Slicing Through The Noise
This exciting channel dives into real leadership stories from Australia, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs of business leaders.
Hear firsthand how they navigated adversity and turned obstacles into success. Even more special, our guests are past clients of Integrity and Values who have been deeply influenced by our programs.
Be part of an exciting new journey with our founder and podcast host, Jennifer Elliott.
Slicing Through The Noise
Episode 27: The cost of a day — the one question John Melvin asks every time he walks on site
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A 17-year-old apprentice asked his foreman how he was going. The foreman didn't answer. He asked a question back: "How many friends do you have?
Thirty years later, John Melvin still tells the story.
This week on Slicing Through the Noise, I sat with John — now CEO of North Construction, a tier-two Australian builder with a 40-year history. Three lines from the conversation that stuck.
1) That foreman question. He didn't say "you're going great" or "you need to work harder." He asked one question, and the answer reframed what John thought a job site was for. "Why are you trying to make friends out there? You've got a job to do."
2) The mantra he uses in the half-second between trigger and reaction: "Don't get mad, get curious." The honesty is what makes it travel: "I've lost objectivity. I've become irrational to prove a point." Few CEOs will say that out loud.
3) The question he asks every time he walks on a site: "What does a day cost us?" If the site manager can't answer it, every call from there is a guess
A culture that survives a second office is one that's been named. North gave their process a label — Northification — and a duration: two years, with a buddy alongside every new hire.
Real stories, real lessons, from the people actually doing it.
Full episode: integrityandvalues.com/podcast/
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