CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: PERCEPTION VERSUS REALITY
I undertook a survey at a recent church gathering, asking fellow members to describe a typical construction worker. Though portrayals varied, member-to-member, the general perception of the construction industry was not complimentary. Descriptions included the words “dirty,” “unsophisticated,” “uneducated,” and “lazy lout-abouts” and were in stark contrast to the customers I collaborated with during my years with Alby Materials.
Most telling: Not a single member in this unscientific, religious sample would encourage family or friends to pursue careers in construction … unless the friend or family member was unable to “make the grade” at university or technical college.
The picture painted from my survey is puzzling. Over my lifetime, the construction industry has been a leading provider of career opportunities – in Wisconsin and our nation – and, without fanfare, is directly responsible for building the quality of life we enjoy in America today.
Clean air and water, home ownership and affordable shelter, safe transportation – including roads, bridges, airports, and harbors – good schools, productive and safe businesses, accessible health care facilities, and recreational buildings and areas are made possible by the smarts, toil, and sweat of construction industry professionals.
Through the Phill Domask Consultancy, I have the chance to work with some of the top construction industry professionals in North America. Without exception, my customers are:
- hard-working, independent men and women dedicated to doing a sound job for their clients
- skilled, innovative persons, willing to embrace new technologies and new construction methods;
- capable and dedicated workers, empowered to anticipate client needs and exceed client expectations;
- knowledge-thirsty individuals, committed to updating and expanding their skills through ongoing education and training;
- goal-oriented, task-driven professionals, proud of their accomplishements; and
- mentors and advocates, investing time and expertise to improve their industry and the communities they serve.
The very best are visionary leaders, enriching everyone they come in contact with by pursuing solid partnerships. These solutions-oriented professionals are enthusiastic, committed to excellence and integrity, and bring spirit, energy, passion, and vitality to every project they undertake.
The Phill Domask Consultancy is proud to contribute to their success.
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