ASCENT
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DESIGNING WITH PRECAST
INSIGHT BRIDGING GENERATIONAL GAPS IN THE PRECAST CONCRETE INDUSTRY No matter your age, if you work in any area of precast concrete, you know a large generational gap exists in the industry. It’s common to see a five-generation gap at any producer, providing and allowing for very different skills and values. It is the power of influence within these generations that conveys and changes the attributes important to the organization.
ROKSANA TAGHIZADEH PROJECT ENGINEER ENCON DESIGN
Each generation must realize and respect these differences while supporting individuals with differing skills. It is critical that members of the precast concrete industry are able to relate to one another to build strong relationships and solid business foundations. Creating teams or programs that allow for generational cross-training can bridge the generational gaps and foster growth. While relating to others from a social standpoint may be difficult, this ability will create relationships that make it easier for employees to stay connected, especially when teaching or learning difficult subjects like engineering principles and design challenges, or when discussing the company’s future. As we attract the younger generation, it is important to understand that this group promises to challenge and change every aspect of business as we know it. This paradigm shift will create an important opportunity for growth, as these young team members will continue to push for new trends and extend the reach of cutting-edge technology, like three-dimensional printing and robotics. Younger generations will also continue the push for conservation and sustainability, as well as locally sourced products, which will continue to grow the green building trend and energy-efficient designs. Accepting these workers is paramount to the success of the precast community, and it is critical that we recognize their core characteristics and competencies. We must promote precast concrete to attract and retain incoming engineers, construction managers, and innovators. If we allow access to multigenerational teams and employees, they will receive coaching and feedback that will grow their industry knowledge. We must recognize the knowledge and experience of industry veterans while welcoming the creativity and innovation of younger generations. Both can take our industry to the future.
Roksana Taghizadeh is a project engineer at EnCon Design in Denver, Colo., and was a judge in this year’s PCI Design Awards. See page 25.
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