Ep.6 - Building Inclusive Foundations: Promoting Psychological Safety in Construction sector ft. Kabri LS

Guest: Kabri is a distinguished leader in construction program management, recognized for her expertise in technical risk assessment, effective communication, and fostering values-driven team environments. With experience managing projects ranging from $100M to $1B, particularly in aviation and higher education, she is celebrated for her strategic coordination of construction phasing and her ability to cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with clients and trade partners.

Her accolades include ENR's 2023 Top 20 Under 40, AGC of Washington's Rising Star award, and Construction Business Owner's Outstanding Women in Construction. A skilled speaker and writer, Kabri advocates for workforce health, field management training, and team development.

Grounded in her superintendent background, she emphasizes trust, safety, and quality in her projects, while balancing production with stakeholder expectations. Her leadership style prioritizes psychological safety, transparency, and leveraging field insights to shape team culture and improve design processes.

Summary: This podcast is focused on the importance of psychological safety in the construction industry, particularly at job sites. The speakers discussed how creating an inclusive environment can enhance collaboration and support among team members. They emphasized that psychological safety should align with operational and business goals, allowing individuals to feel secure while also achieving project objectives. The conversation highlighted the need for leaders to change their expectations and language regarding behavior, fostering a culture where microaggressions can be addressed openly. The speakers also shared insights on the value of diversity in the industry, particularly the positive impact of women entering traditionally male-dominated fields. Overall, the discussion aimed to inspire organizations to adopt practices that promote inclusivity and retain talent within the construction sector.

KeyPoint :

Psychological Safety in Construction:

• Essential for fostering collaboration and support at job sites.
• Promotes a secure environment where team members can speak openly without fear of negative consequences.

Alignment with Business Goals:

• Psychological safety should complement operational and business objectives, ensuring both individual well-being and project success.

Leadership Responsibility:

• Leaders must shift their expectations and language to create an inclusive workplace.
• Openly addressing microaggressions is vital to maintaining a respectful culture.

Diversity’s Value:

• Emphasized the positive effects of women entering traditionally male-dominated roles in construction.
• A diverse workforce contributes to innovation and a broader range of perspectives.

Retention and Inclusivity:

• Practices that promote psychological safety and inclusivity are critical for retaining talent in the construction sector.

Highlights:

• Psychological safety boosts team morale, productivity, and collaboration.
• Inclusive language and behavior are pivotal in setting a positive example.
• Microaggressions, when unaddressed, can hinder a safe and supportive workplace.

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Chapters

• 6:49 The construction industry faces challenges in retaining women, particularly during family-starting years, highlighting the need for supportive career paths
• 11:32 Diversity, especially the inclusion of women in traditionally male-dominated industries, is crucial for changing behavioral expectations and addressing mental health stigma
• 15:23 Positive interactions and kindness can significantly impact relationships and learning in the construction industry.
• 16:24 Emphasizing the importance of respect and relationship-building is vital for success in the construction industry, especially for women.
• 18:04 Continuous learning and problem-solving are essential traits for success in construction, regardless of one's educational background.
• 19:04 Focus on psychological safety has increased, particularly at job sites, creating an inclusive environment where expectations for behavior are clear
• 20:30 Psychological safety must align with operational and business goals, allowing for both employee safety and enhanced productivity.
• 21:52 The book "Secrets of the Construction Industry" features insights from leaders on achieving professional and personal success.
• 24:38 Organizations should change their expectations for leaders, focusing on behavior and engagement to foster inclusive environments
• 25:46 Training leaders to handle microaggressions and create safe spaces for conversations can lead to meaningful change in workplace culture.