Thrive In Construction with Darren Evans
'Thrive in Construction' is the only podcast that delves into the personal journeys of sustainability leaders and innovators in the construction industry across the UK. Our show differentiates by offering unscripted, passion-fueled conversations that go beyond the buzzwords to the heart of what's driving the industry forward. It's tailored for aspiring professionals, seasoned experts, and anyone with a keen interest in the sustainable evolution of construction. We're here at a time when the call for sustainable development is not just a trend, but a societal imperative, empowering listeners to build a career that contributes to a greener future.
Thrive In Construction with Darren Evans
Demolition Zone: Breaking Down the Barriers of Ineffective Communication with Dan McPherson
In this Demolition Zone segment, Dan McPherson, debunks the myth that the only way to resolve disputes and challenges in the construction industry is through standoffish, email-based communications. Dan champions the transformative power of face-to-face discussions, arguing that real progress comes from open, collaborative dialogue.
Far from being an outdated concept, Dan illustrates with conviction how sitting down together—whether it’s contractors, subcontractors, clients, or designers—can unearth solutions that emails simply cannot. This approach not only fosters better relationships but also leads to more effective problem-solving.
Through this discussion, Dan not only dismantles an age-old industry myth but also lays the foundation for a more connected, communicative future in construction. This episode is a must-watch for industry professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of construction projects with grace and efficiency.
Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f9_kH-LPcE
Follow Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-macpherson-mrics-5114393b/
Get in Touch: Jonah.balmford@henryriley.com
Henry Riley: https://www.henryriley.com/our-services/advisory-services/
Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io
Okay, well, Dan, you have created a very lean and extremely tall tower here as a representation of this myth that you want to destroy. Talk to us about the myth. What is it? What does this represent?
Dan McPherson:Well, I would like to start by crediting the tower. As I was building it, I was thinking that this is exactly what my youngest son does in Minecraft he builds the tallest possible tower he can, which is 320 blocks high, and then he swipes out the bottom block and just watches it tumbling down. So yeah, he's your inspiration, as I said earlier, he's a little mini-me, so clearly, when it comes to building blocks and demolishing them, we're exactly the same as well.
Darren Evans:So clearly, when it comes to building blocks and demolishing them, we're exactly the same as well. Well, let's hope that you show this to him when this comes out. But what does this represent, dan?
Dan McPherson:Right.
Dan McPherson:So the myth I would like to bust and I think it's something that absolutely needs to'm while I've been in the industry but it's about communication, collaboration and sitting around a table and discussing issues and problems um, sometimes contractual, sometimes practical, uh, relating to delays or money or whatever it might be and just getting in the room more with people.
Dan McPherson:I think covid has had the potential to to move away from the very, very good progress I think a lot of organizations and pockets of the industry had made because we're all back on teams again for the majority of the time. But the value both pre-contract and post-contract in our industry of getting around the table with whoever you're working with designers, subcontractors, contractors, clients, whatever is so important and communicate and talk. Don't bash over the head and act in an authoritarian or dictatorial way. You want to get the best out of people, work with them, try and understand them. Yes, you've got everyone's got their own interests to work towards and get out of a project, um, but yeah, I'd like to just bust that myth, myth, that bust of um of. Yeah, just that standoffish death by email approach to resolving disputes and issues within the industry.
Darren Evans:So the best way of resolving issues is coming together in person, having open conversations and connecting with people Summed up perfectly Wonderful, Love it. You can now destroy this myth.
Dan McPherson:And I'm going to do it how my son would do it. There we go.
Darren Evans:Loved it, that bottom brick and the rest of the tower came tumbling down and I will tidy up.
Dan McPherson:Thanks very much, Dan.
Darren Evans:it's been great having you here on the podcast. I really appreciate your time and coming in. It's great to listen to your wisdom, your experience.
Dan McPherson:That's very kind and, yeah, it has been genuinely good to take some time out and have a discussion like this. Hopefully, people will take snippets, little gems, out of the conversation. Yeah, look forward to hopefully hearing hopefully hearing it soon great, fantastic.
Darren Evans:Before, uh, before we close and we finish, I just wanted to kind of ask you one maybe tricky question if there was one thing, the piece of advice that you could give to the world that would fundamentally change people's lives, what would that be for the better? Change people's lives for the better only a small question, darren. I said it might be a little bit tricky, but just one thing that you think would fundamentally change people's lives if they did or didn't do this one thing, what would you say?
Dan McPherson:off the top of my head, given limited amount of time to think about it. Those simple acts of kindness they can go such a long way and those good mornings, those genuine. How are you's trying to get a genuine response from people? I think that's absolute game changer dan it's been a pleasure. Thanks, darren, thanks.