Building Better Leaders
The Construction Leadership Institute group joined by the other two ABC chapters in Michigan tour Lansing in May to learn more about merit shop advocacy.
ABC SEMI’s Construction Leadership Institute Helps Members Level Up
Investing in great leadership is one of the smartest moves any construction company can make. That’s the goal behind the new Construction Leadership Institute—a professional development series created to help emerging leaders strengthen the communication, people skills and strategic thinking needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced industry.
State Rep. Parker Fairbairn stopped in to the Freedom Embassy to chat with emerging leaders during the Capitol tour in May.
Since launching earlier this year, the Construction Leadership Institute has offered participants practical training and fresh perspectives they can put to work immediately.
A Look at What’s Been Covered So Far In just the first three sessions, participants have already tackled critical skills that can make or break success in leadership roles:
• Session 1 — Personalities in the Workplace: Insights into different working styles and personalities, with practical tips for motivating diverse teams, building trust and creating a positive work culture.
• Session 2 — Political Advocacy in Construction: Taking the Construction Leadership Institute to Lansing for a day gives participants a unique opportunity to see firsthand how advocacy shapes the construction industry. By meeting with legislators, emerging leaders gain insight into the policymaking process, learn how laws and regulations impact their companies, and discover how to effectively voice their concerns and support the industry’s interests. This experience helps build confident, informed advocates who can represent construction’s vital role in Michigan’s economy— both now and in the future.
• Session 3 — Agile Leadership: Participants took part in an interactive workshop designed to help them evolve from simply managing tasks to truly leading people—and ultimately, becoming effective coaches for their teams. Through real-world scenarios and guided exercises, they explored strategies for inspiring trust, fostering accountability and empowering employees to grow and succeed. By focusing on coaching rather than just directing, attendees gained practical tools to build stronger, more motivated teams and drive lasting results.
Each session builds on the last, giving participants practical tools and the confidence to handle everyday challenges with professionalism and ease. Some members of the program have said in just the first few sessions, they were opened up to a lot they didn’t know about leadership.
After session 3 that highlighted going from just a manager to a coach, Joseph Mahaffy with National Metal Sales mentioned that he wished he received this training years ago.
“There’s been a lot highlighted so far in the program that you don’t know you don’t know. I’ve had my eyes opened listening to our speakers and will take what I’ve learned and immediately apply it to my role at National Metal Sales,” Mahaffy said.
Dr. John kicked off the professional development series covering Personalities in the Workplace.
Another mentioned how valuable it was to travel to Lansing to learn about the impact legislation can have on the industry.
“The experience really made me pause and think about how important advocacy is in the construction industry,” said Tom Sandzik, a foreman at Independence Commercial Construction. “Meeting the people who actually influence the laws that help or hurt our work was eye-opening—and learning how to reach out to them directly was even better.”
A True Investment in People The Construction Leadership Institute is more than just a class—it’s a chance for companies to invest in their people, develop homegrown leaders, and stay competitive in a changing market. Participants also benefit from connecting with peers from other companies, sharing ideas and building a network of support that lasts long after the sessions end.
More topics are on the horizon, including HR, Construction Law, technology essentials and additional leadership skills designed to help companies navigate today’s workforce challenges.
Ready to develop your next generation of leaders? Keep an eye out for the 2026 series session dates and enrollment opportunities—or reach out to learn how the Construction Leadership Institute can help your team grow stronger from within.
Strong leaders build strong companies—and that’s exactly what this program is all about.
