In this episode I explore how coaching can be used as partof everyday communication in construction teams and how this simple shift can take the pressure off leaders who feel like they need to have all the answers.
Construction leadership often feels like firefighting. Yourteam comes to you for solutions, and it’s easy to slip into problem-solver mode. But there’s a better way. In this episode, I’ll explain how adopting a coaching approach in daily conversations helps your team take ownership, thinkcritically, and grow while freeing you from the burden of fixing everything yourself.
We cover:
- The problem with traditional leadership approaches
- Why coaching in conversations is a game-changer
- What coaching is (and isn’t)
- A simple example of coaching in action
- When to use these skills , and when not to
- The GROW model as a practical tool you can use today
Key Takeaway:You don’t need all the answers. You just need better questions.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – Why leaders feel the pressure to solve everything
03:00 – How coaching in conversation can reduce stress and build stronger teams
05:00 – What coaching is… and isn’t
07:00 – A practical example from site management
09:00 – When coaching works and when it doesn’t
11:00 – The GROW model explained
13:00 – Final thoughts and how to get started
Key Lessons:
- Coaching isn’t formal, it’s abouteveryday conversations
- Asking questions helps people take ownership and solve problems
- The GROW model provides a simple structure you can use today
- Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about building capability in others
Have you ever considered how much smoother your projectscould run if people truly understood both the spirit and the detail of the NEC4 contract?
When I think about the NEC4 contract, I reflect on how oftenits potential is misunderstood. In this conversation with Ben King, Business Unit Director at Aqua Consultants, we explore both the myths and the realities that surround NEC4, especially within the construction industry. What becomes clear is how much of this contract’s strength relies not simply on legal wording but on the behaviours and relationships of the people involved.
Throughout this episode, Ben shares how his diverse careeracross sectors, from water to highways, airports to manufacturing, has always brought him back to NEC contracts. His passion for NEC is grounded in his experience of how it should function: not as a shield or a sword, but as a framework for good project management and collaboration. That’s where so many people get it wrong.
We unpack three common myths about NEC4:
- That project behaviours do not influence the contractoutcomes.
- That NEC4 is merely a record-keeping tool.
- That every contractual communication signals conflict.
Ben uses analogies, real-life scenarios and practical tipsto bring these myths to life and bust them wide open. What I really valued from this conversation was the reminder that contracts do not run projects, people do. NEC4 gives people a solid structure, but its success depends on open communication, a mutual understanding of roles, and leadership that models collaboration from the outset.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I recognised how oftenprojects fall down when teams neglect the basics: clarity, communication, and consistency. Whether it’s early warning notices or programme management, the NEC4 contract works best when people use it as intended, to foster transparency and trust, not to catch each other out.
Ultimately, NEC4 is less about protecting commercialinterests in isolation and more about shaping behaviours, encouraging proactive communication, and reducing disputes through clarity and fairness. That’s whyit remains a contract I feel passionate about sharing with others in our industry.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Ben’s background
03:00 – Myth 1: Project behaviours don’t affect outcomes
07:00 – Setting the right tone from the outset
10:30 – The pyramid analogy: top-down influence on behaviours
17:00 – Importance of communication and clarity over processes
24:00 – Myth 2: The contract is only there to capture issues
28:00 – NEC4 as a project management guide, not a legal weapon
33:00 – Programme management and compensation events
38:00 – Myth 3: Communications are not acts of conflict
45:00 – Proactive scenario planning and contract management plans
50:00 – Ben’s top three takeaways
Key Lessons Learned
- NEC4 works best when communication and behaviours alignwith its intent
- The success of a project often hinges on principles set atthe outset, not mid-project corrections
- NEC4 is a practical guide for project management, not justa legal document
- Early warnings and compensation events are tools forcollaboration, not confrontation
- Strong leadership involves clear communication,consistency, and structured processes
Keywords:
NEC4 contract, NEC4 myths, construction contracts, collaborative contracting, early warning notices NEC4, programme management NEC4, compensation events NEC4, construction leadership, project management contracts, NEC4 best practices
Links & Resources:
Want to know more? https://linktr.ee/michaelfisher88
What happens when brilliant teams get tripped up by contract processes they never fully understood?
