Tag Archive for: Keynote Speaker

Background & Motivation for Supporting Inclusion in the Construction Industry

The construction industry has been historically male-dominated. However, recent years have seen a shift toward inclusion, with more women and people of color entering the field. Inclusion leads to better outcomes for projects in the construction industry, which is a good thing for the industry.

The construction industry has long been a male-dominated field. But in recent years, there has been a push to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the construction industry. And for a good reason—studies have shown that companies with diverse teams are more innovative and perform better than those without.

 

What exactly is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Construction Industry?

 

DE&I is the practice of inviting people of all backgrounds and experiences to participate in the construction process. This includes but is not limited to women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and veterans.

There are many reasons why DE&I is important for the construction industry. First and foremost, it allows for a wider range of perspectives during the construction process. When you have a team of people with different backgrounds and experiences, they will approach problems differently. Having diverse groups will result in innovative solutions that might not have been thought of otherwise.

When we talk about workplace culture, inclusion, and belonging, we must be sensitive to every employee feeling a sense of belonging. When we don’t recognize blind spots, employees become less engaged and don’t give their best work. By recognizing employee backgrounds, motivations, communication preferences, generational differences, and more, we allow our workplaces to be more inclusive and accepting of all walks of life.

Additionally, studies have shown that companies with diverse teams are more profitable than those without. So not only is DE&I the right thing to do, but it’s also good for business!

Inclusion in the construction industry

Why Is Diversity In Construction Important?

There are many reasons why diversity in construction is so important. For one, it helps to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at finding employment in the industry. Additionally, diversity helps to create a more well-rounded and skilled workforce, which can ultimately lead to better-quality construction projects. Finally, diversity also helps foster a sense of inclusion and understanding within the construction industry, which can help break down barriers and improve communication between different groups of people. In short, diversity is essential to the construction industry for both practical and social reasons. 

McKain’s Motivation for Supporting Inclusion in the Construction Industry

When everyone feels like they belong and are valued, they are more likely to do their best work. That’s why diversity and inclusion are so important in the construction industry. Diversity allows contractors to tap into a larger talent pool. They also find that their projects benefit from different perspectives and creativity.

Shannon has a background and history working in the A/E/C space. With over 250 speaking and consulting engagements under her belt, she has worked with audiences ranging from architects, engineers, general contractors, and even specific construction areas, including ready-mix, AGC, construction financial management associations, and more. She is well-versed in this industry and a strong supporter of the advancements being made to support diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the construction space. 

What Does Inclusion Mean in the Context of the Construction Industry 

Unfortunately, the construction industry still has a long way to go in terms of inclusion. Women make up less than 10% of the construction workforce, and people of color are even less represented. This lack of diversity can lead to problems on construction sites, such as discrimination and harassment. It can also lead to lower quality work because contractors are not benefiting from fresh perspectives.

How Can We Achieve Greater Inclusion in the Construction Industry

 

Contractors can do a few things to increase inclusion in construction. One is to provide training on diversity and inclusion for all employees. This training should cover topics such as unconscious bias and how it can impact decision making, how to create an inclusive work environment, and how to identify and report discriminatory behavior.

Another thing that contractors can do is audit their hiring practices. Are you only recruiting from a few schools or only advertising job openings in certain places? Widening your recruiting net will help you attract a more diverse pool of candidates. Once you have diversified your applicant pool, it’s important to create an interview process that assesses candidates fairly. Interviewer bias can play a significant role in who gets hired, so it’s important to be aware of it and take steps to avoid it. 

The Role of Government and Standards Organizations in Achieving Greater Inclusion

Leaders in the field of construction are working hard to advance inclusion and belonging in this industry. You might be familiar with the recent initiative of Construction Inclusion Week.

It’s only the second year for construction inclusion week, but it’s a step forward in the right direction. Especially since industry leaders, including Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Culture of Care, and The National Association of Women in Construction, are all involved in creating this inclusion week. The more awareness we can generate towards these efforts, the better it will be for the construction industry as a whole.

