A GUIDE TO BUILDING BEYOND OURSELVES
THE BEGINNING
In 1905, our great-grandfather established this company as a skilled mason. Our grandfather and father continued his legacy building Consigli on the cornerstones of hard work, integrity, and pride in craftsmanship.
WHY YOU’RE GETTING THIS FIELD GUIDE
A lot has changed in Consigli’s 100+ year journey, but not what makes us who we are.
Building beyond ourselves is more than just great construction. It’s our why.
It’s our purpose and what gets us through the tough days. It’s why we show up and do our best for ourselves and each other.
And that’s where this field guide comes in.
These pages are intended to guide and document your journey to building beyond yourself. The examples are practical. The advice is time-tested. Whether you carry a laptop or a hard hat, use it as you would any other tool.
– Anthony & Matthew
TABLE OF CONTENTS
To build great things, use these lessons as a guide on your journey.
Our Why: Building Beyond Ourselves ...................... 4 Our How: We Build Three Things, Three Things Build Us ............................................ 6 Leadership Lessons I Work It Together ............................................ 8 II Own It .......................................................... 10 III Walk In Their Shoes....................................... 12 IV Bring a Solution ............................................ 14 V Move With Urgency ....................................... 16 VI Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable ............ 18 VII Face the Challenge........................................ 20 VIII Roll Up Your Sleeves ..................................... 22 IX Save a Seat................................................... 24 X Find the Fun.................................................. 26 How We Know When It’s Working .......................... 28 3
OUR WHY:
BUILDING BEYOND OURSELVES
We create spaces that heal, teach, and enrich the lives of others. We embrace what’s new, what can be done better, and what’s never been done before.
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We support our teammates as professionals and people. We improve our communities, and we improve each other.
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WE BUILD THREE THINGS
GREAT PEOPLE
Recruit. Train. Mentor. Motivate.
GREAT PROJECTS
Create community. Thrive with teamwork. Crafted with pride.
GREAT RELATIONSHIPS
Built on integrity. Strengthened with collaboration. Valued from transparency.
OUR HOW:
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THREE THINGS BUILD US
DRIVE
Be relentless. Set goals and exceed expectations.
HUMILITY
Put others first. Listen more than you speak.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Own it. Do what you say you will do.
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WORK IT
TOGETHER
Success takes a team effort and collaboration with those around you.
Get creative
Encourage unusual ideas and be an active participant. Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
Talk it out
Take the quality ideas and build on them. Keep an open mind and don’t judge.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• You need extra brain power.
• During mentorship and training.
• A problem requires shared ownership.
• You need to get alignment.
• To challenge your own assumptions.
LEADERSHIP LESSON I
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Play to your strengths
The way the team works together determines its success. You may have an outstanding group of individual players, but if they can’t work toward the same goal, that’s a problem. So much of our work requires us to be problem-solvers, and there isn’t a single person here who has all the answers.
4 steps from alignment to action
Discuss
Establish a common understanding of the problem.
Debate
Voice opinions and compare ideas. Look for what works, not what’s perfect.
Commit
Agree upon a plan of action, and the role each person will take.
Move Forward
Follow through, pressure test, and check back in.
IT DAY-TO-DAY
APPLYING
“ TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT 9
OWN IT
Successes are easy to own. It’s about how you handle a challenge.
Own the problem
Speak up and take accountability. Don’t make excuses or place blame. When appropriate, apologize. Then get moving.
Own the solution
Map it out. Use a whiteboard to literally draw out ideas. This can help to clarify concepts and logic for the roadmap to the solution.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• Nine meetings later, there’s still no resolution.
• No one else is owning it.
• Things are at risk of falling through the cracks.
LEADERSHIP LESSON II
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Make it personal
Treat the job you’re running or the task you’re doing like it’s your house or your bank account. Because in some ways — it is. Would you spend that money? Would you cut that corner? As an employee-owned company, the decisions we make impact all of us.
Don’t take it personally
Trust your gut, and stand your ground.
Stay fair, firm, and professional.
Ask for the help you need to get it done.
Don’t make someone else do it.
IT DAY-TO-DAY
APPLYING
“ TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT 11
WALK IN THEIR SHOES
Empathy starts with awareness.
