Hi everyone, As we prepare for our Genius Spark session, I want to share an optional pre-work opportunity for anyone who wants to get more out of the discussion. If you complete the Clifton Strengths assessment, you’ll come into the session already knowing your Top 5 strengths, which will allow you to engage more fully in the exercises and conversations. If you already have your Gallup strengths and want to draft your paragraph I can send you the steps to create your Genius Spark. Let me know. The value of your Top 5 strengths. Why this matters - Self-awareness: Understand your natural talents and how they show up at work - Better dialogue: Recognize how different strengths contribute to the group - Stronger takeaways: You’ll be able to apply what we discuss directly to your profile What’s in it for you - Your Top 5 CliftonStrengths results - Clear language to better understand how you work and contribute - The option to later work with me 1:1 to create your Genius Spark & Kryptonite paragraph Steps to Participate (Optional) Step 1: Complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment - Allow 45 minutes of uninterrupted time - You can purchase the assessment in one of two ways: - Purchase the assessment directly through Gallup or purchase the Gallup book on amazon that has a code to get your top 5 strengths inside. - Once complete, email me your Top 5 strengths If you have questions or need help with the assessment, please reach out. Heather (405) 850-9869

OLD DAWGS! I’ve been in contact with the legends @Adam Hoots and @Mike Chiles recently and they had a great idea: crowd source knowledge from the old dawgs. What I’m looking for specifically are book recs for lean methods or leadership as well. I want to be like a sponge with this stuff. To this point I really only have LinkedIn learning courses under my belt so I’m really trying to expand my horizon and do more than just dip my toes in the water. Send me all the recs you have, thank you in advance!! -Nick Scozzaro

Defensiveness shows up on every project. In high-pressure environments like construction, it can look like short tempers, blame, rule resistance, or shutting down. For some people, these reactions are connected to underlying neurodivergent traits—most commonly ADHD, which affects emotional regulation, stress response, and how feedback is processed. Related patterns such as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)—an intense response to perceived criticism—and oppositional traits often misunderstood as attitude or defiance, can also be part of this picture. Many adults are undiagnosed or unaware they’re affected, and many more work alongside someone who is. The goal isn’t labels or excuses—it’s awareness. When we understand what’s happening beneath the surface, we reduce defensiveness, improve communication, and create conditions where people can stay accountable, engaged, and productive. This is Respect for People. In this talk, Jim Tamm, a former judge and expert on conflict resolution, discusses strategies for improving collaboration by reducing defensiveness within teams.

OLD DAWGS!! Good Morning! Several folks have reached out, curious about presenting at The Lean Construction Institute. They just released the call for abstracts. For those of you who do not know, there is a significant discount if you are able to register as a speaker vs. registering just to attend. Here is a link to submit your abstract: https://congress.leanconstruction.org/abstract-submission/ I am more than willing to coach folks as you'd like. I've had several accepted in the past and am always willing to weigh in with opinions. There are also a few old dawgs who are with JE Dunn and Whiting Turner - both hosting sponsors. Maybe we can butter them up to put a good word in!?! Ha! Seriously, if you're interested in some coaching to put your best abstract forward, please reply to this post or send me a note... Thanks as always to those who are putting their time in to share construction wisdom! It's making a difference!

Huge shout out to @Heather Ormonde for her leadership in being our first #olddawg to present in the knowledge gain session!! Thank you for sharing your construction wisdom sister!! You are truly brilliant and I'm grateful to have you as a #leaddawg!! The video can be watched in this post! @Jeff Reilly - You're up next!! Emotional Intelligence coming on February 19, 2026! Old Dawg Real Field Learn Thursday, February 19th @ 12:30pm - 1:30pm (EST) https://www.skool.com/live/mRdj8HsZnFl Join us as we gain wisdom to share with the next generation! Always a special guest leading a knowledge discussion. Wonderful work Ms. Heather! Thanks again for your leadership and navigating this platform with us! The 1st Quarter Sessions are: February - Emotional Intelligence with Jeff Reilly March - Old Dawgs posting with Jesse Hernandez April - Old Dawg Artificial Intelligence with Marcus Turner 2nd Quarter sessions are available for sign up. Let us know!! #olddawgscanlearn #leaRn #leanconstruction #lean #construction #learning #alwayslearning