Challenges to Achieving Greater Inclusion & Possible Solutions

With the pandemic, Quiet Quitting, and The Great Resignation, many of us have seen labor shortages and talent concerns these last few years. While there is no cure-all for the big picture, there are some ways the construction industry can combat these labor issues. Here are a few ideas: 

  • Get more buy-in from construction leaders for inclusion.
  • Work on diverse recruitment and hiring practices.
  • Bring in industry leaders and keynote speakers to discuss issues.
  • Review your company policies and manuals to ensure inclusion practices exist.

McKain’s Hopes for the Future of Inclusion in the Construction Industry 

Inclusion is vital for the construction industry because it improves project outcomes. Contractors who embrace diversity find that they have a wider pool of talent and that their projects benefit from different perspectives and creativity. Unfortunately, the construction industry still has a long way to go in terms of inclusion. Women make up less than 10% of the construction workforce, and people of color are even less represented. This lack of diversity can lead to problems on construction sites, such as discrimination and harassment. It can also lead to lower quality work because contractors are not benefitting from fresh perspectives. To increase inclusion in construction, contractors should provide training on diversity and inclusion for all employees, audit their hiring practices, and create an interview process that assesses candidates fairly. 

There’s no doubt that DE&I inclusion is critical for the construction industry. Inviting people of all backgrounds and experiences to participate in the construction process can create more innovative solutions and build a more profitable industry. 

If you need additional resources, feel free to reach out. Are you looking to book your next keynote speaker? Reach out to us on our contact us page.

Inclusion in the construction industry
Inclusion in the construction industry

Shannon McKain is a motivational keynote speaker and a business consultant based in Dallas, TX. She has worked in almost all 50 states with audiences ranging from corporate executives to student leaders.

Ten Years Speaking Business

This past December, I was snowed in at my sister’s house in Kansas City writing out my goals and projections for 2021. I had just finished my last virtual keynote of 2020 (from her basement) and was excited to end the year strong when I realized

Drumroll please…….

2021 marks TEN YEARS of owning my speaking/consulting business!

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Wow! I couldn’t believe it. Where had the last decade gone? Whom had I impacted? What had I accomplished?

In those ten years I:

  • Spoke in 45 states (still need Rhode Island, Idaho, Maine, Hawaii and Alaska! Know anyone there?)
  • Addressed over 200,000 audience members
  • Worked with companies like Tesla, Fidelity Investments, Newell-Rubbermaid, Garmin, MIT and more
  • Delivered more than 50 segments for TV programs around the country including: ABC, CBS, Nickelodeon and others
  • Delivered a TEDx Talk
  • Designed apparel to accompany my “Dream It Map It Reach It” initiative that signifies it doesn’t matter where you come from, or what you have in your pockets, you can still dream big and accomplish your dreams

After a decade of both exhilarating highs and lows, I’ve learned a few things from this wild ride. Strap in, I’m taking you with me!

Here are the ten things I’ve learned over the past ten years. 

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1. Start with a solid plan.

When I realized being a motivational speaker and business consultant was in my DNA, I put together a plan. I hired a business coach, asked tons of questions and created benchmarks and mile markers to guide progress and results. I knew my plan may get derailed along the way, but because I knew what I wanted to accomplish, it kept me on the right track for success! Q. What’s your plan for 2021?

2. Mentors, mentors, mentors.

Every successful person has had a mentor, or maybe a few mentors, who offered advice, motivation, encouragement, emotional support and grace.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without a few significant individuals who have walked alongside me over the past decade. It is helpful to have a fresh set of eyes and ears, especially when I’ve needed to make difficult decisions.  Many times, my mentors encouraged me to stick with the plan, even when it got hard.  But sometimes, they provided fresh insight and permission to walk the other way and try a new plan, when my original wasn’t coming together as expected. Q. Who do you look to for advice and encouragement along your journey?

