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“What you do has far greater impact than what you say.”

— Stephen Covey

THE ART OF LEADERSHIP

Actions Speak Louder: Covey’s Principle Inspires Leadership Shift

In a recent leadership forum, Stephen Covey’s renowned quote, “What you do has far greater impact than what you say,” took center stage, emphasizing a growing shift towards action-based leadership in both business and personal spheres. Covey, best known for his best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, has long advocated for a hands-on, results-driven approach. His words resonated strongly with leaders across industries who are focusing less on rhetoric and more on tangible outcomes.

At the event, several high-profile executives highlighted how Covey’s principle influenced key decisions in their companies. From overhauling workplace cultures to refining customer strategies, they shared how action-oriented policies drove real-world impact. "We realized talking about change wasn’t enough. We had to demonstrate it," said one tech CEO, whose company’s transformation efforts have recently garnered widespread attention.

Experts suggest that this approach is not only relevant but necessary in today’s fast-evolving markets. With rising competition, businesses can no longer rely solely on mission statements or PR strategies. Instead, consistent, meaningful actions that align with their core values are now seen as vital for long-term success.

Many anticipate that this focus on impactful actions will continue to reshape leadership models. As businesses strive to remain relevant, Covey's enduring words serve as a timely reminder: success is defined not by words, but by what is consistently done.

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

Superior Construction Expands Underground Utility Services, Surpassing Major Milestone

Superior Construction, a leading name in the underground utility construction industry, has recently celebrated a significant achievement. In just five years of operation, the company has laid over 2.8 million feet of underground utilities, playing a vital role in building the American fiber optic backbone infrastructure. With a workforce of over 70 professionals, Superior Construction has established itself as a reliable player in the sector, delivering solutions for complex projects and ensuring that deadlines are met with precision and excellence.

One of the company’s notable accomplishments includes the deployment of 700,000 feet (132 miles) of underground utilities as part of the national effort to expand high-speed internet access. Through their work in the "Fiber to Home" program, Superior Construction has helped connect over 30,000 households to high-speed internet, a critical step in bridging the digital divide for communities across the nation.

“Every project comes with its own set of challenges, but our commitment is to bring innovative solutions to the table,” says a representative from Superior Construction. The company has built a reputation for handling turnkey projects with outstanding performance, providing clients with peace of mind that their infrastructure needs will be met on time and with high-quality standards.

Superior Construction is transitioning to a broader scope of work beyond fiber optic infrastructure. With its solid foundation of expertise and proven track record, the company aims to continue its growth by expanding into new areas of underground utility construction, addressing the evolving needs of businesses and communities. The future looks promising as the company strives to play an even larger role in shaping America's infrastructure.

INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY

Biden Administration Announces $2 Billion in Grants to Boost Airport Infrastructure Nationwide.

The Biden administration has unveiled a significant $2 billion investment aimed at modernizing airports across the U.S., reinforcing the administration’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure. The grants, announced on September 15, are part of the broader Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates funds to upgrade outdated facilities, enhance safety, and address growing passenger demands.

This new round of funding will benefit 99 airports in 47 states and territories, with a focus on projects that improve terminal accessibility, sustainability, and operational efficiency. These projects include renovations to outdated terminals, the installation of energy-efficient systems, and enhancements to accommodate passengers with disabilities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tasked with overseeing the distribution of the funds.

"These grants represent a critical step in ensuring our airports can meet the demands of the 21st century," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "By investing in sustainable and accessible infrastructure, we are improving the travel experience for all Americans while creating good-paying jobs."

Several major airports are poised to receive substantial portions of the funding. For example, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport will use their grants to expand terminal space and implement eco-friendly technologies. Smaller regional airports, like Eugene Airport in Oregon, will focus on expanding capacity to meet rising passenger numbers.

This latest initiative builds on the administration’s previous efforts to bolster the country’s aging infrastructure, which includes investments in roads, bridges, and public transit systems. Looking ahead, the grants are expected to generate thousands of construction and engineering jobs, providing a significant economic boost to local communities.

As the projects unfold, the administration hopes these improvements will enhance the overall efficiency and resilience of U.S. airports, ensuring a safer, more accessible future for air travelers across the country.

RESIDENTIAL RESEARCH

Second Chance Hiring: A Path to Workforce Growth and Economic Revival

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s latest report highlights the growing impact of second-chance hiring, shedding light on a significant shift in the workforce landscape. With millions of Americans having criminal records, the movement to offer them employment opportunities is gaining momentum as businesses face labor shortages and seek new talent pools. According to the report, second-chance hiring not only provides economic benefits to individuals with past convictions but also plays a vital role in addressing broader workforce challenges.

Employers across various sectors are increasingly recognizing the value of hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds. The report emphasizes that second-chance employees often demonstrate higher retention rates and loyalty, debunking long-standing stigmas. Companies like manufacturing giant Koch Industries and tech firms like Slack are leading the charge, offering opportunities to this underserved group. By doing so, they are experiencing improved workforce diversity, reduced turnover, and access to a motivated labor pool, as many of these individuals are eager to rebuild their lives.

However, challenges remain. Stigma and misconceptions about hiring people with criminal records persist in many industries, often fueled by fears of legal liability and potential reputational harm. Some employers are hesitant to embrace the movement fully, but the Chamber’s report encourages them to adopt fair chance hiring practices, such as background checks that focus on recent behavior rather than past offenses.

The report suggests that as more companies successfully adopt second-chance hiring, this trend could contribute significantly to economic recovery and help alleviate the country’s ongoing labor shortages. With continued advocacy and policy reforms, second-chance hiring may become a cornerstone of workforce development in the years to come.

TOOLBOX TALK

The Importance of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures

Introduction

Good morning, Team! Today, we’re discussing a critical safety topic: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. LOTO is essential when working with equipment or machinery that could release hazardous energy unexpectedly. This procedure ensures that machinery is properly shut off and can't be started up again until maintenance or repairs are complete, protecting everyone from injury or death.

Preventing Accidents: The Role of LOTO

Failing to follow LOTO procedures can lead to electrocution, crushing, and other severe injuries. Machinery can store energy even when it’s not in use, making it crucial to lock and tag out equipment before beginning work. LOTO is key to keeping workers safe from these hidden dangers.

Strategies for Effective LOTO

  1. Identify Energy Sources: Know all potential energy sources, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical, and ensure they are properly shut down.

  2. Use Lockout Devices: Apply locks and tags to equipment to ensure it cannot be started accidentally. Only authorized personnel should remove these devices.

  3. Verify Zero Energy State: Test the machine to confirm all energy has been isolated and released before beginning any work.

  4. Communicate Clearly: Ensure that all team members know when a machine is locked out and why. Regularly review LOTO procedures to keep everyone informed.

  5. Follow Procedures Every Time: Never bypass LOTO steps, even when you're in a rush. Consistency is key to preventing accidents.

Discussion Questions

  • Have you or a coworker ever experienced a near-miss or accident due to a failure in LOTO procedures? What happened?

  • What challenges do you face in applying LOTO procedures on the job site, and how can we address them?

  • How can we improve our LOTO practices to ensure everyone’s safety?

Conclusion

LOTO procedures are critical for preventing accidents caused by unexpected machinery startups. By identifying energy sources, using lockout devices, verifying a zero-energy state, communicating clearly, and following procedures every time, we can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Let’s all commit to applying LOTO procedures diligently to keep ourselves and our team safe.

Lock it out, tag it out, stay safe!

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