If you're working in construction in the UK, chances are you've encountered the NEC4 contract. And while it’s designed to encourage collaboration, transparency and proactive communication, it only works if it's used properly. Too often, I've seen smart, well-meaning teams fall into avoidable trouble, not because they’re careless, but because they don't know the NEC4 contract well enough to work with it, rather than against it.
In this solo episode I explore the essential do’s and don’ts of NEC4, highlighting what works, what to avoid, and how leadership and relationships play a bigger role than people think. This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about using the NEC4 contract to lead better, reduce risk, and build stronger teams.
I reflect on the real-world challenges I've seen on site and share practical actions you can take, whether you’re a project manager, contractor, or client, so you can avoid disputes, improve project delivery, and create a culture of trust and clarity on every job.
If you're serious about raising the standard of leadership in construction, this episode will give you actionable insights to help you do just that, starting with the way you handle your contract.
Timestamps:
Key Lessons Learned:
Keywords:
NEC4 contract guidance, NEC4 do’s and don’ts, NEC4compensation events, early warning NEC4, NEC4 programme management, NEC4 for contractors, leadership in construction UK, construction project managementNEC4, contract admin NEC4, NEC4 best practices
Links & Resources:
Want to know more? https://linktr.ee/michaelfisher88
Are your weekends becoming an extension of your work week, and is it costing you more than it’s earning?
In this episode I dive into a common but costly leadership trap: overworking. I explore why so many of us feel the need to grind through weekends, even when we know it’s impacting our performance, relationships, and well-being.
This is a solo episode, just me sharing what I’ve observed in the industry and personally experienced as a leader who’s walked the same tightrope. We’re talking about burnout, boundaries, control, and the myth that rest is a reward rather than a requirement.
I reflect on the unsustainable work patterns many leadersfall into and offer practical, mindset-shifting tools to help you reset how you approach time. I also share how overworking sets the tone for your team, leading to low morale, reduced creativity, and decreased performance, even when your intentions are good.
This episode is about reclaiming your time without compromising your impact. It’s about setting a tone of sustainable success, for yourself and your team and proving that leadership isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing better.
Timestamps:
00:52 – Why working weekends leads to burnout and reduced creativity
02:19 – The ripple effect on your team and culture
02:47 – Common causes: poor boundaries, control issues, reactive habits
04:20 – Start with your calendar: block out deep work and rest
05:16 – Audit your meetings and delegate with intent
06:12 – Batch communication to avoid constant distractions
06:41 – Document, delegate, and free your time
07:11 – Plan your week on Friday — don’t walk into Monday blind
Key Lessons Learned:
Keywords:
Stop working weekends, Construction leadership, Sustainable work habits, Time management for leaders, Burnout prevention, Delegation skills, Work-life balance in construction, Productivity tips for managers, Calendar planning, How to win more work,
Want to know more? https://linktr.ee/michaelfisher88
Are you working under a leader whose charm masks a toxicpresence?
In today's episode of Leadership in Construction, Iuncover the hidden traps of narcissistic leaders, how to spot them and, crucially, how to protect yourself.
I’ve seen first-hand how the wrong leadership style can break team morale and hinder productivity. Some leaders thrive on admiration, exploit their employees' dedication, and react poorly to criticism. These are warning signs, red flags that indicate you may be working under a narcissistic leader.
But knowing how to identify these behaviours is just the first step. Today, I share five key strategies to counter manipulation, safeguard your career, and maintain your wellbeing.
Leadership isn't just about authority, it's about influence,trust, and genuine care for your team. Yet, some leaders operate with adifferent mindset.
In this episode, I highlight the five major red flags thatindicate you might be working under a narcissistic leader.
Recognising these behaviours is vital, but it’s not enough.I also share strategies to neutralize their impact and protect yourself:
Key Lessons Learned:
Timestamps:
Links Mentioned:
Free Guide: 10 Quick Steps to Turn Disengaged Employees into Productivity Machines – https://linktr.ee/michaelfisher88
Have you ever looked at your technically brilliant team andthought, “Why can’t we just win more work?”
That was me.
