We chatted with Damien Edwards, the founder of Construction Management Podcast and Builder Tactics (both focus on inspiring and educating professionals in construction) to pick his brain about best practices and advice for people looking to move up, build knowledge and improve themselves. 

If you’re hoping to increase your professionalism, Damien has got your back. Plus, he shares some basic life tips like “attitude is everything” that help elevate the trades. Check out the video and our Q&A below! 

 

What is so fulfilling about the trades?

You’re working outside, staying in shape longer and making a great living and there’s a real sense of freedom when you are going from job site to job site and building something. When you can step back and look at that, it’s amazing. 

Advice for the crew?

Your appearance needs to reflect the position you want, not the one you have. If you want to take your job to the next level and be a professional - wear a collared shirt instead of a t-shirt. It shows a commitment to what you’re doing, to your goals and that you want to take the next step: You can be the professional person you believe you are and you want other people to believe it too. It’s all about branding. If you want to be a manager, you need to exude that appearance and skills. It starts with you. If you want to take your career to the next level, you have  to act like it. If you see people being unsafe, it’s taking upon yourself to be the leader and make it your problem. 

Attitude and branding are everything. If you want to be the leader, you have to be the example and take everything seriously -- be the example of what you expect from everyone else. 

Education yourself on the different types of style of leadership. If you’re placed in a leadership role, you need to understand human nature… understand when you need to be flexible and follow and when you need to step up. 

How do you expand your skill set for free?

Google it. Head over to iTunes University. There are free classes on everything you can think of. There are a ton of websites out there. Check out a few different ones. Leadership is a great example...there are thousand of resources out there. 

Any last words? 

If you want to be successful, you have to have a great attitude. If you’ve got a great attitude, people want to be around you. Start with yourself and have a positive outlook on things and spread it around because it’s contagious. The sky is the limit if you have a great attitude.