TEPM 015: Transformational Leadership and Mental Health in the Engineering Industry

In this episode, I speak with Vince Hafeli, MBA, president of Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, about an often overlooked but critical issue: suicide in the construction industry. Sadly, construction workers have a suicide rate that is significantly higher than the national average, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In our discussion, we examine the vital role that transformational leadership can play in addressing this issue and implementing preventive measures, such as creating a supportive work environment and promoting mental health resources. With leadership support, we can help to make a meaningful impact and improve the well-being of construction workers. ***You can view the video version of this episode here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Vince: Can you explain what transformational leadership is and how it differs from other leadership styles? In what ways can transformational leadership improve the mental well-being of employees? How does creating a safe and supportive work environment impact the mental health of team members, and why is it important? What factors contribute to the high suicide rate in the construction industry? Did you have a particular experience that motivated you to prioritize creating a safe and supportive work environment, or was it a gradual realization over time? What steps do you propose to address mental health in the short and long term, and what message would you like to communicate? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Transformational Leadership and Mental Health in the Engineering Industry: Transformational leadership is about transforming the organization and its people by taking them down a new path, different from traditional leadership. This includes prioritizing mental health as part of physical safety and encouraging employees to speak up about their mental health struggles without fear of criticism or ridicule. The goal is to create a culture that supports and cares for its employees, leading to a safer and more productive work environment. Leaders can make a significant impact by addressing mental health in the workplace and creating a culture that supports and encourages employees to speak up about their struggles without fear of stigma or negative consequences. By sharing personal experiences and stories and providing resources and support, leaders can help employees seek help, improve their mental health, and ultimately lead to a more productive and fulfilled workforce. Great leaders care for their people, listen to their ideas, and are willing to learn from people of all ages and backgrounds. They do not want yes-men or yes-women, but instead want people who can challenge them and make them think differently. It is important to nurture and support employees, rather than mistreat them, to retain a strong workforce. The future of industries like construction will be shaped by the ideas and perspectives of younger generations, so it is essential to give them opportunities to innovate and contribute. The real issue with suicide in the construction industry is that nobody knows there's a problem. The industry needs to recognize the problem and have open and meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide to address and fix the issue. This can be achieved through transformational leadership and efforts to gather support for the cause. Vince's main reasons for pursuing a doctoral program were to keep his mind sharp and to research frontline leadership in the asphalt industry. However, after his original research topic was deemed weak, he decided to focus on mental health in the construction industry and shared his personal story of attempted suicide with his colleagues.