For years, I saw engineers, planners, architects, allsolving complex problems, delivering great work, and yet struggling when itcame to selling what they do. And let’s be honest, most of us neversigned up to sell. We signed up to build, design, and solve problems, notpitch.
But here’s the truth: if you lead a construction business,sales isn’t optional.
It’s essential. And chances are, you’re making it harder than it needs to be.
That’s why in this episode, I sat down with Mark Moore, engineer-turned-sales-coach and founder of HelpPeopleBuy.com, to bust myths, clarify what sales really is, and help you start improving your work-winning ability from the ground up.
Key Lessons Learned:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to the podcast and Mark Moore
02:20 – Why technical professionals struggle with sales
06:45 – Redefining “selling” as helping people buy
11:50 – Why every role contributes to winning work
17:40 – The difference between sales, marketing, and bidding
22:05 – The importance of empathy and curiosity inconversations
27:35 – What practical sales skills look like inconstruction
35:50 – Why introverts often outperform in sales roles
43:20 – Quick wins construction businesses can implement now
47:00 – How managers can spot natural sales talent in theirteam
50:10 – Where to go for support (Mark’s coaching model)
52:30 – Final thoughts and takeaways
Keywords:
construction sales training, howto sell in construction, help engineers sell, sales coaching for constructionprofessionals, improve construction business sales, sales skills for technicalprofessionals, construction leadership and communication,
Website Links & Resources:
Free Guide:
Mark Moore’s Website: www.helppeoplebuy.com
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: Mark Moore
Have you ever noticed your team doing just enough to get by,but no more, and wondered what’s really going on beneath the surface?
In this episode I dive into a challenge that’s been quietlyundermining teams across the industry, quiet quitting.
This isn’t about people storming off the job or shouting atsite meetings. It’s more insidious. It's about good team members gradually disengaging, mentally checking out while physically staying on site.
I break down five subtle but dangerous signs of quietquitting, from a lack of curiosity about the future to passive negativity that lingers in the air. I’ve seen team members go from proactive and passionate to withdrawn and indifferent, and often, it's not because they’re bad workers, but because the environment doesn’t inspire them anymore.
Quiet quitting doesn’t just damage morale, it hits yourbottom line. Slower jobs. More rework. Lower margins. Less innovation. And yet, it often goes unaddressed because it’s not visible on a spreadsheet.
But here's the good news; it is fixable.
I walk through a toolkit of leadership strategies that havehelped me turn disengaged teams into high-performing powerhouses. It starts with something simple but powerful: real conversations. Not just about tasks, but about people, what drives them, what frustrates them, and how we can align their values with our mission.
I explore how recognising effort, encouraging ownership, and leading with humility can reignite purpose in your team.
Finally, I share how setting a compelling vision, one that’sgrounded in shared values, can inspire people to lean in rather than check out.
If you’ve sensed something’s "off" with your teambut haven’t been able to put your finger on it, this episode will help you diagnose and turn it around.
5 Signs of Quiet Quitting:
Fixes Managers Can Use to Turn It Around:
Timestamps:
Keywords:
Quiet quitting in construction, Employee disengagement signs, Leadership in construction, Boosting team moraleconstruction, How to re-engage employees, Recognising quiet quitting, Fixing construction team culture, Improving construction site leadership, Leadership podcast UK, Construction management tips,
Links:
Do you hate selling but know you must do it to grow your business?
I get it. If you work in construction, the word “sales” can feel like a dirty word. We’re builders, problem-solvers, leaders, but rarely do we think of ourselves as salespeople. The truth is, if you’re in a business, you’re in sales whether you like it or not.
In this episode of the Leadership in Construction podcast, I share the exact 3-step sales process that helped me shift my mindset and start selling in a way that feels natural, honest and effective. You don’t need to be a slick closer or pushy rep. You just need to be clear, curious and genuinely helpful.
And trust me, if you care about solving problems, you already have the skills you need to sell.
Sales starts with mindset. If you believe in what you do,it's your responsibility to help others understand the value in it. I guide youthrough:
We also look at how companies like Apple revolutionisedmarketing not with better products, but with better positioning, a principle construction leaders can learn from too.
