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"Earn your leadership every day."

- Michael Jordan

THE ART OF LEADERSHIP

Empowering Through Trust: The Essence of Progressive Leadership

Michael Jordan, a legendary figure in the world of sports and a symbol of excellence and determination, provides a profound insight into leadership with this concise yet powerful statement. His words encapsulate the idea that leadership is not a given right but a privilege that must be continuously earned through action, commitment, and integrity.

Leadership as a Daily Commitment

Jordan's quote emphasizes that effective leadership is not a one-time achievement but a daily endeavor. It suggests that leaders must consistently demonstrate their worthiness to lead through their actions, decisions, and interactions with others. This perspective shifts the focus from static titles to dynamic, ongoing leadership practices.

The Role of Consistency and Integrity

The idea of earning leadership every day highlights the importance of consistency and integrity in leadership roles. A leader's actions and choices need to align with their values and the standards they set for their team. Consistency in these areas builds trust and respect, which are essential for effective leadership.

Building Trust Through Action

This approach to leadership underscores the importance of building trust through action. Leaders who show up every day, ready to support, guide, and inspire their teams, foster a strong sense of trust and loyalty. This trust is foundational for creating a positive and productive work environment.

Inspiring Through Example

Jordan's philosophy of leadership also involves leading by example. Leaders who strive to demonstrate the qualities they wish to see in their teams, such as dedication, resilience, and excellence, serve as powerful role models. This form of leadership inspires and motivates team members to elevate their performance.

Conclusion: A Journey of Continuous Leadership Growth

Michael Jordan's insight into leadership challenges us to view the role of a leader as an ongoing journey rather than a static position. It encourages leaders to actively and consistently engage in behaviors that merit the trust and following of their team. By embracing this philosophy, leaders can foster a culture of continuous improvement, mutual respect, and shared success. Here’s to leadership that is earned every day, through every action and decision.

Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of U.S. Commercial Construction in 2024

A Year of Adjustment and Growth 2024 has emerged as a critical year for the U.S. commercial construction sector. Amidst a backdrop of evolving economic conditions and shifting industry dynamics, the industry faces challenges and opportunities.

The Labor Market: A Persistent Challenge One of the most significant issues confronting the industry is the persistent labor shortage. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the construction industry had 459,000 job openings at the end of November 2023. This represents an increase of 43,000 job openings from the previous month and 111,000 more than the same period last year. This labor shortage is not only a reflection of the industry's growth but also underscores the urgent need for skilled labor.

Modest Growth Amidst Economic Uncertainties Despite these challenges, the industry is poised for modest growth. JLL's forecast for 2024 predicts a growth in total construction costs between 2 and 4 percent. Material costs are also expected to rise, though at a manageable rate of 2 to 6 percent. This stability is a welcome change from the post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and is crucial for the industry’s forward momentum.

Adapting to a New Normal As the industry adapts to these new realities, strategies for success have become more important than ever. JLL emphasizes the need for strong partnerships, innovative problem-solving, and a thorough understanding of market dynamics. These strategies are not just about navigating the present but are essential for future-proofing the industry against potential disruptions.

Embracing Technological Advancements With the labor shortage expected to continue, the industry is increasingly looking towards technological advancements like AI and robotics for solutions. Although these technologies cannot entirely replace human labor, they offer significant potential in alleviating some of the labor constraints.

Conclusion: A Resilient Industry Poised for the Future The U.S. commercial construction industry in 2024 stands at a crossroads. While challenges such as labor shortages and economic uncertainties persist, the industry's resilience and adaptability shine through. With modest growth on the horizon and a clearer understanding of the market dynamics, the sector is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern economic landscape.

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INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY

Harnessing the Winds of Change: The Dawn of U.S. Offshore Wind Energy

In an exciting development for renewable energy in the United States, the first offshore wind farms are now sending electricity to the grid. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new era in America's energy landscape.

The Vineyard Wind Project: A New Horizon in Renewable Energy

The Vineyard Wind project, a collaborative effort between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, has made headlines with the operational commencement of its first turbine. This project, located 15 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, consists of 62 turbines. Remarkably, one of these turbines has already begun delivering approximately 5 megawatts of power to the Massachusetts grid, with the other four expected to be operational early this year.

South Fork Wind: Powering New York's Future

Similarly, the South Fork Wind project, developed by Ørsted and Eversource, has also contributed to this renewable energy leap. Situated 35 miles east of Montauk Point, New York, the 12-turbine wind farm has successfully installed five turbines, with one already generating electricity.

A Watershed Moment for Climate Action

This development is a triumph for the U.S. energy sector and a crucial step in global climate action. The recent COP28 agreement emphasized the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels, with renewable energy, especially offshore wind, playing a pivotal role in meeting these goals.

