AGC/VT Leadership Academy

 

 

WHERE: AGC/VT Office, 1 Graves St Unit C, Montpelier VT 05601

WHEN: September 16th through November 4th. Each session runs for four hours, scheduled from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Wednesdays. Bag lunch provided!

WHO: Led by AGC/VT consultant Reid Wobby in partnership with Northfield Savings Bank and Vermont Works for Women. Guest speakers and presenters to be announced.

WHAT: The AGC/VT Leadership Academy is an in-person, eight-session program that pairs leadership development with practical field application. The curriculum is structured around a blend of general instruction, hands-on activities, group discussion, and guest speakers, giving participants a balance of people leadership and jobsite readiness. Normally a value of $2500, our partners at Northfield Savings Bank have generously underwritten this program, making it possible for us to offer you a flat one-time rate of $100 per student.

WHY: This course is designed for construction professionals who are ready to strengthen their leadership skills and take the next step in their careers. The AGC/VT Leadership Academy is especially valuable for emerging leaders and individuals who are being considered for greater responsibility, or who simply want to become more confident and effective in leading a crew and influencing jobsite culture. Whether you are preparing for your next role or looking to become a better leader in the role you have today, this course provides the skills, perspective, and confidence to lead with greater consistency and make a stronger impact on every project.

Contact Nicole at nicole@agcvt.org with any questions.

Session Outline

1. Value of Project Leadership
This session focuses on what separates average project outcomes from exceptional ones: leadership. Participants will explore the differences between bad, good, and great leadership, with a focus on behaviors that directly influence project success. Topics include leadership styles and when to apply them, decision-making under pressure, and how leaders set the tone for performance and accountability. The session emphasizes that strong leadership is not about authority, but about consistency, communication, and trust. Attendees will leave with practical tools to better lead teams, improve project outcomes, and understand how their actions—good or bad—show up on the jobsite.

2. Leading in Construction
Construction leadership requires quick thinking, clear communication, and steady decision-making in high-pressure environments. This session explores the supervisor’s role in navigating daily challenges, including problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution. Participants will learn how to de-escalate tensions, address issues before they grow, and maintain productivity while preserving relationships. Real-world scenarios will be used to demonstrate how effective leaders keep projects moving while managing people, personalities, and expectations. The session reinforces that leadership in construction isn’t theoretical—it plays out in real time, on real jobsites, where the ability to respond effectively can make or break a project.

3. Team Creation, Development, and Management
Strong teams don’t happen by accident—they are built intentionally. This session focuses on how to create, develop, and lead high-performing teams in construction. Participants will explore the relationship between personality types and leadership styles, and how understanding both can improve communication and performance. The session also covers goal setting, performance planning, and how to align individual strengths with team objectives. Leaders will learn how to identify gaps, develop talent, and create an environment where people can succeed. The takeaway: better understanding your team leads to better outcomes, stronger morale, and more consistent project success.

4. Succeeding as a Leader
Leadership success is defined by what you reinforce every day. This session explores the balance between coaching and correcting, and how effective leaders know when to do each. Participants will learn how to lead by example, set expectations through actions, and shape behaviors that influence long-term culture. The discussion will highlight the difference between short-term compliance and lasting change, emphasizing that leadership is less about control and more about consistency. Attendees will walk away with strategies to influence team behavior, strengthen accountability, and build a culture where performance and respect go hand in hand on every jobsite.

5. Construction Financial Basics
Understanding the financial side of construction is critical for effective leadership. This session introduces key financial concepts including project scheduling, bidding, and the cost impacts of insurance and safety. Participants will explore how decisions made in the field affect budgets, profitability, and risk. The session connects day-to-day activities—like productivity, change orders, and safety compliance—to their financial outcomes. Leaders will gain a clearer understanding of how projects are priced, how margins are protected, and where issues can arise. The goal is to equip participants with enough financial awareness to make informed decisions that support both project success and company performance.

6. Expectations and Accountability
Clear expectations and consistent accountability are the foundation of strong leadership. This session focuses on how leaders set standards, communicate expectations, and follow through. Participants will explore techniques for maintaining consistency across teams, conducting effective performance evaluations, and delivering feedback that drives improvement. The session emphasizes that accountability is not about discipline—it’s about clarity, fairness, and follow-up. Leaders will learn how to address issues early, reinforce positive behavior, and create a culture where expectations are understood and met. The takeaway is simple: when expectations are clear and consistently applied, performance improves across the board.

7. Building and Mentoring the Next Generation
The future of the industry depends on developing the next generation of leaders. This session explores what effective mentorship looks like in construction, including how to build trust, share knowledge, and create growth opportunities. Participants will examine the difference between doing the work and teaching the work, and why both matter. The session highlights practical ways to develop talent on the jobsite, reinforce learning, and prepare individuals for greater responsibility. Leaders will leave with a better understanding of their role in shaping the workforce pipeline and creating a culture where knowledge is passed down intentionally.

8. Leadership in Action
This capstone session brings everything together through hands-on application. Participants will engage in small group activities, real-world scenarios, and problem-solving exercises designed to reinforce key leadership concepts learned throughout the program. The focus is on applying skills in practical situations—communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and team management. This session also incorporates hard skill elements such as blueprint reading, conducting inspections, handling OSHA interactions, creating Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and leading Toolbox Talks. The goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring participants leave confident, capable, and ready to lead effectively in the field.