Supporting the Rise of Women in the CM Industry

BY: Kai Goodrich, CCM, LEED AP, AFG Group - CMAA NCC Vice President

A lot has happened in this past year, so in looking forward to a better year, my thoughts bring me to a topic that has interested me for several years working for a small business Woman-Owned Construction Management firm in the DMV is women in the construction industry. Traditionally, the construction industry is seen as a "man's industry"; however, in my opinion, women are an asset to our industry with their experiences, approach, and skills which often far exceed most men with whom I have worked. As an organization, CMAA, we have hosted and supported an annual conference and forum for Women in Construction, with tremendous attendance and reviews. This is a great start; however, I believe that we can and must do better for our industry to thrive and rise above the often-unspoken differences between how men and women are treated in the construction industry. 

The basis for this thought piece came about after an interesting conversation I had with a female colleague. She asked my advice on several construction-related topics in dealing with a contractor. This struck me as odd since she is a very seasoned and skilled manager, so I was taken back by her questions, thinking that she is more than capable of handling these situations without counseling. We went down the list of issues and developed strategies and resolutions addressing each matter. For example, one of the topics discussed was how to get the contractor to provide a time impact analysis (TIA) correctly identifying activities related to the changes and modifications requested with the right approach without being too aggressive.

Later that day, I talked about this with my wife, who then shared an article titled "Be A Lady They Said" with me. Some word association came to mind after reading it like "disturbing," "judgmental," "tragic," "ashamed," and "guilty ." It made me think if I had a daughter, is this the example and expectation of what she is to live by and be looked upon by our society, community, industry, family and friends, and fellow construction managers. Here is an excerpt from the article "Be A Lady They Said" by Camille Rainville to better understand what I am referring to. (Link to site www.writingsofafuriouswoman.wordpress.com).

"Be a lady they said. Don't talk too loud. Don't talk too much. Don't take up space. Don't sit like that. Don't stand like that. Don't be intimidating. Why are you so miserable? Don't be a bitch. Don't be so bossy. Don't be assertive. Don't overact. Don't be so emotional. Don't cry. Don't yell. Don't swear. Be passive. Be obedient. Endure the pain. Be pleasing. Don't complain. Let him down easy. Boost his ego. Make him work for it. Men love the chase. Fold his clothes. Cook his dinner. Keep him happy. That's a woman's job. You'll make a good wife some day. Take his last name. You hyphenated your name? Crazy feminist. Give him children. You don't want children? You will some day. You'll change your mind."

These are not made-up statements or inflamed objective opinions by the author, or for that matter, women in general. After my conversation with my wife and my work colleague, I have had more time to think about my next steps to be part of the solution. These are the many unwritten rules, expectations, roles, and realities women from yesterday, today, and tomorrow contend with in our society and construction industry. I remember when I was assigned my first project as a young engineer in 1988, we were instructed to watch what we said and mitigate the "cat-calls" from the scaffolding. Honestly, if my memory serves me correctly, we joked about it and made fun of the topic. Not so funny now, and unfortunately, it should have never been.

How can We/Us/I make a transformation? So, what is next for us to make a difference and change the status quo. I go back to that conversation with my colleague and the advice she was genuinely seeking to resolve real issues and matters involving a project we are working on together. We talked for over an hour on many topics, arriving at common solutions, then the next one, until all concerning issues were discussed. After our discussion, she made one comment to me, stating, "you know, you are my mentor ." I never considered that perspective since I considered her my equal.

These two events have me thinking about the correlation between the article's contents and my conversation with my female colleague. Reading and hearing these situations revealed to me some important "ah-ha" moments to build from to have a better understanding and positive outcome in being a better construction manager for women in this industry and all our employees. There are several fundamental starting points where we can begin to make a difference: Challenge, Support, Listen, and Trust.

Challenge all our employees and colleagues equally to be the best they can be in their chosen profession. In general, we all come to work with the agenda to do a good job, receive some form of recognition, and develop personal relationships with co-workers. Others will strive for higher praises, be driven to perform at higher levels, and exceed goals. Women are no different in their expectations to be the very best in the office, department, division, firm, or industry in which they are employed. Keep the standards the same and challenge all in the company under your supervision. No favoritism or double standards is a strength of integrity in a construction manager.

Support young, middle-aged, and seniors in what they do, make them feel important and included in a successful team environment where every voice matters. A "no rank in the room" and "all ideas are welcome" approach is necessary for the greater good for all to prosper, develop, and grow. Knowledge and advice from differing perspectives are characteristics of a wise construction manager seeking all materials and information before making a critical decision or facing a crossroad impediment. This is what my fellow colleague was seeking in our conversation. Supporting female team members and colleagues can address the conflicting statements women face, as raised in the "Be A Lady They Said" article. Be observant and consciously aware of the situations in and around the office to ensure the environment has the support required for women to succeed.

Listen to what is being said. Not just hear it, but really listen. It is often a cry and plea for professional guidance, recognition, simple acknowledgment, more encouragement, or common understanding that we don't hear or listen to. My conversation with my female colleague occurred by simply listening, and providing an environment to be heard without judgment was an important step in furthering our professional relationship and providing the best for our clients. A construction manager evaluates and considers all facts and information regardless of the resource before making forward motions. 

Utilize this valuable resource women are willing to provide by listening to what they are stating with a platform and arena for all to attend without an invitation. Opening our arsenal to listening will promote more engagement and continue to chip away at those barriers women face daily in the workplace.

Trust is the hardest value to mend and the easiest to break. Simply stated, Trust, in accordance with Merriam Webster, is defined as "one in which confidence is placed." Don't wait to display unconditional trust in your colleagues and employees. Be the example and role model to all members endorsing a workplace where there are no double standards or personnel treatment, which depends on how old, experience, color, or sex you may happen to be. 

Because of my colleague's trust, we were able to have a productive conversation resulting in a positive plan addressing issues and concerns.

In summary, we are in an interesting time; however, this is an opportunity to make a difference and change the paradigm to realign the workplace for women in our industry. Yesterdays are gone, so what are you going to commit to not "Be A Lady They Said." Promote women in the construction industry to benefit from the experiences, skills, and approaches they bring to what is sometimes seen as a "man's industry."