.

Creator

Dee Davis
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

78
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Yellowstone Professional Education 2026
Show Website

Management Under Construction