Building Women Leaders

Gretchen Gagel, PhD, an influential leader in the construction industry, overcame discouragement from her father to study mechanical engineering and forge a successful executive career. She has advised some of the largest corporations on effective construction execution and in 2021 was inducted by her peers into the National Academy of Construction. The last chapter of Gretchen’s career is dedicated to driving inclusivity in the construction, engineering, mining, and energy industries as founder of Women Thriving in Construction: A Global Institute. In this book, Gretchen brings together research and insights from over 120 global thought leaders to empower women and their allies. She candidly shares personal experiences — balancing executive leadership with motherhood and caregiving — while providing actionable strategies to accelerate the success of women and transform workplace culture. Connect with Gretchen on LinkedIn or visit www.gretchengagel.com.

• About the Author xiiiForeword by Janice L. Tuchman xvForeword by Hugh L. Rice xviiPreface xixAcknowledgments xxiiiTestimonials xxvIntroduction 1Part I “Me” – The Lived Experience of the Construction Industry 71 Exploring Unconscious Bias and Dominant Culture 9Introduction 9The Lived Experience of Women in the Construction Industry 11Understanding Unconscious Bias 14Understanding Dominant Culture 19Conclusion 23References 24Part II “Me” – Grounded Self-Leadership – Introduction 272 Defining Leadership and Your Leadership Aspirations 31Introduction 31Defining Leadership 33Leadership Styles 34Leadership Versus Management 36Your Leadership Aspiration 41Conclusion 43References 433 Living Your Life Purpose and Value 45Introduction 45Personal Purpose 46Personal Values 49Conclusion 55References 554 Feeling Courageous and Confident with Humility 57Introduction 57Belonging 58Courage 60Confidence with Humility 63A Note on Imposter Syndrome 69Conclusion 71References 715 Thinking Critically, Learning, and Reflecting 75Introduction 75Utilizing Your Brain – Critical Thinking 76Utilizing Your Brain – Learning and Curiosity 79Utilizing Your Brain – Becoming Comfortable with Failure 82Caring for Your Brain – Reflection 84Caring for Your Brain – Creativity 87Conclusion 89References 906 Telling Your Leadership Story 93Introduction 93Having Voice 94Your Leadership Brand 97Storytelling 99Conclusion 103References 103Part II “Me” – Grounded Self-Leadership – Conclusion 105Part III “We” – The Supporting Cast – Introduction 1077 Learning from Mentors, Sponsors, and Coaches 109Introduction 109Mentors 110Sponsors 114Coaches 117Conclusion 120References 1218 Experiencing Allyship 123Introduction 123Defining Allyship 124Woman-to-Woman Allyship 125Male Allies of Women 128Conclusion 132References 1339 Building Powerful Networks 135Introduction 135Your Industry Networks 136Networking Outside of Your Industry 139Conclusion 141References 141Part III “We” – The Supporting Cast – Conclusion 143Part IV “We” – Building Strong Relationships – Introduction 14510 Being Present, Listening, and Asking Great Questions 149Introduction 149Being Present 150Listening 151Asking Great Questions 153Conclusion 156References 15711 Utilizing Power to Influence 159Introduction 159Defining Power and Influence 160Regulating Our Power Level 163Conclusion 165References 16612 Leveraging Emotional Intelligence 167Introduction 167Defining Emotional Intelligence 168Emotional Self-Awareness 168Emotional Self-Regulation 171Emotional Social Awareness 174Conclusion 175References 17613 Building Trust and Psychological Safety 179Introduction 179Defining Trust 180Actions That Build Trust 183Psychological Safety 186Conclusion 189References 19014 The Three “C’s” – Communication, Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution 193Introduction 193Communication 194You as the “Sender” 194Understanding the Receiver 198Speaking in Public 200Collaboration 202Conflict Resolution/Negotiation 205Salary and Benefit Negotiations 207Conclusion 208References 20915 Clarifying Expectations and Providing Feedback 211Introduction 211Clarifying Expectations and Providing Direction 212Providing Feedback 213Conclusion 221References 222Part IV “We” – Building Strong Relationships – Conclusion 223Part V “Us” – Leading and Influencing Teams and Organizations – Introduction 22516 Defining Purpose, Goals, and Objectives 227Introduction 227Team/Organization Purpose 228Team/Organization Goals and Objectives 230Conclusion 233References 23417 Building Organization Culture and Values 237Introduction 237Defining Organization Culture 238Measuring Organization Culture 245Conclusion 246References 24618 Executing Strategies and Tactics 247Introduction 247Defining Strategies 248Defining Tactics 251Conclusion 254References 25419 Utilizing Team Norms and Social Contracts 255Introduction 255Defining Teams 256High-Performing Teams 257Conclusion 267References 26820 Attracting, Hiring, and Retaining Diverse Talent 271Introduction 271Attracting Diverse Talent 272Hiring Diverse Talent into the Right Roles 275Keeping the Right People 277Selecting the Right Managers and Leaders 279Conclusion 281References 28121 Creating Agile Teams and Organizations 283Introduction 283People and Change 284Defining Organization Agility 286Leader Behaviors that Support or Inhibit Organization Agility 291The Role of Organization Ambidexterity in Organization Agility 296Conclusion 298References 299Part V “us” – Leading and Influencing Teams and Organizations – Conclusion 301Part VI “us” – Leading An Inclusive Construction Industry 30322 Leading an Inclusive Construction Industry 305Introduction 305Individual Actions to Lead the Industry 306Conclusion 319References 319Conclusion 321Appendix A Construction Industry Leaders Interviewed for This Book 325Appendix B Greatness Podcast Guests Included in This Book 327Index 329