02
Aug 2017
How to Deliver Bad News
By Neal Flesner Communication in general is a daunting undertaking on construction projects involving various companies and team members with different personalities. When problems arise and you are tasked with delivering bad news to a project owner, communicating this sensitive information becomes even more challenging. I was recently interviewed for a United Rentals’ blog post about 3 Ways General Contractors Can Improve Communication with Owners. During the interview, I expressed
21
Jun 2017
Ditch Email to Improve Communication
By Neal Flesner and Jim Eisenhart While many of us have mastered the art of emailing, texting, tweeting, Facebook Messenger and other electronic communication, verbal communication is still the best way to effectively communicate on a construction project. A form of digital communication we try to discourage when facilitating problem projects is email. Although email is trackable and can deliver a message to a team member quickly, it’s not appropriate
“Bravo Zulu” (well done)! This was the resounding praise declared by members of the project team upon completion of the U.S. Navy’s San Clemente Island Fuel Facility renovation and upgrade project. The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) San Diego commemorated the success of this important project during a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 6, 2016. “At a partnering session about a year ago, we all committed
Caltrans recognized 13 project teams during the 2016 Caltrans Excellence in Partnering Award Ceremony held on May 4, 2016. The Caltrans District 8 Interstate-40 Rehabilitation at Kelbaker Road project team was among those honored for utilizing partnering and best practices to help ensure successful project implementation. Facilitated by Neal Flesner of Ventura Consulting Group, the $16.1 million project involved the rehabilitation of a section of Interstate 40 in San Bernardino
The International Partnering Institute (IPI) celebrated its 7th Annual IPI Partnering Awards Ceremony on May 19, 2016. Paul Crotty, VCG Facilitator and Large Project Director, was among the project owners and other design and construction professionals in attendance at the annual event, which was held at the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront this year. As reported by the IPI, the nominated project teams boasted the following project results for their
26
Apr 2016
VA Charlotte Healthcare Center Opens
Reprinted with permission from Partnering Magazine – Jan/Feb 2016 When the $104 Million Charlotte Veterans Affairs Health Care Center project was awarded to developer Childress Klein-Cambridge Healthcare Solutions, LLC (CKC) in 2013, the team anticipated a variety of challenges. Not only was there a great deal of media attention surrounding Veterans Affairs (VA) construction projects at the time, but the complexities involved with lease-leaseback delivery, high community expectations, and a
19
Apr 2016
Communication – How Not to Screw Things Up….
We hear this all of the time, “The key to success is communication.” Although smart phones, tablets and a multitude of apps are providing additional modes of communication, the challenges and potential for miscommunication are increasing. And, the larger the project, the greater the chance of missteps and miscues. If you want to improve your team and your own levels of communication, you must continue to learn, grow and help those around you.
19
Apr 2016
The 2016 IPI Award Winners Are…
The International Partnering Institute (IPI) recently announce the winners of the 2016 Partnered Project of the Year awards, and three projects facilitated by Ventura Consulting Group were among the impressive list of recipients. The award-winning teams will be honored at the 7th Annual IPI Award Ceremony and Conference on Thursday, May 19 at the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront. According to the IPI, the purpose of the awards is to
Congratulations to the design and construction team members on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Butler Health Care Center project in Butler, Pennsylvania! Partnering and world-class teamwork on this important military project are paying off big time with the team on track to exceed its mutual partnering goals for schedule, safety, community outreach and much more. Check out these impressive achievements: Construction of the 168,000-square-foot health center is six months
The 2016 construction industry award season is here and your friends at Ventura Consulting Group can provide information, testimonials and award entry services to help your team get the recognition they deserve. Industry awards not only acknowledge the efforts of the project team, they also extend your group’s world class teamwork by forming stronger bonds with project owners, garnering online and print publicity and furthering industry best practices. We would be pleased