A Thanksgiving Challenge

BY: KATHY POOLE, PE, CCM, RK&K

CMAA National Capital Chapter Treasurer

This is the time of year, just before the rush of the holiday season, that we often look back at the past year and think about what we are thankful for. (And boy, hasn't 2020 been a doozy of a year?!) Typically, we focus on our personal lives, being thankful for family, friends, health and prosperity. But hey, this is CMAA NCC calling, so for the next few minutes, I'd like to just focus on the Construction Management profession.

What am I thankful for? I am thankful for that scholarship that I received (from an engineer) during my senior year of college that allowed me to finish my engineering education. I am thankful for that supervisor who called on me for an exciting opportunity even though I didn't know how to begin. For that mentor who provided guidance as I got my feet wet on my first construction site. For the women who paved the way before me in a man's world. For the client who told his colleagues, "She's tougher than she looks." For my fellow CM professionals who have become friends. For the employees who perform steadfastly through incredibly tough projects. For the contractor who says, "Yes, we'll take care of that"...at least every once in a while. For the industry that faced an uphill battle in 2020 to keep people safe and working and set the bar high in our response to the crisis. For the profession that pays me a living wage and continues to challenge me every day.

I have a lot to be thankful for. And I would bet that quite a few of our CMAA NCC members who are (or aren't) reading this Thought Piece right now are thankful for the same, or similar, blessings. If you are, I challenge you to ask yourself how you are giving back to a profession that has given us so much. How do we, as the consummate CM leaders in our region, ensure that the same opportunities continue to be there for our employees, our colleagues, and future CM professionals?

By promoting the profession of construction management and the use of qualified construction managers on projects and programs.

The end of the National Conference in the middle of October marked the beginning of a new year for CMAA. What are you going to do in the new year to give back? Join a CMAA NCC committee. Mentor a young CM professional. Teach a CM course. Share your experience with potential future CMs. Promote diversity in the CM profession. Educate Owners about the benefits of using CMs on their projects. Make our profession a welcoming, inclusive environment for the future class of Construction Managers that will grow and change our industry in exciting and insightful ways.

This holiday season (while you are feeling most generous!) feel free to reach out to your CMAA NCC Board of Directors to find out how you can get involved with your local chapter.

Wishing you a healthy and Happy Thanksgiving.

And just for fun, a little Thanksgiving humor courtesy of my 2-year-old:  What kind of key does not open a door?  A TURKEY!