Show up
Ask questions to understand the “why” behind their position. Is it about the work, or something else in their life?
Tune in
Learn what you can about what makes them tick, and what ticks them off. Course correct if needed.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• You’re working with a new teammate or client.
• There are changes in body language, tone, energy, and pace.
• Someone makes a mistake.
• It’s clear someone’s having a bad day.
LEADERSHIP LESSON III
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Everyone has bad days
Things happen at home, at work, and in the world that can affect us on any given day. If you see someone who might be having a bad day, offer them help, engage in a conversation, and let them know someone is looking out for them. Chances are, there will be a day you need the same.
APPLYING IT DAY-TO-DAY
The foundation of good communication
Be present – Put the phone down, turn it over.
Listen – Listen more than you speak.
Feel – Recognize emotions. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability.
Understand – Seek the meaning behind the message.
Check in – Even when there’s no reason to.
“ TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT 13
BRING A SOLUTION
Taking action is the key.
Define the problem
Look for the root cause, not just symptoms of the issue.
Act with intent
When you point out problems, bring a solution or be willing to help find one.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• You need a Plan B. And C.
• The client expects options.
• It’s an entirely new challenge.
• The goal is to do something one-of-a-kind.
LEADERSHIP LESSON IV
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Brainstorm boldly
There are no bad ideas when brainstorming. OK, maybe a few. But sometimes ‘crazy ideas’ can be the springboard for great solutions.
APPLYING IT DAY-TO-DAY
Plan the work, work the plan
Bring in your team. Admit when you don’t know what you don’t know.
Anticipate needs. Make a list or chart of areas where it might be helpful.
Do your homework. Search lessons learned or talk to an expert.
Weigh all factors. Am I fixing a problem or creating another?
“ TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT 15
MOVE WITH URGENCY
If it’s important, find a way.
Pick up the phone
Don’t rely on a text or an email if you need something right away. Get talking.
Push yourself
If you’re missing details, you’re moving too fast. Otherwise, go faster.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• Big issues are being ignored.
• The meeting is headed nowhere.
• Delaying will cause more harm than good.
• There is a crisis and no time to stop.
• You’ve had multiple conversations about the same issue.
• Acknowledging the need to finish rather than debate.
• The lack of response is impacting people, process, or the project.
LEADERSHIP LESSON V
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Analysis paralysis
Don’t get paralyzed by perfection. If a decision needs to be made, or you’re facing uncertain conditions, a rough step forward is better than no step at all.
APPLYING IT DAY-TO-DAY Remove the obstacles, whether they’re physical or mental
Understand what’s most important and where you can be most effective. Is it more impactful for you to direct, delegate, or do? If you’re not sure, step aside and ask for help.
DIRECT DELEGATE DO “ TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT 17
BE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
Our best work comes when we stretch our limits and push ourselves out of our comfort zone.
Say what no one else will
Speak up. When you see something that could be done better, say something, and be prepared to act on it.
Test the boundaries
Challenge yourself. Try something new and step outside your comfort zone, and then do it again and again.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• Something that worked before no longer brings results.
• It feels like you’re settling.
• Giving or receiving critical feedback.
• Confronting a difference of opinion.
• Everyone seems a bit too comfortable.
LEADERSHIP LESSON VI
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Break the mold
Understand the latitude that’s been provided to anybody that wants to do something that’s a little bit different. It might feel scary at first, but empower yourself because the outcome will be that much more exhilarating.
Difficult conversations don’t need to be difficult
5 TIPS
1. Set expectations. If you can, provide an agenda and prepare.
2. Be open, honest, and direct. Encourage the other person to hold you accountable.
3. Don’t tap dance. Focus on the learning.
4. Tense moments can lead to misinterpretation. Follow up with bullet points from the conversation.
5. Clarify expectations going forward.
APPLYING IT DAY-TO-DAY
TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT 19
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FACE THE CHALLENGE
When confronted with the biggest obstacles, the fastest and least painful way is through.
Avoid procrastination
Lingering problems tend to get bigger. The sooner you address them, the sooner you can move past them.
Don’t go it alone
There’s strength in numbers. Work with your team together to move through the problem.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• The problem scales across roles and teams.
• Waiting would make things worse.
• You’re distracted by worry or doubt.
