Defensiveness shows up on every project. In high-pressure environments like construction, it can look like short tempers, blame, rule resistance, or shutting down. For some people, these reactions are connected to underlying neurodivergent traits—most commonly ADHD, which affects emotional regulation, stress response, and how feedback is processed. Related patterns such as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)—an intense response to perceived criticism—and oppositional traits often misunderstood as attitude or defiance, can also be part of this picture. Many adults are undiagnosed or unaware they’re affected, and many more work alongside someone who is. The goal isn’t labels or excuses—it’s awareness. When we understand what’s happening beneath the surface, we reduce defensiveness, improve communication, and create conditions where people can stay accountable, engaged, and productive. This is Respect for People. In this talk, Jim Tamm, a former judge and expert on conflict resolution, discusses strategies for improving collaboration by reducing defensiveness within teams.

Team - As mentioned in our lean coffee yesterday, the great, Brent Darnell has offered us the chance to take his online courses for FREE!! Please do not miss this opportunity to gain the necessary Construction Wisdom that our industry is missing!! Thank you Brent for being the epitome of what an Old Dawg is!! A person who has found a better way and is willing to share that with the next generation of builders!! #iValYOU 🧡 Here is the link to our signup page: https://www.brentdarnell.com/signup Once you have signed up, you will be redirected to your Dashboard. Once you are there, hit Browse. Add all 12 courses to the cart. YOU MUST ADD ALL 12! Go to the cart. At the bottom, you will see a place to add a coupon (APPLY COUPON). Add OLDDAWGS26, all caps, you must type it in. Don't cut and paste. That should zero out the cost. Once you hit Proceed to Checkout and pay, you can access all courses! The only promise our team made is that we would provide @Brent Darnell with actionable feedback. Please take screenshots of things that don't look right, work right, etc. Brent - You are a lean construction idol in my book!! Thank you sir!

Hi everyone, As we prepare for our Genius Spark session, I want to share an optional pre-work opportunity for anyone who wants to get more out of the discussion. If you complete the Clifton Strengths assessment, you’ll come into the session already knowing your Top 5 strengths, which will allow you to engage more fully in the exercises and conversations. If you already have your Gallup strengths and want to draft your paragraph I can send you the steps to create your Genius Spark. Let me know. The value of your Top 5 strengths. Why this matters - Self-awareness: Understand your natural talents and how they show up at work - Better dialogue: Recognize how different strengths contribute to the group - Stronger takeaways: You’ll be able to apply what we discuss directly to your profile What’s in it for you - Your Top 5 CliftonStrengths results - Clear language to better understand how you work and contribute - The option to later work with me 1:1 to create your Genius Spark & Kryptonite paragraph Steps to Participate (Optional) Step 1: Complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment - Allow 45 minutes of uninterrupted time - You can purchase the assessment in one of two ways: - Purchase the assessment directly through Gallup or purchase the Gallup book on amazon that has a code to get your top 5 strengths inside. - Once complete, email me your Top 5 strengths If you have questions or need help with the assessment, please reach out. Heather (405) 850-9869

Hello everyone! Looking forward to engaging with this Old Dawg community!!!