Challenges and Progress

Despite these achievements, the offshore wind industry has faced financial feasibility challenges, leading to the cancellation of several projects along the East Coast. However, the recent 'reset' of the Empire Wind 2 project by Equinor and BP, although signaling a delay, does not mark its cancellation, showcasing a resilient commitment to the sector's future.

The Larger Picture: U.S. Infrastructure and Renewable Energy

This surge in renewable energy projects aligns with the broader U.S. infrastructure efforts. President Biden's administration, through the $1 trillion infrastructure bill, has launched over 40,000 projects encompassing a wide range of sectors, including energy. These efforts are part of a large-scale national initiative to revamp and modernize America's infrastructure.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for U.S. Renewable Energy

The operational commencement of these offshore wind farms heralds a new chapter in U.S. energy production. By embracing renewable sources like wind power, the U.S. is not only making strides in energy independence but also contributing significantly to global efforts in combating climate change. As these projects progress and expand, they hold the promise of a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the nation.

RESIDENTIAL RESEARCH

U.S. Residential Construction in 2024: A Dynamic Landscape of Opportunities and Challenges

The U.S. residential construction sector is navigating a landscape marked by evolving trends and economic variables as it enters 2024. With a mix of promising growth in certain areas and lingering challenges in others, the sector presents a complex picture for industry stakeholders.

Steady Growth Amidst Economic Adjustments

The U.S. construction industry has shown resilience in the face of economic adjustments, such as the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes since March 2022. Despite these challenges, the sector has continued to expand, with construction spending in November 2023 showing a modest increase of 0.4% from October's revised estimate. This growth is largely attributed to the strength of the residential market, particularly in private residential construction, which saw a 1.1% month-over-month increase and a 3.7% rise from the previous year's levels. This trend reflects the industry's adaptation to the changing economic landscape and its ability to capitalize on lower borrowing costs anticipated in 2024​​.

Labor Market Dynamics and Wage Growth

The construction sector is also influenced by labor market dynamics, with November 2023 data indicating a 3.7% unemployment rate in the U.S., reflecting a tight labor market. This scenario has led to significant wage growth, particularly in high-demand jobs within the industry. For instance, master plumbers, a crucial role in construction, saw a 21% wage growth in 2023.

Forward-Looking Indicators: Building Permits and Housing Starts

A key forward-looking indicator in the sector is the number of building permits issued. In May 2023, 1,491,000 building permits were released, with 897,000 for single-family residential construction. This data suggests a robust pipeline of new homes expected to be available in the next 8-12 months. Furthermore, the National Association of Realtors forecasts 1,020,000 single-family residential starts by Q2 2024, indicating a positive outlook for the sector.

Evolving Trends: AI, Sustainability, and Renovation

The residential construction industry in 2024 is also marked by evolving trends. The integration of AI in smart home systems is advancing, with home automation becoming increasingly sophisticated. Additionally, sustainability continues to be a significant factor, with consumers making more eco-conscious decisions and opting for locally sourced materials. Renovation trends are leaning towards efficiency and space optimization, with kitchen designs focusing on functionality and remodeling outdoor spaces for multiple uses, including sports like pickleball.

Conclusion

The U.S. residential construction sector in 2024 presents a landscape of growth and opportunity, shaped by economic factors, labor market dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. While there are challenges, such as adjusting to economic changes and managing labor costs, the sector's resilience and adaptability position it for continued progress in the year ahead.

TEAM TOOLBOX TALK

Toolbox Talk: Ladder Safety in Construction

Introduction Hello team! Today's toolbox talk is about ladder safety – a fundamental aspect of our daily operations in construction. Given the frequency of ladder use, we all must understand and adhere to safety practices.

Recent Trends and Incidents Ladders are a common source of injuries in construction. Falls from ladders constitute a significant number of fall-related injuries. While specific incidents from 2023 are not detailed, the ongoing risks associated with ladder use in construction necessitate our attention and vigilance.

Key Safety Practices

1. Proper Ladder Selection: Use the right ladder for the task, considering its type, length, and load capacity.

2. Inspect Ladders Before Use: Check for any damages or defects like broken rungs or loose parts before each use.

3. Stable Placement: Ensure the ladder is placed on stable, level ground and is properly secured.

4. Maintain Three Points of Contact: Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when climbing or descending a ladder.

5. Do Not Overreach: Keep your body centered between the side rails. Do not lean or overreach; move the ladder instead.

6. Use of Ladder Safety Devices: Where appropriate, use ladder stabilizers, levelers, and non-slip pads to enhance safety.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Ladders

• Step Ladders: Open them completely and lock the spreaders. Do not use the top step unless it's designed for that purpose.

• Extension Ladders: Extend the ladder at least three feet above the landing point for stability and safe exit.

Conclusion Ladder safety is an integral part of preventing falls and injuries on the job. By adhering to these safety practices, we can ensure that ladders are used safely and effectively, reducing the risk of accidents. Stay safe and remember to always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you when using ladders.

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