Construction Leaders Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Constructive Conflict: Why Tough Conversations Build Better Teams
Host: Carly Trout
Co-Host: Evan Hendershot
Guests:

• Chuck Ainsworth, Founder and Chief Coaching Officer, Epic Rivers Leadership
• Ed Palpit, Chief Construction Specialist, Epic Rivers Leadership
  Release Date: August 1, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Carly Trout and Evan Hendershot delve into the often challenging but essential topic of tough conversations within the construction industry. Recognizing that difficult discussions—ranging from conflict resolution on job sites to effective feedback delivery—are pivotal moments where leadership is tested, the episode emphasizes how these interactions can strengthen team culture, enhance performance, and build trust when handled constructively.

Guests Introduction

Ed Palpit opens the conversation by sharing his unconventional journey to leadership development. A high school dropout who navigated his way through college, Ed's diverse experiences in international disaster relief and leadership consulting across various industries have equipped him with a unique perspective on managing high-stakes situations.

Chuck Ainsworth complements Ed's expertise by recounting his entrepreneurial background, having started and operated three businesses before transitioning to consulting in the construction sector. His extensive work in succession planning and leadership development for construction companies highlights his commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in the industry.

Common Misconceptions in Tough Conversations

Evan Hendershot initiates the discussion by asking the guests about prevalent misconceptions surrounding difficult conversations in construction.

• Chuck Ainsworth (04:14): Highlights that emotional responses, misinterpretation of information, and diverse conflict styles often derail tough conversations. Understanding these elements can transform potentially negative interactions into positive outcomes.

  "We all have different approaches to conflict... understanding that, you can approach things in a little more effective way and make your conversation a little more positive." – Chuck Ainsworth [04:14]

• Ed Palpit (04:45): Emphasizes the importance of recognizing the emotional aspect of conversations. He introduces the concept of the "four-letter F word"—Feelings—stressing that effective leadership involves addressing not just the facts but also how individuals feel.

  "Every conversation is either an opportunity to build trust or destroy it... helping people feel heard and understood... is part of the leader's job." – Ed Palpit [04:45]

Unique Approaches to Facilitate Tough Conversations

Carly Trout inquires about the distinct methodologies employed by Ed and Chuck in training leaders to handle tough conversations.

• Ed Palpit (05:56): Describes their approach as "elegantly simple," ensuring that the strategies are practical and easily applicable in real-world scenarios. He also underscores the significance of managing the internal dialogue—the conversation one has with oneself—as crucial as external interactions.

  "Our approach is so simple that you can literally explain it to you on the back of a napkin... it's about both the external and internal conversations." – Ed Palpit [05:56]

• Chuck Ainsworth (07:15): Shares his appreciation for Ed's methods, noting the necessity for leaders to look beyond surface-level interactions and understand the underlying complexities of team dynamics.

  "To be an effective leader, you got to see beyond that surface... Chuck's approach makes it simple, which is what I love." – Chuck Ainsworth [07:15]

Generational Shifts in Conversational Skills

The conversation shifts to generational differences in handling tough conversations within the construction industry.

• Chuck Ainsworth (08:46): Observes a trend where younger leaders prefer digital communication (emails, texts) but may lack strong verbal conversational skills. He highlights the importance of developing these skills to enhance clarity and effectiveness in leadership roles.

  "Having really good conversational skills, being able to say what you mean, being able to get that out clearly, I think is much tougher for the younger generation... they want to do better at that." – Chuck Ainsworth [08:46]

• Ed Palpit (09:48): Points out that younger generations seek more feedback and affirmation compared to older generations who were primarily driven by a strong work ethic. This desire for regular feedback requires leaders to engage in more meaningful and frequent conversations.

  "The younger generation, they want more feedback, they want more affirmation... they expect their boss to have that conversation with them." – Ed Palpit [09:48]

• Chuck Ainsworth (10:21): Adds that older leaders often misunderstand the feedback needs of younger employees, mistaking it for mere praise rather than constructive feedback aimed at professional growth.