Sales doesn’t have to feel icky. In fact, if you’ve eversolved a client’s problem, you’ve already sold, just without calling it that.
I hope this episode helps you reframe what selling means and gives you the confidence to lead conversations that convert. No pressure, no pushiness, just clarity, curiosity, and service.
If this resonated with you, drop a comment or share thisepisode with someone who needs to hear it. Together, we’re not just building projects we’re building better leadership across the industry.
Until next time, keep leading with purpose, and lets raise the standard of Leadership in Construction.
Key Lessons Learnt:
Timestamps:
Keywords:
Selling in construction, Sales for builders, Ethical selling, Construction business growth, Sales tips for trades, How to sell without being pushy, Problem-solving in sales, Construction leadership podcast, Sales mindset shift, Customer value in construction,
Links Mentioned:
Free guide: 10 Quick Steps to Instantly Improve Sales andIncrease Profit
[Download it in the show notes below]
Are you missing out on clients and opportunities... justbecause of your LinkedIn profile?
When I first signed up to LinkedIn, I treated it like anonline CV, experience here, job titles there, maybe a headshot if I could find one that didn’t look like a mugshot.
Sound familiar?
But the truth is, LinkedIn has evolved. And if you're stilltreating it like a digital résumé in 2025, you're leaving money, talent, and partnerships on the table.
In this episode of the Leadership in Construction podcast,I take you through a deep dive into how LinkedIn could be costing you clients and how to fix it fast. This isn’t about posting selfies in hard hats or becoming a social media influencer. It’s about building credibility, visibility, and meaningful connections in the construction industry.
What We Cover:
Then, I walk you through seven simple LinkedIn actions. Eachone takes just 20 minutes a day, and by the end of a week, you'll have a profile that attracts the right people for your business, your team, and yourfuture.
Your next client, team member, or JV partner is on LinkedIn right now, and if you’re not visible, you’re invisible.
You don’t have to become a content machine or spend hoursonline. But by avoiding those common pitfalls and putting 20 intentionalminutes into your profile each day, you’ll start seeing real results.
If this episode sparked a new idea or challenged how youthink about LinkedIn, I’d love to hear from you.
Leave a review, subscribe, and share this with someone inconstruction who’s ready to level up their visibility.
Until next time, Keep leading with purpose, and lets raisethe standard of leadership in Construction.
Timestamps:
Keywords:
LinkedIn for construction professionals, LinkedIn profile tips, LinkedIn marketing for business, Construction leadership, LinkedIn content strategy, LinkedIn for small business, Business development on LinkedIn, Leadership in construction, Personal branding for leaders, LinkedIn visibility tips,
Links Mentioned:
Free guide: 10 Quick Steps to Instantly ImproveYour LinkedIn Reach
[Available in the show notes below]
Do you ever feel like you're drowning in work, but can'tbring yourself to hand things over?
I know that feeling too well. When I first stepped intoleadership, I thought doing everything myself was a sign of strength. That if I handed over the reins, things would go wrong, or worse, people would think Iwasn’t needed.
But over time, I learnt the hard truth: real leadershipisn’t about doing more, it's about enabling more.
In this episode of the Leadership in Construction podcast, Iunpack one of my favourite (and most misunderstood) leadership topics: Delegation.
We explore why so many of us struggle with it; whether it'sthe fear of others getting it wrong, guilt because our team’s already overloaded, or that little voice that says, “They’ll never do it as well as I can.”
But here's the thing, every time we cling to a task thatisn't ours, we're neglecting the things only we can do as leaders. The high-impact stuff. The growth-driving stuff.
So, in this episode, I walk you through the tried-and-testedDOD method
Decide,
Own,
Develop
A practical delegation formula that’s helped me and manyother leaders delegate with clarity, confidence, and care.
This episode isn't just theory. It’s a roadmap. I share:
Ultimately, this episode is about giving yourself permissionto lead at your highest level, and helping your team step into theirs.
If today’s episode sparked something in you, maybe arealisation that you’ve been holding on too tightly, or a reminder that you don’t have to lead alone, then I’d love to hear about it.
Leave a review, subscribe, and share this episode withsomeone else in the construction industry who’s ready to delegate with confidence.
