Building Trust, Teams, & Respect: The Human Side of Construction with Tom Fuduric (Episode 81)

In this insightful episode, Adam Hoots welcomes Tom Fuduric, a lecturer at Clemson University and a construction industry veteran with over 40 years of experience. Together, they explore how to build high-performing teams and emphasize the importance of human connections in the construction industry. Tom shares his journey from working summers in road construction to becoming a safety and HR leader, eventually transitioning to academia. He discusses the evolution of the courses he co-instructs with Hoots at Clemson, including Building High Performing Teams and The Human Side of Construction. The pair also revealed plans for a new course on mental health in construction, addressing the industry's critical need for mindfulness, kindness, and respect. Key takeaways include: The role of trust and care in fostering collaborative and safe work environments. How intentionality and strategic communication help develop strong teams and individuals. Why love and genuine care are foundational to building trust in the workplace. The industry's growing focus on mental wellness and creating positive cultures. Tom provides actionable advice on leadership, feedback, and understanding one's purpose. His thoughtful perspectives remind us of the profound impact we can make by prioritizing respect for people in construction. ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.   RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ·        The Lean Builder | Blog, book, training, resources, news, and events. ·        The Team of a Lifetime | Sally Love's insights on building high-performing teams.   GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: ·        Adam Hoots | LinkedIn | Podcast host for Hoots on the Ground and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions. ·        Tom Fuduric | LinkedIn | Clemson University Lecturer, Human Resources & Safety Professional, Construction Industry Veteran.