Master Builders of Iowa’s Post

Clayton Jones, MEng, ASP, Regional Safety Manager for McCarthy's Northern Pacific Region, was recently spotlighted in the August issue of Comstock's Magazine. In the feature article, "Safety First," Clayton provides compelling insights into how McCarthy's expertise in safety leadership, combined with cutting-edge training and technology, is setting new benchmarks for worker safety across construction sites. Read more from Clayton and why safety is the first and most important thing we do every day at McCarthy: https://ow.ly/CyxP50SW7LY #McCarthyBuild #TakePrideInSafety #SafetyFirst

When is it acceptable for a leader to bark an order? Some may argue that it’s never acceptable. I disagree. This year, I've had the privilege of working with the fantastic team at Ports Victoria. During a discussion on radical candour—the balance of direct communication and genuine care for others—one participant raised a crucial question: How can we maintain radical candour in an emergency, such as when a ship needs to be turned around urgently? I asked, "What’s your intention in that situation?" The response was clear: to keep people safe. I followed up with, "Would you say that keeping people safe demonstrates care?" Weeks later, I experienced a real-life example of this principle. While on the ferry between the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas, alarms suddenly blared, and the vessel lurched violently to the right. I looked up to see a large industrial-looking ship just metres away. Although I couldn't hear the captain's exact words, I remain pretty sure that direct communication and a concern for human safety were at the forefront. Leadership is situational. While barking an order is inappropriate 99% of the time, recognising when it is necessary—and being comfortable with that choice—is a vital aspect of effective leadership. #leadership #situationalleadership #radicalcandour

Do you have a safety first culture? This was my key takeaway from the Leadership for Construction Professionals training with special ops veterans from Echelon Front - Jocko Willink & Leif Babin. Every leader is responsible for safety. You can learn more & access the course in the comments.

How to get that leadership position? STEP UP!               I was speaking to a class of university business students about the realities of leadership when one bright student asked me, “What’s the one thing I should do to get a leadership position?” I replied, “Put your hand up.” ✋ I shared the picture below from my phone. 👇 That’s me on the left as a young lawyer many years ago. On the top of a tower crane in False Creek, Vancouver. Terrified as I’m a touch acrophobic. My boss at the time asked for a volunteer to accompany a safety officer to investigate violations at construction site where tower cranes overlapped. The legal opinion had to be right as the financial impact of shutting them down was dire. Nobody responded. I put my hand up. ✋ Off I went. Climbing up over 200 feet was exhausting (no elevator). It was scary 😱 (no safety harness).  It’s higher than climbing the Statue of Liberty starting at her feet. Why the heck was I doing this? It was also the beginning of my leadership journey. It was noticed and appreciated. Effort and commitment and passion are always noticed and appreciated by those who can elevate your career. Step up. No matter if it’s terrifying and scares the daylights out of you. It’s my best advice to achieve your leadership goals.  #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #motivation #management

Whether a leader in an organisation, of a team or in a family, creating a circle of safety is how we enable and empower those in our charge. How we influence success of the next generation/s is about assisting them by being firm, fair, consistent and listening to hear not just to tell. The more we learn how to collaborate with those around us, have the courage to let them express their ideas, make mistakes as they learn and show them empathy rather than judgement and criticism is how we build the level of trust that will leave a legacy of empowerment. #circleofsafety #leadership #parenting

The Lighthouse and the Tugboat: A Lesson in Leadership In any workplace, the experienced staff are like lighthouses—standing tall, guiding with wisdom, and providing stability in turbulent times. Their careers are built on a foundation of experience, dedication, and resilience. Yet, sometimes, in our eagerness to focus on a favorite—let's call them the tugboat—we inadvertently overlook the lighthouse's contributions, risking their careers for the sake of our own bias. When we ignore the mistakes of the tugboat, simply because it's our favorite, we create a sea of bias and unfairness. The tugboat might be nimble and quick, but without the lighthouse's steady presence, it could easily drift off course, leading the entire fleet astray. As leaders, it's crucial to recognize the value of both the lighthouse and the tugboat. Don't let the shine of one dim the light of the other. Instead, foster an environment where both can thrive, guiding the organization safely and successfully. Let’s ensure our workplaces are guided by fairness, respect, and a deep appreciation for the unique strengths each individual brings to the table. #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Fairness #Bias #ExperienceMatters

The importance of safety in leadership cannot be overstated. Guardian Shield Solutions stands at the forefront of empowering leaders with uncompromising safety measures. Prioritizing safety in our churches and schools is paramount to fostering secure and inclusive environments. By embracing robust safety solutions, we not only protect our communities but also demonstrate a commitment to their well-being. It is through these proactive measures that we instill confidence and value in every individual within our spaces. Let's continue to lead with assurance, knowing that we are implementing the best practices to safeguard those under our care. #SafetyFirst #EmpowerLeadership

The Managers/Supervisors Institute will focus on topics to support Managers & Supervisors including applying foundational principles to leadership, developing a high-performance team, program evaluation for domestic violence programs. The Institute will provide an opportunity for Managers and Supervisors to connect with one another and share knowledge and promising practices. The event is open to FPEDV members in a supervisory role. This a hybrid event so attendees can register to attend in-person or virtually. The in-person event will be held at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Training Center. In-person attendees are responsible for all travel related expenses and arranging hotel accommodations if needed.

In the professional field, the way your juniors evaluate you—whether it's your professionalism, care, willingness to sacrifice, sense of security, or tendencies like jealousy—plays a significant role in shaping your overall image and defining your leadership legacy.

💡 Investing in Leadership Pays Off! Organizations with strong leaders: 📈 Outperform their competition 🤝 Build resilient, engaged teams 🔥 Adapt to challenges with ease Discover how First Due Leadership Consulting can bring these benefits to your organization. Visit www.chiefkramer.com to book now! #LeadershipMatters #FireServiceExcellence #EMSLeadership