Communicating Across Generations - Pete Damiano - Facility Rockstars - Episode # 037

Facility Rockstars

In this week's episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Pete Damiano, Vice President of Facilities and Engineering at Breakthrough Properties. They discuss the importance of effective communication and understanding different communication styles in both professional and personal contexts. Pete emphasizes the generational differences in communication methods and the significance of adapting to these variations. He shares his experiences and best practices for improving communication within teams and across different functions.

The conversation also covers strategies for addressing the industry's shortage of skilled labor, highlighting the use of hybrid models with third-party engineering firms and in-house workforce. Pete reflects on his background, including his education at Mass Maritime Academy, and the valuable network and community it provides.

Takeaways:

• Effective Communication is Key: Emphasize the importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles within your team and organization to improve day-to-day interactions and overall productivity.
• Address Communication Breakdowns Directly: When communication issues arise, tackle them head-on. Encourage your team to discuss mishaps openly and find ways to improve moving forward to avoid future miscommunications.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate the communication standards you expect from your team. Show them how effective communication is done, and provide guidance in critical situations to reinforce these practices.
• Empower Your Team: Make sure your team feels comfortable communicating across different functions and departments. Encourage them to reach out directly to relevant parties to solve issues, which increases efficiency and builds confidence.
• Make Face-to-Face Interactions Count: Follow up face-to-face meetings with written communication (emails) to ensure clarity and retain a record of what was discussed. This helps reinforce understanding and provides a reference point.
• Innovate for Efficiency: Implement innovative solutions, like the SmartStack system mentioned, to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. Stay open to adopting new technologies that can offer significant returns on investment.
• Network and Leverage Connections: Utilize trade groups and professional networks to connect with others in your industry. This can open up opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing, enhancing your team's capabilities and your personal growth as a leader.

Quote of the Show:

• “If you expect a certain level or type of communication from your team, lead by example and show them how it’s done.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-damiano/
• Website: https://www.btprop.com/

Shoutouts:

• IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/
• BOMA: https://www.boma.org/
• AEE: https://www.aeecenter.org/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441
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• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/csJJOLCDTvE
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