Mistakes happen. Period. In construction, in leadership, in life—they’re just inevitable. But what separates great people from mediocre ones isn’t avoiding mistakes; it’s how they handle them.

The willingness to admit mistakes upfront doesn’t make you weak, on the contrary it shows honesty; it builds credibility, fosters trust and strengthens teams. I know, this sort of idea flies in the face of the traditional machismo mindset in construction—the ole’ “just figure it out and don’t let anyone see you sweat” approach—but hear me out.

Let’s say you’re in the market for new technology to support your construction business. It’s easy to be drawn to the big names in Silicon Valley - the global hub of innovation, home to trillion-dollar companies that have transformed entire industries. On the surface, it makes sense. Why wouldn’t the tech giants, with their vast resources and cutting-edge solutions, be the best choice?

Well, if your challenge involves construction or capital project management, you might be looking in the wrong place.

When you start to consider what muscle might be the strongest for use on a project, there are likely a few core groupings that come to mind. The arms, the legs or even the back all make excellent arguments for the top spot. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, none of these muscles mean a darn thing when it comes to surviving the often-cruel environment of construction.  

What then, is the strongest muscle in construction? 

In a world that prioritizes technical expertise, certifications and specialized knowledge, one skill quietly outshines them all - problem solving. Yet, despite its importance, it remains one of the most overlooked skills in the workplace. Why? Because problem-solving isn’t always easy to quantify.

But want to know the best part? Problem-solving skills can be developed over time.

Digital transformation is the promised shiny beacon of hope to solve all your company's problems and revolutionize operations. But the facts are, four of five digital transformations fail.

Well, they don’t just fail, they fail spectacularly.

How do you ensure your company’s digital transformation is that one that delivers on its promise?

The idea of a one-size-fits-all, out-of-the-box platform solution is a myth. That’s right, the tech junky said it. Construction technology has created its own monster.

The “platform” concept as we know it is stifling innovation.

But there’s a solution right under our nose. Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it to you.

Did you ever have that moment? You know, the one where the clouds part and the voices sing loud and all of a sudden you know exactly what you’re supposed to do in life?

Me neither.

From growing up on Lego to working on TD Ameritrade Park, this is my journey of blending tech, construction, and innovation. Dive into insights, humor, and a love for building a better industry in TheEngiNerdLife.