Construction Dream Team

3 Invaluable Lessons from Ron Peckham

Your team is more important than individual and good leaders focus on building their team to be successful.
Always do your work from a foundation of gratitude.
Leaders need to be curious, flexible, and agile allowing themselves to be courageous as they move themselves and organizations forward.

This week, host Sue Dyer speaks with Ron Peckham, the Aviation Practice Advisor for C&S Companies. Ron is a gifted leader. He has worked in the Aviation industry for 35 years, growing his practice from 9 people to 150. He's an incredible coach, mentor, and trainer helping people to build a foundation for commitment to a common vision and purpose. Join us as we talk about leadership in a time of disruption.

Ron’s Background and Journey to Leadership and an Advisory type role (03:19)

With a Civil Engineering background, he was focused on infrastructure projects. He was in charge of both design and construction management. He had numerous roles and opportunities for advancement into leadership and ultimately culminating becoming CEO/Chairman of the Board for the C&S Companies.

The Importance for Designers to Experience Construction (05:14)

It is essential for designers to have construction experience.
It is important to be results-oriented.
We must have a standard of quality to meet expectations of the owner while still "constructible" by the builder.
When you leave the design room and go out to the field to see what you are trying to do and see what the challenges are it makes you a better designer and leader

The Secret to Massive Company Growth (06:46)

It's really all about "Team" and the idea that "No one can do it alone." Must have a vision for buy-in and alignment that the team can get behind.

Ron’s Insight as a Leader in a Time of Disruption (07:39)

Make friends with reality.
Remind yourself what leadership is all about: “Make meaning for yourself” and “get from here to there.”
Build progress on a foundation of gratitude.

Current Disruptions in the Industry (12:49)

Disruption of Project Delivery and the evolution of that model.
Technology systems are changing rapidly.
Specialization and Competition expectations are increasing.

Leading Amidst Rapid Change (18:40)

It all comes back to the leader's "stance." Are we going to "create the future" or "live in the past?"
Leaders must be curious, flexible, and agile.
Systems are good, but people are better. Teamwork, alignment and energy trumps investment in the system.
Courage to move forward despite fears.

Ron’s Strength as a Leader (20:37)

An authentic caring for others. “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”

Ron’s Most Challenging Moments/Learning Opportunities (24:04)

Realizing that when people change, systems change. Fit and chemistry are critical to your success and your organization's success.
If you don't have a mentor, you're "flying blind."
If your system changes, don't ignore it.
You are never as good or as bad as people say you are.

The Very Best Advice Ron Has Ever Received (28:56)

Don't take yourself too seriously and have a sense of humor about yourself.

Resources for Listeners