Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

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Why Sharing Clean Data Is Essential in A/E/C

Sharing clean data and communicating effectively comes down to hard-wired brain science.

You may have noticed that technically skilled folks in A/E/C are all about visuals, from blueprints to data visualization.

The key to improving interpersonal communication is to weave visual language into your speaking and writing.

For example, visual communicators may say:

āž”ļøI get the picture.


āž”ļøLet's look at this from a new perspective.


āž”ļøWe can view the data on the app.

You'll form deeper connections, reduce miscommunication, and build trust when you understand the way others process language. (There are two additional communication preferences, or modalities.)Ā 

Knowing someone else's preferred modality transforms relationships — and profits.

Imagine how much easier it is when you can apply this in meetings and on job sites.

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Communication Isn't a Soft Skill—It's a Revenue Skill

Think about it:

AĀ project managerĀ who can clearly explain trade-offs and guide a client conversation?

šŸ”·That’s risk mitigation.

šŸ”·A superintendent who can speak confidently in a progress meeting?

šŸ”·That’s client retention.

šŸ”·A technical lead who can tell the story behind the numbers in a shortlist interview?

That's how firmsĀ win work.

šŸŽÆThat’s exactly why I built on-demand A/E/C communication and leadership training—so firms can develop confident communicators who move projects and business forward.

Learn anytime, anywhere.

Build skills that you (or your team) can use in every conversation, meeting, and interview.

See how it works here >>Ā https://www.aecamplify.com/top-tier-communicator

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The High Cost of Dysfunctional Teams

Communication tip:

Teamwork is your competitive advantage.

Here's the truth: A lack of trust amongst A/E/C teams brings dysfunction.

Messy interactions and communication breakdowns lead to misunderstandings, cost overruns, reworks, low morale, and labor shortages.

Successful leaders are willing to quickly and honestly address chaos to diffuse conflicts and keep projects on track.

How do you manage conflicts and dysfunctional teams?

Reach out if your team needs support.Ā 

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A New Look at Our Fast-Paced Lives with These 4 Words

 

If you're like me, there's not enough time in the day to get things done.

Busy, busy, busy.

Life is a fleeting moment.

The 4 words I just heard from Abraham Hicks have completely transformed how I spend every day.

One phrase can do the same for you.Ā 

Quit rushing and start living.

I share the 4 words in the video above. Take a look.Ā 

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Why Speaking Up Is a Strategic Advantage

Years ago, when I was in high school, I lost my voice for a few days.

I suddenly had laryngitis.Ā 

Couldn't make a sound.Ā 

It was beyond frustrating.

After college, I became a radio news reporter and anchor.Ā 

My voice was my job. I had a degree in communication.Ā 

But even then, I didn't fully believe my opinion or voice mattered. 😮

I second-guessed my worth.Ā 

I stayed quiet when I had something to say. Sound familiar?Ā 

I see the same pattern in 95% of the A/E/C professionals in my coaching and training programs.Ā 

People who are technically capable but hesitate to speak up in client-facing meetings or networking events.

Many in our industry shy away from making small talk and interacting with others.

It's aboutĀ having more confidence.

Keeping your "nose in your phone" keeps you silent in real life.Ā 

šŸ’°The reluctance to use your voice costs your firm millions in lost bids, referrals, and opportunities.šŸ’°

A/E/C professionals don't lack ideas; they doubt their value.Ā 

They second-guess themselves.Ā 

...
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The Silent Webinar: Why It's Time to Grow Communication Confidence

There was an engineering webinar yesterday with 225 people online.Ā 

I was one of them.

I was on camera.

As I scrolled through the participants, I noticed 99 percent were off-camera.Ā 

No faces.Ā 

Most didn't even have a headshot or image—just a dark screen with their name.

😮The chat? Silent.

😮The interaction? Nonexistent.

😮The engagement? Almost zero.

There was no technical glitch. It was aĀ communication culture issue.

When busy A/E/C firms invest in webinars, training, or virtual meetings, they often forget the human part:

āž”ļø People don'tĀ engageĀ when they don't feel safe and confident.

āž”ļø Cameras stay off when participants feel awkward.

Yes, I realize some may have been eating lunch or caring for a child. Zoom fatigue is a real thing. But the entire group??!!

āž”ļø Silence in the chat is a symptom of disengagement or aĀ lack of confidence to express viewsĀ or at least say hi to others online.Ā 

I posted in the chat right before the start of the program: "Thank you (organizer's ...

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When Projects Derail, Communication is Often the Culprit

Nearly 75 percent of construction delays are due to poor communication and collaboration among teams.

The research comes from Procore, a software company serving the A/E/C industry.

That's a tough number to digest.

😮Materials, weather, and budgets aren't always to blame when projects go off the rails.

It ultimately comes down to effective communication and team coordination.

It's easy to assume breakdowns only happen at the top.

But the chain is only as strong as its weakest communicator.

That includes younger project managers, superintendents, and estimators throughout the industry.

āœ…They have impressive technical skills.

Yet, their leadership voices are still developing.

Emerging leaders often hesitate to ask for clarification, share bad news, or speak up in meetings.

Then, we see ripple effects, such as:

🚩Wrong assumptions

🚩Missed deadlines

🚩Frustration with crews and clients

Project difficulties aren't just a "people problem."

Communication and collaboration directl...

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The Power of Storytelling in Construction

Articulating complex data and information doesn't have to be an ongoing struggle in A/E/C.

From misunderstandings in e-mail threads and texts to confusing slide decks and messaging to stakeholders, there's room to improve communication.

Interpersonal communication is at the root of reworks, lost bids, budget overruns, and the labor shortage.Ā 

In the "Bridging the Gap" podcast episode, I talk with host Todd Weyandt about how A/E/C teams can become confident communicators, with new storytelling and networking skills.Ā 

Grab valuable techniques and strategies from our conversation. Here's the link.Ā https://bit.ly/3T7L97BĀ 

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Time to Step Up: The 80% Challenge for A/E/C Leaders

A new LinkedIn survey reveals that more than 80% of A/E/C professionals want better, more efficient business systems.

āž”ļøThat’s a loud call for change.

But the real test isn’t in wanting improvement—it’s in leading it.šŸŽÆ

Are you stepping up to make it happen, or waiting for someone else (or the wish fairy) to fix it?

Continuous improvement demands action.

Here are three ways to begin.

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