  "It's feedback that they seek in order to improve... leaders of all generations need to grow in this kind of skill." – Chuck Ainsworth [10:21]

Challenges and Business Implications of Missed Conversations

Carly Trout probes into the specific challenges that arise from difficult conversations in high-stakes environments like construction.

• Chuck Ainsworth (12:06): Discusses the complexity of the "team of teams" dynamic in construction, where multiple companies and stakeholders must collaborate effectively. He notes that lack of communication can lead to significant rework, delays, and financial losses.

  "We are a team of teams... It really has nothing to do with your construction skills. It has everything to do with your conversational skills." – Chuck Ainsworth [17:13]

• Ed Palpit (14:24): Reinforces the business case for effective conversations, citing research that each missed or avoided conversation can cost approximately $7,500 due to factors like rework and safety issues.

  "You can't afford not to have these kind of conversations. Every missed conversation... costs $7,500." – Ed Palpit [14:24]

Critical Tough Conversations in Construction

Carly Trout seeks to identify which tough conversations are most pivotal within the construction sector.

• Chuck Ainsworth (15:38): Identifies interactions with owners, architects, and subcontractors as some of the toughest yet most critical conversations. He emphasizes that effective communication across these relationships is essential to prevent project delays and financial losses.

  "The toughest tend to be with owners and architects... we don't realize that we're all really all on the same team, but we're a team of teams." – Chuck Ainsworth [15:38]

Practical Tips for Navigating Difficult Conversations

As the episode approaches its conclusion, Carly requests Chuck and Ed to offer practical advice for construction leaders facing tough conversations.

• Ed Palpit (20:26): Advocates for slowing down and asking genuine questions before reacting. He recommends that leaders ask at least two questions before disagreeing or correcting someone to gain deeper understanding and demonstrate humility.

  "Before you jump in and correct them, ask two questions. These need to be genuine questions to gain a deeper understanding." – Ed Palpit [20:26]

• Chuck Ainsworth (21:17): Shares a real-life example where a superintendent realized that moving too quickly without effective communication was hindering productivity. He echoes the importance of slowing down, asking the right questions, and actively listening to improve project outcomes.

  "Slow down, ask some good questions, listen... before you just charge off and put the next piece of drywall up." – Chuck Ainsworth [21:17]

Resource Highlight: Every Conversation Matters Guidebook

Before concluding, Chuck and Ed introduce the "Every Conversation Matters" guidebook, a resource that outlines three key habits for effective communication:

1. Communication Skills: Enhancing clear and effective dialogue.
2. Accelerating Connection and Building Trust: Fostering stronger professional relationships.
3. Winning the Inner Game: Managing one's internal dialogue to improve external interactions.

They emphasize that these habits are designed to be taught concisely and implemented swiftly to fit into the fast-paced construction environment.

"Each of these habits can be taught individually and take about two hours to teach your team... It talks about the business case for conversations and we hope you'll check it out." – Ed Palpit [22:22]

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Evan Hendershot highlights an additional resource—the Owner Survey available on the CMAA website—which provides insights into common human and communication challenges within the construction management sector.

He encourages listeners to subscribe, follow on social media, and leave reviews to continue the conversation and benefit from future episodes.

"Our recent owner survey is now available on cma.net.org bookstore... Don't forget to leave us a review with your thoughts on today's episode." – Evan Hendershot [23:00]

Final Thoughts:
This episode underscores the critical role of effective communication in the construction industry. By embracing tough conversations as opportunities for growth and team strengthening, construction leaders can enhance project outcomes, foster trust, and build resilient teams capable of navigating the complexities of modern construction projects.

Resources Mentioned:

• Every Conversation Matters Guidebook by Epic Rivers Leadership
• Owner Survey available on CMAA.Net.org Bookstore

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