A village main street in Western New York, the kind of local route where more transportation work is now concentrated.

What $73 Million in Withheld Highway Funds Actually Means for Western New York

by Lynn NovoManaging, NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

On April 16, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it was withholding $73,502,543 in federal highway funding from New York State over a dispute about how the state’s DMV issued commercial driver’s licenses. Most of the coverage has focused on the political fight between Albany and Washington. That’s not what this post is about. …

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Hiring manager interviewing engineering candidate at an architecture and engineering firm

What FBI Negotiators Can Teach AEC Leaders About Hiring Architects and Engineers

by Lynn NovoEmployers, Hiring, ManagingPosted on Comments are Disabled

In today’s competitive Architecture, Engineering, and Construction fields, attracting top talent goes beyond offering fair pay. It requires understanding what professionals seek in their next job. This article, inspired by FBI negotiation techniques, shows how empathy, smart questioning, and genuine conversations can improve your hiring process. Rather than treating interviews like interrogations, learn the importance of creating collaborative discussions that connect with potential candidates. Discover how to build an environment where top talent feels valued, leading to successful hires and long-term employee retention. Are you ready to enhance your recruiting strategies? Keep reading!

Leadership versus results concept with Buffalo Bills colors - heart and football graphic

Is Being Loved Enough?

by Lynn NovoCandidates, Employers, Managing, NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Everyone is talking about Coach Sean McDermott’s termination. I won’t add to the buzz about this topic specifically, but it did make me wonder about the leadership versus results tension we see in business all the time. What about managers who are loved by their teams but aren’t delivering the results ownership needs? In this …

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The Onboarding Mistake That’s CostingYour Company Top Talent (And How to Fix It)

by Lynn NovoEmployers, ManagingPosted on Comments are Disabled

Picture this: Your team just hired a stellar project manager with 12 years of experience. Their resume was flawless, the interviews were inspired, and you’re already imagining them crushing it on your biggest projects.

Fast forward three months—and they’re gone. Sound familiar?

We’re about to explore why technical training without personal connection is a recipe for turnover, what your new hires are really thinking (but not saying), and exactly how to build relationships that make top talent want to stay.

Architecture team working together

Beyond Learning Styles: Enhancing Team Performance in Architecture

by Lynn NovoEmployers, ManagingPosted on Comments are Disabled

Are you leveraging the most effective training strategies for your engineering and architecture teams? It’s time to rethink the traditional notion of learning styles and focus on what truly works.

Recent research reveals that the popular belief in learning styles—such as “I’m a visual learner and need to see how to do it”—doesn’t necessarily lead to better learning outcomes.

Strategic Hiring in 2024

Strategic Hiring in A/E/C: Navigating the 2024 Landscape

by Lynn NovoEmployers, Hiring, Managing, NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In the world of architecture, construction, and civil engineering, the year 2024 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in hiring.

With the insights from Deloitte’s 2024 Industry Outlook  for engineering and construction and data from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)​​, let’s explore what this means for the hiring manager.

Interview Like a Pro: Boost Your Construction Team with These Tips

by Lynn NovoEmployers, Interviewing, ManagingPosted on Comments are Disabled

In the world of construction, finding the right talent is pivotal to success. The cornerstone of this talent acquisition process? Effective candidate interviews. Whether you’re seeking skilled finish carpenters and painters, estimators to calculate project costs, or project managers to coordinate multiple subcontractors, effective candidate interviews play a vital role in securing top talent.

Forget Exit Interviews, Conduct Stay Interviews Instead

by Lynn NovoEmployers, Hiring, Interviewing, ManagingPosted on Comments are Disabled

Anyone with a background in HR has heard of the initial job interview and the exit interview when employees leave. What many may not have heard of, however, is the newer trend of a stay interview.  A stay interview could be your ticket to better retention, saving money, and improving the way your company operates …

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Overtime Overhaul: Unpacking the New DOL Proposal

by Lynn NovoEmployers, Managing, NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently proposed a rulemaking change that has ruffled feathers in the construction industry and beyond. This change, concerning the Fair Labor Standards Act, seeks to adjust overtime regulations, raising eyebrows and concerns among industry leaders.

Pay Transparency in NYS: A Double-Edged Sword?

by Lynn NovoEmployers, Managing, NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In the ever-shifting landscape of employment rights and practices, New York State has taken a step towards addressing wage disparities with the introduction of the Pay Transparency Law. While the legislation aims to promote fairness and equity, it’s essential to consider both its merits and potential challenges, especially for the construction and engineering sector.