Ep. 7: Sneak Peek: Emerging Leaders and Leadership Trends

Join us as we explore leadership in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry.

In this thought-provoking series, we tackle the pressing question: What happens when nobody wants to be the leader? Discover insights, strategies, and fresh perspectives on bridging the leadership gap and shaping the future of leadership and culture in AEC and beyond. 

Stay tuned for engaging conversations with industry leaders like Emily Preston, President of Compass Infrastructure Group, as we uncover their unique journeys and approaches to leadership. 

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Transcript

Hey there, it's Jen and Emily, and we're thrilled to be back with a new episode that dives into a rather intriguing question we've been asked recently. We've been absolutely loving the engagement from all of you, and this topic couldn't be more relevant to the challenges we see in our industry today. So, let's jump right in and discuss what happens when nobody wants to be the leader?

Specifically, we're talking about the next generation of leaders in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. This is a topic that's been resonating with us and many others in our field. It's a critical issue that needs addressing.
The Importance of Discussing Leadership
The shortage of emerging leaders is a pervasive challenge across our industry, and it's time to confront it head-on. This issue isn't unique to us; it's something firms across the board are grappling with. The question we're faced with is, how did we end up in a situation where there seems to be a lack of Millennials and GenZ individuals stepping up to take on leadership roles?
A significant part of the problem lies in the prevailing culture of leadership within organizations. Historically, leadership has often been characterized as top-down, command and control. This model doesn't resonate with the younger generations, including Millennials and GenZ. They crave a more collaborative style of leadership, where ideas are valued, feedback is listened to, processes are improved, and dynamics are fluid.
Changing the Leadership Landscape
In many ways, the construction industry, in particular, has been notorious for its hierarchical approach, largely due to the nature of job sites. But, as times change, so too must our approach to leadership. We've seen a shift toward more collaborative practices at the project level, thanks to LEAN principles and other initiatives. However, this transformation hasn't necessarily permeated the upper echelons of firm leadership.
We've heard it from numerous firms we've worked closely with; the desire to shake up the traditional leadership dynamic is palpable, especially among the younger generations. They want to make an impact and change the status quo, but they often find it challenging to gain a foothold.
The Challenges of Emerging Leaders
Starting in a firm, young professionals come armed with fresh ideas and insights. They want to contribute and make a difference, but they need support from existing leadership to do so. Unfortunately, in many organizations, initiatives like marketing, which are not directly tied to pursuits, often take a back seat. They're qualitative, long-term efforts that may not yield immediate results.
This leads to frustration among young professionals who see their leaders working tirelessly but not always receiving the recognition they deserve. They question the benefits of stepping into leadership roles beyond potentially higher pay. What would it mean for their work-life balance and overall happiness? It's a conundrum that leaves us at an impasse.
Shifting the Paradigm
Three critical factors come to the forefront when discussing this issue: work-life balance, having a voice, and recognition. So, how do we address these concerns and reshape the leadership paradigm? It starts with giving emerging leaders not just responsibilities but also the authority to execute their visions. Collaboration between generations is key, and that doesn't mean sidelining existing leadership; it means working together.
In our consulting work, we often talk about being a "guide from the side." It's about providing support and guidance rather than doing everything for someone. This approach helps young professionals develop their leadership skills and, in turn, strengthens the team's bench. It also makes your organization more attractive for talent recruitment and retention, which remains a challenge.
The Consequences of a Leadership Void

So, what happens if nobody wants to be the leader? It means existing leaders may need to stay in their roles longer or pick up additional responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. Finding experienced leaders willing to step in becomes increasingly difficult, putting a strain on your organization's growth and succession planning.

The Path Forward

If you're witnessing the early signs of this leadership void in your organization, it's time to think strategically. Consider how you can change the culture and take steps to pique interest in leadership roles. It's a challenging transformation, but failing to address it can lead to frustrated leaders and employees, eventually resulting in cultural burnout.

Let's Create a New Leadership Dynamic

Ultimately, we need to create a leadership dynamic that fosters collaboration and work-life balance. We should not only listen to emerging leaders but also empower them to shape the future of leadership in a way that works best for them and their teams. As the saying goes, "Be the change you want to see in the world." By giving emerging leaders the space to create the kind of leadership they desire, we can build stronger, more vibrant teams.

In our next episode, we're excited to feature Emily Preston, President of Compass Infrastructure Group, a civil engineering firm specializing in structural and bridge work. She's a shining example of a young emerging leader who charted her own leadership path during COVID. Emily's story is inspiring, and her approach to leadership has led her organization to remarkable success.

Join us for our next episode as we delve deeper into the world of next-gen leaders and why the traditional path to leadership no longer defines success for everyone in our generation. Success takes on different forms for each individual and generation, and we're here to explore them all.

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