CONFERENCE DAY TWO
8:00 am Registration & Networking
8:30 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Turbo Charging First Line Manager Training to Steepen the Learning Curve to Leadership Autonomy
8:40 am Discover: Building a Leadership Pipeline in the Construction Industry; Status Report – 5 Years into the Journey
Synopsis
- Set the Stage: Discuss the challenge of the construction industry’s workforce deficit in both the office and the field. We have all the challenges most companies face; normal upward mobility, backfilling behind promotions, and succession. However, senior superintendents are retiring, and a limited pipeline of younger talent is available to fill behind them. Also, there are numerous executives getting close to retirement and they are anxious about ensuring that those identified to replace them are prepared to lead the company in the future.
- Our Solution: Share XL Construction’s approach to creating a leadership development program that impacts the entire company; from the C-suite to frontline managers and individual contributors. Examine the structure we designed that is based on defined competencies and fundamental leadership principles. Explain some of the tools we use to guide employee development.
9:00 am Discover: Enhancing Frontline Leadership Through Interactive Training
Synopsis
- How can hands-on, scenario-based training improve leadership skills and engagement among frontline workers?
- Explore Colas Construction’s interactive training program, which equips supervisors and managers with essential leadership skills through self-awareness exercises, one-on-one coaching, and ‘tailgate’ meetings
- The program has boosted employee engagement and productivity, as measured by company surveys and performance metrics, leading to stronger team leadership and operational success
9:20 am Discover: Developing Leaders at All Levels: How Suffolk Construction’s Talent Development Academies are Driving Impact
Synopsis
- How can we build a comprehensive leadership development program to prepare employees at all levels for success?
- Learn about Suffolk’s three leadership academies: the Rising Leaders program, the Management Excellence Academy, and the Executive Leadership program
- How Suffolk is using assessments, in-person training, and partnerships to build critical skills like emotional intelligence, performance management, and business acumen
- Learn how the programs have been recognized with prestigious Brandon Hall Excellence Awards, demonstrating the measurable impact on the organization
9:40 am Develop: Training First-Line Managers to Improve Productivity & Efficiency
Synopsis
Question & Answer Session Facilitated by the Focus Day Chair
- First-line managers are the primary link between upper management and the workforce. They ensure that strategic initiatives and daily operations are communicated and implemented effectively
- Proper training equips first-line managers with the skills to manage their teams better, Improving overall productivity and efficiency. In construction, safety and quality are paramount. First-line managers play a critical role in maintaining these standards by overseeing field operations and ensuring compliance with safety protocols
- Employee engagement: well-trained managers can foster a positive work environment, leading to higher employee engagement and retention
10:00 am Action: How Are You Going to Increase the Autonomy of Your Managers More Quickly?
Synopsis
- What are the current performance gaps?
- How does our training align with organizational goals?
- Are we providing adequate support and resources?
- How effective are our training methods?
- What feedback are we receiving from first-line managers?
10:20 am Networking Break
Creating ‘Fun’ L&D Programs that Construction Workers Enjoy to Enhance Engagement & Retention
10:40 am Discover: Driving a Culture of Learning Through Gamification and Engagement
Synopsis
- How can we develop innovative learning initiatives to engage a geographically dispersed workforce?
- Leverage gamification and social learning to make training fun and collaborative
- Learn about Brinkmann Constructors company-wide ‘Learning Madness’ competition, inspired by March Madness, to drive adoption of the organization’s new learning management system, and insights gained on employee learning behaviors and how to tailor content and strategies to meet diverse needs
11:00 am Discover: Building a Sustainable Mentorship Program for Career Growth & Culture
Synopsis
- How can mentorship drive employee retention, internal mobility, and a development-focused culture?
- Explore Interstates’ ‘Career Coaches’ program, which provides structured mentorship to support career growth and cross-training
- The program has improved retention, enhanced employee engagement, and strengthened company culture, creating a more skilled and motivated workforce
11:40 am Discover: Leveraging Engaging Learning and Development at Clayco to Drive Critical Growth
Synopsis
- Share insights on the importance of creating a learning mindset within the organization, where team members can learn from one another
- Develop strategies to align experiential learning initiatives with overarching business goals and objectives
- Explore a focus on creating strategic partnerships with various business units to reinforce the value of learning and development investment
12:00 pm Develop: Improving Worker Motivation & Performance through Engaging L&D Programs
Synopsis
Question & Answer Session Facilitated by the Focus Day Chair
- Creating engaging learning & development (L&D) programs in the construction industry is crucial for improving worker motivation, retention, And performance
- By offering personalized learning paths and aligning training with career goals, companies can foster a culture of continuous growth and make training sessions more enjoyable and effective
- Additionally, incorporating various learning modes and leveraging technology can enhance accessibility and engagement
12:20 pm Action: How Are You Going to Make Learning Fun?
Synopsis
- Sourcing a quality training instructor that knows the industry
- How can we create more exposure and experience in training? 70/20/10 model
- What are the other alternative career pathways we can create? How can we create exposure to these?
- How can we create visibility of transitions from office to field work and vice versa?
12:40 pm Fireside Chat: Connecting Career Pathways to Succession Planning
Synopsis
- Connecting career paths with succession planning is crucial for construction talent development as it ensures a seamless transition in leadership roles, preserves institutional knowledge, and fosters employee growth and retention
- This proactive approach helps construction companies remain resilient and competitive in the face of industry challenges
1:00 pm Lunch & Networking
Speed Learning
2:00 pm Speed Learning
Synopsis
In this quick-fire session, each table will be hosted by an HR leader who will share the secrets of their most high-impact leap; you then get the opportunity to question the host before moving on to your next table.