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Building Successful Teams

October 22, 2019
Steve Duvel
We’ve all been part of a team at some point, whether it be in our personal or professional lives, and the benefits of teamwork have been well documented; teams can foster creativity and interpersonal growth.  However, team success is not always innate, and simply grouping like-minded individuals or those with comparable skill sets does not always beget positive or effective results.

In an organization such as Gilbane, with over 3,000 employees worldwide, assembling successful departmental and project teams is the cornerstone of our business.  A productive and efficient team is more likely to produce positive outcomes, which helps to exceed the expectations of our clients and build long-standing relationships.

In our experience, successful teams are diverse.  They adapt to accommodate the strengths of the members, rather than the weaknesses, and inspire growth on both a physical and developmental level.

Strengths-Based Team Development

In recognizing the importance of successful teams, Gilbane has instituted a strengths-based method of employee and team development.  With the help of Gallup’s CliftonStrengths Assessment, we’ve been able to identify employee strengths and, in turn, use this knowledge to build high-functioning teams, as well as provide staff with appropriate and meaningful professional development.

How it Works

In essence, the CliftonStrengths Assessment is a 177-question “personality test” that identifies an employee’s top five strengths.  The results of this assessment can be eye-opening for many, and sometimes provide insight as to certain behaviors or predilections.  Leadership then works with an employee to align their strengths with their tasks and responsibilities, rather than spending time and energy on developing perceived weaknesses.  This then provides an opportunity for mentorship and self-improvement, as employees can then partner with others who possess similar strengths.

Successful Teams are Diverse

Diversity of thought and experience is also of utmost importance in developing and nurturing successful teams, especially within an industry such as ours, which has been traditionally white and male.  Gilbane is committed to this principle and understands that the future success of our company as a whole is directly related to the inclusion of diverse individuals who offer new perspectives, strengths, and insights.

When employees are able to utilize their strengths, they’re happier and more engaged.  When peers and leaders recognize these strengths and talents, employees feel appreciated, which also leads to increased engagement.  Engaged employees with complimentary strengths accomplish more together.  These successful, or supreme, teams produce happy clients.

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To learn more about our team development or  inclusion and diversity program, click here.




About Authors
Steve Duvel is a senior vice president for Gilbane Building Company and he leads the continued development, growth and oversight of Gilbane's Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut offices, which are comprised of over 340 employees. Steve began his career with Gilbane in 1997, and has served in many positions for Gilbane, including, project engineer, project manager, project executive, and operations manager. Steve is the co-chair of the Strategic Advisory council of the Roger Williams University Construction Management Professional Advisory Board. He is currently a member of the Rhode Island chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, Construction Management Association of America, and American Society of Civil Engineers. He graduated Leadership Rhode Island in 2012, was selected as the class speaker for his graduating class, and currently serves on the Board of Governors. Steve earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
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