Blog
How to Choose Gratitude, Even in Adversity.
The world is not what it was just a few years ago. For many people the new stressors—whether it is current health care prices, the polarization in politics, mental health, crime or the cost of food— we have reasons to feel worried. It can be hard to be consistently...
Mother of Young Children Nearly Died by Suicide
We are living in some pretty violent times friends. So I hesitate to put this one out here...but feel I must, because it is a story of hope and we need those right now. This could be triggering if you have been close to a suicide. So read with awareness and be...
Can You Prevent Suicide?
Do not wait to have that conversation. You know how some memories stay in your mind? I still remember the handshake. The very physical, nearly-break-your-knuckles grip the solidly built young man put on me. And the comment, “Esch, I am nothin!!” He was loud and...
When You Get Power Right, All Boats Rise!
You know what it is like when a boss misuses or abuses their power. All kinds of things fall apart. When a lower ranked person does not use their power well, when they do not speak up when speaking up is required, equally miserable things happen. I think you know what...
Culture Eats Safety for Breakfast: How We Reduced Worker Injuries by 70% and Built a Place Where People Really Want to Work
A multi-ethnic group of four construction workers wearing hardhats and safety vests, having a meeting inside the structure being built. A young Hispanic man is holding a digital tablet and they are all looking at the screen. The worker on the right is a mature...
Throwing Mashed Potatoes at Them is Not the Answer
This Thanksgiving it is possible someone will make a comment about something other than the football game or the quality of the pumpkin pie. Maybe even the recent election. This could be challenging. We are living in highly polarized times, and even the most skillful...
Unchecked Seniority: The Greatest Safety Hazard in Construction?
The best and safest construction companies are religious about naming and reducing safety hazards. Every day they talk about traffic, pinch points, confined space, overhead dangers, electricity, etc. How often do they name seniority as a potential hazard? Probably...
The Distinction Between Coaching and Training
What is the difference between training and coaching? And I want to credit Dean Hyers, co-founder of Sage Presence, whose knowledge and skill always brings a great perspective to our conversations. Training teaches specific skills leaders need to learn, focusing on...
How Navy SEALS Achieve Awesome Results
Leaders who are confident and humble can learn to do something exceptional, something that will attract younger workers, and will contribute to fewer injuries. What is it? They can do what the Navy SEALS do. They can learn to flex between communicating in traditional...
Why is Empathy So Hard to Get Right? Especially for Men
Empathy is perceived, especially in tough guy-tough gal cultures, as a sign of weakness. Empathy is not often co-related with strong business results, particularly in construction, engineering, project management, manufacturing and other hard-nosed places. But we now...