• You find yourself focusing on less-important, easier problems.
LEADERSHIP LESSON VII
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Each of us has a choice
Will we confidently face the storm? Will we come together as a team, or will we scatter? Will we weather it and emerge on the other side better and stronger, or beaten up and worn out? Choose to run through it with your “herd” of support around you. You will come out of it stronger and better together.
Face it, know it, then tackle it
Most big challenges are made up of several smaller ones.
List what has you concerned or hesitant and the solutions to each. Bring your team together, and the resources you need to make it to the other side, step by step.
IT DAY-TO-DAY
APPLYING
ASSESS THE CHALLENGE BREAK IT DOWN
TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT 21
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ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES
Nobody is above any task.
Walk the talk
Big or small, it’s our job to figure it out and get it done. Don’t ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. Check your ego at the door.
Pitch in
Don’t be a witness. Step in when you see someone needs help, regardless if it’s in your job description.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• There’s too much delegating and not enough doing.
• You’re idle while your team members are overworked.
• It’s not in your job description, but it needs to get done.
• The team needs to know you’ve got their backs.
LEADERSHIP LESSON VIII
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Lend a hand
Sometimes, it will be obvious when somebody is struggling. Step in. Sometimes they’ll ask for support. Give it. For every other occasion, offer it. When a teammate tells you the status of their work — whether or not things seem to be going smoothly — ask how you can help. They’ll remember the gesture.
APPLYING IT DAY-TO-DAY
4 things anyone can do
Arrive early or stay late when your team needs you.
Pitch in during an emergency or crisis.
Take action and prepare to work.
If you see something broken, fix it.
“ TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT 23
SAVE A SEAT
Create space for others to be included and feel part of the team.
Welcome them in
Be intentional, and make an effort to make those around you feel recognized and valued. Involve, teach, support, and encourage.
Share your tricks
Recognize the opportunity to take someone under your wing, and show them the ropes. Look out for them on their journey, and provide guidance along the way.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• Someone is new to the company or new in their role.
• Teammates are getting talked over or ignored.
• You see the potential in someone.
• You have experience others can learn from.
LEADERSHIP LESSON IX
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Bring someone along
When you care — when you take the time to explain something you know inside and out, or you involve someone in a new task knowing it’ll take longer to complete — that’s leadership. That’s mentorship. Take pride in it. Look out for your teammates. Be the person you needed when you were in a tough spot.
4 ways to support and elevate others
IT DAY-TO-DAY
APPLYING
Recruit
new talent and new perspectives. Mentor
them your tricks and techniques. Train
the skills to get the job done.
Invite
Show
Teach
Motivate
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Provide feedback and celebrate progress.
TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT
FIND THE FUN
Make moments that matter. Enjoy yourself. (Otherwise, what’s the point?)
Celebrate wins
Taking a moment to recognize achievements, big or small, fuels the fire for the next one.
Create traditions
Traditions put our culture into action and strengthen our relationships with teammates.
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
• You’ve got a new team and want to build a team connection.
• You’ve hit an important milestone.
• Your team is stressed and needs some comic relief.
LEADERSHIP LESSON X
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Little things matter
It’s the spontaneous moments...the inside jokes. The celebrations of weddings and babies and birthdays. It’s firing up the grill at lunchtime on a random Tuesday. Sometimes, the little things are the big things, and can be exactly what you and your teammates need.
APPLYING IT DAY-TO-DAY
Life happens
The work we do should contribute to what matters, not replace it.
So make someone smile. Whether it’s a thank you, congratulations, a compliment, or a joke, being kind makes an impact beyond ourselves.
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TEAM MEMBER INSIGHT
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HOW WE KNOW WHEN IT’S WORKING
When we build beyond ourselves, and we live our values of Drive, Humility, and Accountability.
We know when it’s working in the moments that matter most. A team in flow. An obstacle overcome. A client satisfied. A job well done.
When we understand what our clients want and deliver on it plus one, we create an experience that leaves people wanting to work with us again and again. From our teammates, clients, partners, and communities...
WE CREATE RAVING FANS.
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You have the tools and the playbook. The next part is up to you.
How will you show up each day to build beyond yourself?
WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT’S NEXT.
CONSIGLI FIELD GUIDE V.1 0923
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