Dive Brief:
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One construction industry leader this week suggested five new year’s resolutions for his colleagues. Topping the list: Make safety a priority.
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Second among William Smyth’s 2015 resolutions for construction professionals from apprentices to experienced trades is “pursue advanced education.” Smyth is chief financial officer of Sherwood Mechanical and chairman of the board of trustees of the Associated Builders and Contractors San Diego Apprenticeship Training Trust.
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Third: Develop the next generation of skilled craft professionals, an especially timely bit of advice considering the severe labor shortage faced by almost all sectors in construction. Next, stay connected, and stay on top of trends. Smyth called this “crucial to being an effective business leader and preserving a positive economic climate.”
Dive Insight:
Smyth’s final resolution, he said, applies to all industries: Commit yourself to professionalism.
For those in the construction field, he said, “professionalism ensures individual and company-wide success.”
He added: “This isn’t about wearing a suit or carrying a briefcase. It means making a conscious effort every day to be a responsible, accountable individual who strives for excellence and acts with integrity. It means making an effort to communicate effectively and respectfully; to use good problem-solving skills; and always to treat everyone who crosses your path with respect.
“Employers need people with specific job skills, but they value someone with professionalism.”