3. When the tides change, learn to change with them!

This feels very relevant for 2020, but the truth is that we encounter obstacles every year (heck, probably ever week) that cause us to shift, pivot, roll with it and figure it out. Did you know that in the spring of 2020, when all of my speaking commitments cancelled, I went back to my sales career for a brief while to help distribute a product that was vital during those early stages of the pandemic?  Was that part of my plan?  No way!  But when 2020 threw me those lemons, I learned to incorporate them until I figured out what would be next.  When you deny change, you deny yourself opportunities and growth. And wow, have I grown tremendously in this past year. Q. How have you grown because you had to adapt to new realities?

4. There’s no one way to define your professional or personal life.

Every story I’ve heard over the last decade has been similar…. But different. There’s no one way to be the best employee, entrepreneur, student, mom, friend or spouse. However, there IS a right way for how you can define your life. It’s all up to you. You get to make your own rules. Don’t let anyone define that for you. Q. How do you describe yourself?

5. Hindsight is 20/20.

I probably should’ve written that book. Or created more online courses. Or said yes to more things. Hindsight is always 20/20. But, we can’t live our lives in the rearview mirror. We have to keep taking action forward! Q. How are you looking forward?

6. Every relationship matters.

I’ll never forget one Tuesday morning in October 2017. I was drinking my coffee and about to start the day when the phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but answered like I always do, “Hi this is Shannon!” On the other end was Brian, the president of an audio/visual company I had worked with a few years prior. We chatted for a bit and then he cut to the chase. He was producing an international company conference which included renting out Gillette Stadium in Boston for three days and they wanted me to emcee the entire thing. I was floored. His staff remembered me from another conference I keynoted and thought I would be the perfect fit for this event. It was a dream come true and something I will never take for granted. I’m certainly not perfect at it, but every day I try to treat everyone with kindness and respect. You never know what relationships will come back around in your life. Q. How can you reevaluate your relationships? 

7. Nothing replaces work ethic.

You can study at elite schools, obtain the highest degrees and have unlimited connections, but nothing can take the place of hard work. If you are willing to work hard enough, I believe you can have anything you want.  The best players on the field are not always the biggest, the strongest, or fastest. The same can be said about the workplace.  Despite what the media and news often show, the best in the boardroom are not always the smartest, wealthiest or most educated.  But are they the persistent! Q. How can you increase your work ethic and productivity this next year?

8. Criticism is tough.

There will always be someone who provides solicited (and unsolicited) criticism that makes you question your decisions and your plan. But it’s how you handle the critics that will define you. Detractors are just that – detracting you from your path and your plan. When you can, turn the criticism into fuel to keep you going. Q. It hurts to hear, but how can you turn criticism into a catalyst for you?

9. Your physical health impacts your emotional and mental health.

When I started my business, I was coming off the healthiest time of my life serving as an NFL cheerleader. I was in the best shape I’d been in, which allowed me to work round the clock building my dream business. However, over time running from airport to airport, eating meals out and not getting to the gym as often, caused my metabolism to shift. I felt the energy drain and realized I couldn’t offer as much to my audiences when I wasn’t feeling my absolute best. That’s why I’ve been on a mission to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily and drinking as much water as possible. Q. I know you know, but are you moving that body of yours?

10. When in doubt, follow your gut.

I’ve learned time and time again; your gut instinct is almost always right. Sure, we put parameters in place to try and guide us, but at the end of the day, if you’ve done the homework, you should feel confident about putting yourself out there and knowing right from wrong. It all works out the way it’s supposed to. Q. Do you trust yourself?

Gratitude – In Closing

Looking back, the one thing I can confidently say is that I am beyond grateful for the journey. The ups, the downs, the twists, and turns. All of it. I can send this note out today knowing that as nervous as I was a decade ago, I still chased my dream. It’s never too late to do what your heart is passionate about. Thank you for being on this journey with me! You inspire me to keep pursuing these passions. I hope you pursue yours! As a matter of fact, let me know what you are chasing. Maybe I can help you get there. Feel free to email me!

