Transitioning to Leading People in AEC Tech
In today’s fast-paced AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry, the transition from a technical role to leadership can be challenging. Effective leadership demands not only technical expertise but also interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. To build strong teams and foster innovation, leaders must balance their technical knowledge with empathy, adaptability, and accountability.
Below, we explore the key elements that shape leadership in the AEC sector, including the importance of mentorship, stress management, teamwork, and building meaningful relationships. Whether you are stepping into a leadership role or seeking to refine your skills, these insights will help you lead with confidence and impact.
1. Transitioning into Leadership: We discuss the complexities of moving into leadership roles, particularly in AEC firms. Highlighting the importance of balancing technical skills with soft skills like psychology, stress management, and interpersonal relationships.
2. Mentorship and Stress Management: Emphasizing helping others reduce stress and improve both personally and professionally. Engaging in conversations to de-stress clients and believe that success at work is tied to personal well-being.
3. Interpersonal Skills Over Technical Skills: We highlight an "interpersonal drought" in the industry, where technical skills have advanced, but interpersonal and leadership qualities have diminished. We believe effective leadership is rooted in empathy, adaptability, and accountability, not just technical prowess.
4. Cultural and Personal Background: Trust, accountability, and helping others were core values, shaping our approach to leadership. We believe leadership is earned through trust and accountability and leveraged through life experience.
5. Teamwork and Accountability: We discuss the importance of distributed accountability within teams. We believe in working collaboratively and ensuring that all team members contribute and support each other rather than taking all the burden alone.
6. Building Relationships: We stress that leadership involves fostering relationships, understanding people's needs, and communicating effectively. Leadership isn't about titles or technical skills; it's about building rapport and trust.
7. Adapting to People: Talking about the importance of adapting communication styles based on who you're interacting with—adjusting energy levels, tone, and approach to fit the situation and person.
8. Leadership Events and Round Tables: Deep dive into describing events like AEC Acoustics, which aim to foster leadership and collaborative discussion. We explain the value of these events in developing leadership skills, offering diverse perspectives, and nurturing a community of knowledge-sharing within the industry.
Our core message centers on the holistic approach to leadership, prioritizing personal connection, accountability, empathy, and continuous growth, both individually and within teams.
Our call to action is that if you are ready to elevate your leadership journey? Explore how integrating empathy, accountability, and personal connection can transform the way you lead. Please watch the podcast with Evan Troxel at the links below and if you have any questions about the Leadership Retreat please reach out. We look forward to seeing you in two weeks!
Main Site: https://www.trxl.co/165/
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uRoeDKg8d4
Leadership Retreat Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwh9GmETppAO3e-sJam_QK4PbaZSS3sRTo22a-BAnVFqHEdw/viewform