We’re not just talking about better leadership, we’rebuilding it.
Until next time, keep leading with purpose, and raise thestandards of leadership in construction.
Key Lessons Learnt:
Timestamps:
Keywords:
Leadership in construction, Delegation techniques, Effective leadership, Construction leadership, Team development, Burnout prevention, Leadership skills, How to delegate,
Links Mentioned:
Free guide: 10 Quick Steps to Turn DisengagedEmployees into Production Machines – [Find it in the show notes below]
Welcome to the Leadership in Construction podcast, the show that's here to challenge the status quo and build something better.
I'm Michael Fisher and I created this podcast because while construction is an incredible industry filled with brilliant people and great leaders, I believe we can do better. And the truth is we need to do better because construction doesn't just build buildings, we build communities, cities and futures, and yet we're rarely held in the same regard as doctors or lawyers. That needs to change.
This podcast is about raising the standard of leadership in our industry, one conversation at a time.
Each week, you'll hear from industry leaders, changemakers and innovators who are pushing boundaries, leading with purpose and making a real impact on and off site. You'll get practical strategies, honest stories and powerful insights to help you lead better.
Whether you're managing a crew, running projects or building the next big thing.
So if you're ready to think bigger, lead stronger and be part of a movement that's helping shape the future of construction, then hit subscribe and join me on the Leadership in Construction podcast. Because better leaders build better everything.
Want to know? Link:
Season 4 - Episode 6 - How to Create a Future Focused Team
Season 4 - Episode 5 - How to Lead Through Change
Season 4 Episode 2 - How Leaders Set the Vision
[TRIGGER WARNING: TALKS OF SUICIDE]
Perhaps one of the most important but most difficult job of any leader is too set the vision, the purpose, the 'Why'. Its then even harder to communicate that to their team or organisation.
In this episode, I talk with Dean Barton who is a seasoned business consultant in the construction industry who strongly believes that leadership starts at the top of any team or organisation. It is the leaders job to set the vision or direction of the team or organisation and communicate that in a way that inspires action. Dean also shares why setting the vision and purpose is essential to aligning the teams (on site and in the back office) to work as one rather than a 'them and us' culture.
Dean speaks from experience having worked his way to the top of senior management in construction now works with all construction companies big and small to coach and advise on how to grow and be successful. Dean highlights how commercial roles (FD, Senior QS, Commercial Manager) are often promoted to the head of the organisation, and whilst these roles are essential to a functioning construction company, you can run an organisation from spreadsheets and numbers.
"Never forget, there a guys on the site doing the work" Dean tells us.
Dean tells us that these people skills, or leadership skills are not just nice too haves for a better business. They are essential to making people in the team or organisation feel protected and supported. In this episode we talk about the impact from the high rates of suicide in construction and what practical steps leaders can do to help they people working on our jobs.
You can find Dean on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deanbartonreal
and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastersofthetrade/
or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-barton-real/
Check out this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHmjROAI354UCIadVO49_A
and connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-fisher-47597b83/
or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadership_in_construction/
or TikTok:
In this episode we are joined by Tom Forster of BeMeta who is making Mental Fitness a positive conversation in the construction industry.
Tom comes from a construction background and after going through challenges affecting his own mental well-being, Tom is on a mission to improve the Mental Fitness of everyone within the Construction Industry.
After retraining as a coach Tom founded BeMeta and now works with construction teams to make Mental Fitness as spoken about as Physical Fitness.
Only with good mental fitness can we be more successful and happier teams and individuals.
You can find BeMeta here: https://www.bemeta.co.uk/
Welcome to a new episode of the Leadership in Construction Podcast.
In this episode I am joined by the brilliant Michaela Wain who is an entrepreneur in the construction industry and advocate for women in construction.
In this episode we talk about the positive impact on the construction industry of encouraging and supporting women in construction. Michaela is also the co founder of the first 'Women in Construction Awards' highlighting and celebrating the amazing work women do in the construction industry.
You can connect with Michaela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketing-michaela-wain-8860284a/
You can find a link to the Women in Construction Awards here: https://designandbuilduk.net/women-in-construction-awards-2022/