This course was designed by contractor executives to expose emerging leaders in construction to the many facets of a construction business.   From personal leadership development to discussing the intricacies of construction businesses, the intent of this 13-session course is to prepare those who hope to serve in managerial and supervisory positions.  

Session 1:  Identifying Personal Strengths / Birkman Assessment
Mike Harrell, Owner of Latitude Advisors, LLC
Friday, January 24, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Leaders set the tone, expectations, and attitudes of their organizations, and because these key individuals have such a great influence on those around them, they must develop impeccable awareness of their behavior and of how others interpret it. Equally important for leaders is having the ability to manage and lead in a way that is well received by others and the ability to effectively communicate during high pressure moments.

Attendees will take a Birkman Assessment prior to the class. In this session, each participant will receive a copy of their report outlining interests, strengths, needs, and stress behaviors.  Latitude Advisors will review individual results, perform exercises to review Birkman data, and explore how strengths of others can be leveraged to enhance performance.

​Session 2:  Elements of Exemplary Leaders and Personal Leadership Style
Mike Harrell, Owner of Latitude Advisors, LLC
Friday, January 31, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Now that you’ve identified your strengths, how do you leverage those attributes into successful leadership?  This session will discuss application of your strengths in building a dynamic team and corporate culture, explore the Five Exemplary Practices of leadership, and evaluate individual alignment.  Based on Birkman Assessment results, attendees will identify and explore personal leadership styles and identify possible relational disrupters.

​Session 3:  Construction Law, Part 1 – Contracts and Safety Compliance 
Presented by Miller & Martin
Friday, February 7, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
This esteemed and experienced panel of construction lawyers will share the basics of construction law , covering contracting, pertinent statutory laws, employment and labor issues, OSHA, whistleblowers, and claims and dispute resolution. They will discuss the lessons they’ve learned, and common pitfalls to avoid.

​Session 4:  Construction Law, Part 2 – Prompt Pay and Lien Laws
Presented by Miller & Martin, Attorneys Randy Wilson, Richard Rose and Haley Moody
Friday, February 14, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Laws affecting the construction industry are in constant flux and, with much risk on the shoulders of all parties involved in a project, having a solid understanding of construction law is a necessity.  Prompt Pay Act and Lien Law are two of the more complex issues that can wreak financial havoc on projects and construction companies.  In this session, seasoned Miller & Martin construction lawyers will explain the basics and their affect on day to day operations.

 
​Session 5: The CEO’s Toolkit for Effective Leadership
Panel discussion with CEO’s from various industries
Friday, February 21, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
What’s the secret sauce for CEOs to run and manage companies effectively?  We’ll talk to captains of industry to learn about how they address employee conflict, time management, prioritization, work-life balance, and what inspires them to stay on top of their game.

​Session 6: Leadership in Action
Charlie York, York Safety Solutions
Friday, February 28, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
It takes a unique blend of experience and leadership to be extremely effective in improving the leadership culture within any organization. It takes a fine balance of education, evaluation, coaching and respect for all those involved. Safety guru Charlie York refers to this as a “3-Legged Stool” and he has proven that any organization who builds a strong 3-legged stool, will see a great decrease in injuries, insurance claims, OSHA citations and lawsuits. Charlie’s passion for teaching organizations how to build this stool has positively impacted every organization he works with by maintaining respectful, working relationships with employees and management alike.

Special Session: The Power of Advocacy:  Day on the Hill in Nashville
State Capitol, Nashville, Tennessee
Tuesday, March 4, 8:30 am – 4 pm CST (optional overnight stay with reception and dinner)
If you think laws regarding construction are passed without influence from AGC members, think again! Your voice has the power to change laws and policies that can help or critically hurt business and industry. For the past 100 years, AGC members have been at the helm of legislative battles to make sure that legislators are passing fair and equitable laws at the local, state and federal level. Participants will join other leaders in construction across the state in Nashville to meet with our legislative delegation to share our industry priorities and learn about the process of policy making. 

Session 8: Ethics in Construction
Presented by Theresa Critchfield, Attorney with TLC Law and Arch Willingham, President of T.U. Parks Construction
Thursday, March 13, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Over the course of your career, you’ll be faced with difficult decision making that will challenge your moral compass.  Hear some of the hard judgment calls that you may have to deal with and learn from the experiences of a seasoned business leader in construction a dynamic construction attorney on how to navigate uncomfortable territory.

​Session 9: Handling Conflict with Effective Communication
Partnership with UTC Communications Faculty
Friday, April 4, 8:30 am – 10:03 am
The high-stakes construction process involves multiple stakeholders with diverse perspectives and goals. This course equips construction professionals to navigate and resolve conflicts in the workplace, such as communication breakdowns, contractual disputes, and team dynamics, and learn techniques to de-escalate tensions and foster collaboration. Attendees will develop skills in active listening, negotiation, and problem-solving. The course emphasizes creating win-win outcomes while maintaining professional relationships and ensuring project success.

​​Session 10: Developer’s Roundtable
Panel Discussion with Leading Regional Developers
Friday, April 11, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Our panel of distinguished developers will discuss key topics, including project planning, financing, navigating market dynamics, and fostering collaboration with construction teams. Attendees will gain insights into how developers approach decision-making, risk management, and long-term vision for their projects. This session provides a rare opportunity for emerging construction leaders to connect directly with developers, ask questions, and explore the pivotal relationship between development and construction.

Session 11: Your Role in Regional Growth
Howard Wall, Chief Economist at University of Tennessee
Friday, April 25, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Economic development drives growth and prosperity in communities, creating a ripple effect of opportunities in the construction industry. Learn how economic development initiatives influence project demand, workforce needs, and community transformation. Participants will explore key aspects of economic development, including public-private partnerships, urban planning, infrastructure investment, and incentives that shape construction projects. By connecting the dots between economic policies, market trends, and community priorities, attendees will gain valuable insights into how their work contributes to broader development goals.

Session 12: Embracing Industry Innovation
Howard Wall, Chief Economist at University of Tennessee
Friday, May 6, 8:30 am – 10:30 am

The way we do business in the construction industry will change more in the next 5 years than it has in the past 50 years. We will explore the present and future advancements in construction technology, including BIM, drones, robotics, integration of digital tools for project management, data analytics, and communication. Participants will learn how to identify and adopt innovations that align with their organization’s goals, address industry challenges, and enhance project outcomes.

Session 13: Class Choice
Friday, May 13, 8:30 am – 10:30 am

What didn’t we cover that would help you emerge as the best leader you can be? Throughout the course, the class will determine a topic to delve into that will ramp up their leadership skills and bring in an expert to lead that discussion.

Closing Reception  
Location and time to be determined by the class
Friday, May 23
And now we celebrate our graduates!  Join us for a reception with spouses/significant others and special guests as we toast our leaders in construction!