Leadership Under Pressure: Communication and Community - Forge Contractor Alliance Podcast

Welcome to the Forge Alliance Podcast — real talk for tradesmen, entrepreneurs, and leaders navigating the hard road of growth. We're building more than businesses — we’re building men, mindsets, and missions. These conversations pull back the curtain on what it takes to lead in life and work, from broken starts to breakthrough seasons. No fluff, just real stories from the job site and beyond.

Episode Summary: This episode centers on finding the way through leadership and personnel management challenges faced by Josh, highlighting the difficulties of running a business in a small community. The discussion reveals overlapping issues including internal communication breakdowns, team transitions, and public perception following staffing changes. Josh shares three core challenges: a communication failure with his sales team around launching a second crew, the unexpected departure of a foreman at a remote location, and local backlash stemming from recent personnel decisions.

Despite prior investments and planning, the sales team disclosed—too late—that they lacked sufficient work to support the expansion. This incident reflected broader concerns about internal alignment and strategic planning. Kenton offers perspective throughout, noting how multiple simultaneous issues can compound stress and leadership fatigue. He uses the analogy of “shotgun pellets”—suggesting that while individual problems may be manageable, facing several at once creates a different level of difficulty.

The episode also delves into the dynamics of operating within a tight-knit community, where every personnel move can affect the company's public image. Josh voices his frustration over being held responsible for outcomes while, still striving to uphold high standards and community support. This conversation reinforcing the importance of peer support, perspective, and staying rooted in company values during periods of instability.

 

Original theme music composed and performed by - Ben Smith

Produced by - Seth Steward Productions Co-produced by - Kalen Wookey

Website: https://forgealliance.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgecontractoralliance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1NnTSRyn2A/?mibextid=wwXIfr