By John Lehmann, President, Construction Leadership Network (CLN)
From my earliest management roles to serving today as President of Construction Leadership Network (CLN), I’ve seen the construction industry evolve, adapt, and sometimes resist change.
The lessons I’ve gathered along the way from my experiences, peers, mentors, and our CLN members have shaped how I think about leadership and what it takes to guide teams through uncertainty.
If you’re leading a firm or preparing to lead one, I know firsthand that the challenges can feel relentless. But I also know that leadership, when rooted in curiosity and community, can turn those same challenges into real momentum.
The Road to CLN Leadership
My work with CLN began long before I held the title of president. As part of our steering committee, I helped shape the network’s focus and direction. Beyond that, I’ve spent much of my career bridging the gap between operations and executive leadership and helping construction firms modernize while staying true to their values.
In that role, I get to hear it all: the frustrations, the fears, and the optimism that define construction leadership today. And while the tools and technologies around us keep changing, many of the pain points remain familiar.
What Keeps Construction Leaders Up at Night
Labor shortages and skill gaps
The gap remains significant, with an estimated 500,000 worker shortage across the construction industry in the US. A combination of factors continues to drive the problem: an aging workforce, fewer young people entering the trades, and shifting skill requirements due to digital tools and tech-enabled equipment.
But there’s encouraging news. We’re seeing an uptick in K–12 vocational education and a resurgence of shop classes returning to school curriculums. Industry associations are also stepping up—partnering with schools and communities to introduce construction careers earlier, develop skill pipelines, and modernize training programs to include technology and innovation.
Inflation, cost escalation, and supply disruption
Rising material costs and long lead times inject risk into projects. I encourage firms to plan for those realities upfront by baking uncertainty into estimates and having candid client conversations early. Flexibility and alternate sourcing can minimize surprises.
Unpredictable schedules and delays
Delays are rarely caused by a single issue. Labor and material constraints, trade contractor shortages, and financing complexities all play a role. Contractors are getting better at insulating schedules using data signals, time buffers, and risk-aware sequencing.
Surprising Realizations About Technology and Leadership
One of my biggest recent surprises: the knowledge gap among executives on emerging tech. When I started digging in, I estimated that maybe one in five construction CEOs even knew what tools like ChatGPT were. Awareness is improving, but many leaders still don’t know where to begin.
I see the digital journey in three paths:
- Personal technology path: how each of us uses AI and digital tools to be more productive.
- Business path: how the organization implements technology strategically.
- Household path: how digital tools shape how we live and connect.
Most companies get stuck on the business path. The barriers are real: analysis paralysis, fear of failed implementations, weak data insights, and resistance between office and field teams. The truth is that transformation is about leadership and mindset, not just software.
The Power of Peer Groups and Shared Learning
That’s where CLN’s peer groups shine. These small, focused groups let leaders exchange real-world lessons and test strategies in a supportive environment.
I’ve met leaders with cutting-edge equipment who still run the company on spreadsheets and email. That’s not unusual. Sometimes it takes a peer conversation (an honest one) to surface those contradictions and spark real progress.
When leaders open up in those sessions, a few things tend to happen:
- Learning accelerates.
- Accountability strengthens.
- Isolation disappears.
- Change feels less intimidating.
Leadership: The Bridge Over Industry Gaps
Leaders who grow despite the chaos tend to:
- Communicate a clear vision and connect teams to the “why.”
- Run small experiments—pilots that generate learning without massive risk.
- Personally engage with technology instead of delegating it entirely.
- Build feedback loops that turn field insights into better systems.
- Invest in future leaders long before succession becomes urgent.
That’s what makes leadership a bridge rather than a barrier.
How CLN Helps Leaders Take Action
CLN’s mission is to make leadership actionable. We equip members with tools, peer accountability, and frameworks that address challenges head-on:
- Isolation & uncertainty: Peer groups and the eForum for candid questions and shared wins.
- Leadership capacity: Workshops and content tailored to construction executives.
- Technology adoption: Vetted discussions, peer case studies, and shared tool reviews to reduce risk.
- Succession planning: Guidance to strengthen your leadership pipeline.
- Accountability: Group cadence that encourages commit → act → track.
Whether you’re facing labor shortages, cost pressures, or a growing to-do list, CLN gives you a place to test strategies with people who truly get it.
Five Things You Can Do Today
- Pick one area to focus on: estimating, communication, or trade coordination.
- Involve leaders at every level in planning and feedback.
- Lean into peer learning and share both wins and misses.
- Measure, refine, and repeat in short cycles.
- Start mentoring future leaders now, even in small ways.
These small actions, repeated consistently, create lasting change.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 CLN Conference
As we look forward, I’m excited to share that CLN will host its next major conference in 2026!
We’re still finalizing details but expect another high impact gathering where leaders connect in person, exchange ideas, and strengthen our community. Stay tuned for an official save-the-date announcement in coming weeks.
The Bottom Line
Construction will always bring challenges—but it’s also an industry built on problem-solving and perseverance. When leaders stay curious, share openly, and invest in people, they don’t just adapt; they thrive. That’s what CLN is about, and I’m excited to see where we lead together.
Ready to take the next step? Join a CLN peer group or talk with our team about a pilot you want to run.
Join CLN | Explore Peer Groups