A site superintendentdismisses a decisionyou’vemade,andyou’vejust spent the next three days processing how that happened instead of making the next decision.
Abid reviewtakes placewhere your cost analysis getsquestioned and instead of responding with the data,you feltthe need to defend yourself as a person.
A project gets credited to a male colleague and in that verymoment you say nothing.
These are real-lifeexamplesLeslie Dibling, director of organizational development at , and Agnes Watkinson, founder of AMC Services,shared during their keynote address at the recenthosted by the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA).
“Being in construction wasreally aboutunderstanding the difference between church and state. Really understanding where people come from and how they support each other in the industry,” Dibling said, adding the conversation has moved passed getting women at thetable. “You’re here because you belong here.”
Theconversationalkeynotediscussionwas meant to educate and provide tangible toolsto both help and encouragewomen inconstructionto negotiate their value.
Thequestionboth women posed was if the women in the room, and beyond, are negotiating like they have power.
“If you’re at the table you have power, it’s what do you with it,” explained Watkinson, who has over a decade worth of experience in the industry.
The speakers mentioned employeescan spend two hours and 26 minutes per day in drama and “emotional waste.”
“They are not solving a problem. Theyare processing their grievances, theirfrustrationsand rerunning conversations in their head,” said Watkinson.
A large reason behind this is ego.
“Ego is the need to be seen as right, whether you’remale or female,” explained Dibling, a19-year construction veteran who worked her way throughnearly everyposition, starting as a labourer.“Stop believing everything you think. We can tell ourselves a reallygood story.
“Your ego is not your amigo.”
Removing your ego from situations and moving through them with data can often bring a more positive result.
This can be rooted in the SBARmethodology– Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommend.
This helps decipher what is happening with facts, not drama; the context the listener needs;evaluating whatthe risksare; and what you propose.
“Feelings are not negotiating currency,”advisedWatkinson.
“There is a way to present them(the facts)in a way that benefits the organization.”
Dibling added,“don’tever come to a situation without a solution.”
Another angle thespeakershighlighted pertained to a concept known astheBest Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement(BATNA), which starts by defining what your “floor” is.
“Where can I not go below?Ihave tostick to these guns,” explained Watkinson, adding you strengthen your position by documenting your wins, being organized and then assessing the other person.“What don’t they have? What do they need? Can I provide a solutionforthat?You’reassessing their situationso you understand how you can move around them in thisparticularnegotiationseries.”
Once you haveestablishedyour floor,she said,“Aim higher.You’regoing to aim for the best.You’regoing to be flexible.You’renot going to win the war, but you might win that battle.Then the next time you negotiate, your floor has moved up.”
Both Dibling and Watkinsonstatedit’scriticallyimportantfor womentonegotiateasdefined bytheircurrentroleorresponsibilitiesandnottheir gender.
“The industry’s future is being built by people who are already here and that is you.”Dibling explained.
“You’re negotiating for generations to come,” added Watkinson.“Keep at it, keep the pressure on.That’show we raise that ceiling.”
A historic gala
OGCA presidentGiovanni Cautillo kicked off this year’s gala with a simple message before he introduced AlexiaMacLeod, who will become the association’s first female chair in September.
“We’re always pushing the envelope,” he said. “We’re always trying ensure we are part of the solution,welcoming women, so that at one point in time we want to see 50/50 (representation).”
MacLeod, who is aco-owner and president of Somerville Construction,not only introduced the keynotespeakers,shealso announced three winners for theinauguralOGCAWomen in Construction Awards.
“Over the years I have watched this industry evolve into something far greaterand more inclusive, but what inspires me mostis just how much the industry has changed,” she told the audience.“It’sthe people within it. I have seen barriers break down.I have watched more diverse voices step into leadership.I’vewitnessedyoungergenerationsbring fresh ideas,while seasonedprofessionals continue passing down invaluable knowledge and information. The industry has read theroom so to speak.”
This year’s winnersincluded:
- Sharon Vogelofwas therecipient of the Mentorship Award;
- ofreceivedthe Field Operations Excellence Award; and
- Nicole El-Sayahofwas therecipient of the Community Involvement Award.
“The women in this industry are fierce,” added MacLeod. “And the mostexcitingpart is we’re still evolving.”
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