It’s time to change the narrative…

I love research. I love to learn. I love to explore. I love to discover things, people, information, and opportunities that expand my thinking, and enhance my work and my life.

But sometimes, research, learning, exploration and discovery can lead to facts, figures and information that is alarming, disheartening, and sometimes unbelievable.

As I meander down research rabbit holes of communication techniques and connection strategies within the Design and Construction Industries – I have stumbled upon staggering data that breaks my heart, and fuels my fire for more positive impact in this industry. (𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗄𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖽𝖺𝗍𝖺 𝗉𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗌)

You see, most design and construction companies don’t have communication problems, per se. They have 𝙎𝙄𝙇𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙀 problems.

The conversations that 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 happen.

The challenges that 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 get addressed.

The feelings and fears that 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 get discussed because of lack of time, lack of confidence, lack of resources, and a long history of a “𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 ask, 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 tell” mentality.

Burnout. Exhaustion. Financial Pressure. Fear. Uncertainty.

This is the norm for so many members of this industry (business owners 𝙖𝙣𝙙 employees) … and I know (I don’t think, 𝑰 𝑲𝑵𝑶𝑾) it’s time to change the narrative.

Communication and leadership matter because they shape whether these ‘industry norms’ remain hidden; whether workers feel they belong; and whether help-seeking is treated as responsible behavior or as a liability.

I believe we need to focus on conclusions and opportunities on how to change these ‘norms,’ rather than just placating the topic and repeating “𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯” and “𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦.”

Because it’s not.

And you know it.

Here is what surprises me the most: The research isn’t pointing to effective communication as a ‘leadership skill that’s nice to have’… It’s saying that intentional communication is one of the factors that is a MUST, if you consider yourself a leader in this industry. A 𝙈𝙐𝙎𝙏.

Leadership communication isn’t just about giving clear directions.

It’s about hearing what isn’t being said and creating psychological safety.

It’s about building trust through vulnerability, and developing cultures where people have a sense of belonging, acceptance, value and community.

I have committed to creating value, connecting others, and staying aligned with a purpose that is greater than me. As I stepped back from working IN the design and construction industries (not for too long tho – it keeps pulling me back in!) – I am finding that I want to continue to work ON the industry. Not so much the trends and conversations around design and material costs, but more around the PEOPLE that make up our industry – and what fuels them as designers, contractors, vendors, and trades.

What is the reason we get into this volatile and unforgiving line or work? Is it the ego that pushes us to how we can create beautiful things? Is it the desire to help others that can’t help themselves? It certainly isn’t because it’s easy. Nope. I have yet to meet a professional in this industry tell me that it’s ‘easy.’ So what is it?

And the bigger question – Why do we stay?

Burnout. Exhaustion. Financial Pressure. Fear. Uncertainty. These are the words I hear from my fellow designers, Architects, contractors. These are the emotions and stressors that push us all forward.

So, if this is the norm – why do we stay??

The attached download is a briefing from a research rabbit hole I created using Perplexity. Its deep. It goes for the heart. And it’s worth reviewing. The links are there for the viewing. This information isn’t mine to keep – it’s ours for sharing so we can change the norm, and make this industry more solid. More intact. More committed to the health and wellness of it’s leaders, employees, associates, and comrades.

Because if better leadership and better conversations lead to stronger teams and a healthier industry – then this is the communication culture shift I want to be a part of. And these are the conversations I want to explore.