Looking for a virtual keynote speaker? A consultant for your team? A coach? Let’s chat! I would be honored to work with you!

Cheers to the next ten!

What does Patrick Mahomes have to do with Emotional Intelligence?

I’ve been studying emotional intelligence for nearly two decades and the more I research, the more I realize no matter how “emotional” one is, we all have an opportunity to grow more “emotionally intelligent.”

Specifically, a key factor to the EQ formula includes managing our emotions. It’s not enough to simply have awareness of our emotions. Being able to be in control emotionally is huge but can also be challenging. We are wired to feel emotion through the limbic system in our brain. The degree to which we experience emotions differs from person to person, but we all feel anger, stress, fear, and happiness. It’s how we respond to those emotions that are so important – critical, really – in affecting our interactions with others in the workplace.

Take Kansas City Chiefs 2nd year Quarterback Patrick Mahomes II; who is just 23 years old!  In the spotlight of Monday Night Football’s national stage, Mahomes performed on a level rarely seen in Kansas City let alone in the NFL.  Not only did he display exemplary skill, he also managed his emotions in a way, I believe, helped him lead the Chiefs to their fourth consecutive win!

There were several variables that a person lacking emotional intelligence would have allowed to affect their performance.  Flags disrupting the Chiefs offensive rhythm, the pressure of needing to overcome a ten point 4th quarter deficit, the deafening roar of the opposing fans at Denver’s Mile High Stadium and relentless pressure from the Bronco’s defense. But during all of it, I barely saw Mahomes get worked up. Instead, he was calm and collected for almost the entire game. That is a huge part of what emotional intelligence is – managing your emotions especially in challenging moments to still achieve your desired outcome.

During my years in corporate America, I found the same principle to ring true. It was much easier to become energized and remain positive about my job when working for someone who exhibited servant leadership and stayed calm, even when faced with difficult business decisions. These people made me want to work harder and do better, because my efforts were valued. Likewise, I’ve experienced projects that left me feeling emotionally drained and pessimistic when I worked for someone who couldn’t control his or her emotions and expressed extreme verbal frustration when I didn’t meet my goals. That’s a tough and toxic environment in which to work and ultimately caused me to change my circumstances (i.e. get a new job!).

The next time you are watching a sporting event, observe the leadership of the team or the coaching staff. How are they responding in the heat of the moment? How does that behavior affect the players and supporting coaches? One of my favorite recent articles about emotional intelligence in the sports world discusses the Philadelphia Eagles decision to hire an “emotionally intelligent” coach and the team’s success as a result of that hire.

Not a sports fan? That’s ok! You can make these same observations at work or school. Identify someone in a leadership position and take note of the way they respond to critical issues. Then, look at those around them. Are employees eager to please, because they respect the leader? Or, do they seem bent and broken from years of working under autocratic leadership?

With a few simple steps, we can all learn to manage our EQ and take our game to the next level.

  1. Take a day and focus on what triggers your emotions both positively and negatively. Use your senses. What smells, sounds, sight and the environment around you triggers you to react. Having awareness is the first key step.
  2. Knowing what those triggers are, identify 1-2 ways that will help you stay calm and collected before you react. Do you need to walk away from the situation? Do you need to write down your thoughts first?
  3. Think about these three key areas of managing your emotions: Control, Accountability and Adaptability.

Just like Patrick Mahomes II, we all have the ability to strengthen our EQ especially in intense moments. It’s the practice and education that makes us ready for them.

One of my most popular speaking topics is, “Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: What’s your EIQ?” wherein I work with groups to discuss ways to identify, assess and control their own personalities and to work with the variety of personalities they encounter in the workplace. My Four Square approach will help everyone increase his or her social and emotional I.Q. Sound like this might be a good fit for your organization? Let’s talk!