Facilities and Technical Leadership Bootcamp, Part I (Fall 2022) 

November 11-12 | 8 a.m. –  5 p.m.

Alberici Headquarters | 8800 Page Ave. | St. Louis, MO 63114

Detailed Topic Agenda 

Learning Objectives: 

  • Apply ASHRAE standards for comfort, air quality, and energy conservation 
  • Describe HVAC processes such as mixing of airstreams and dehumidification 
  • Receive moisture and humidity control guidance during design and construction 
  • Gain an understanding of classic below-grade and plaza deck waterproofing 
  • Identify and emphasize skills needed to become an effective manager and leader 
  • Explore different leadership styles and the impact of the style on the team 
  • Identify meeting management techniques to improve team productivity 
  • Practice strategies to delegate effectively 

Thursday, November 10, 2022 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Central Time) 

Welcome and Student Introductions 

Session 1 – Introduction to HVAC Systems 

  • Abbreviations and references 
  • Survey of ASHRAE standards 
  • Use of a psychrometric chart 
  • Weather data and climate 
  • Hot water and steam heating 
  • Vapor compression refrigeration 
  • Chilled water system components 
  • Air handling units and distribution 
  • Terminal heating and cooling units 

(Lunch break at noon for an hour) 

Session 2 – The Basics of Building Science 

  • Water control 
  • Airflow control 
  • Thermal control 
  • Vapor diffusion control 
  • Combined heat, air, and moisture transfer 
  • Air barriers and vapor retarders 
  • Moisture and building materials 
  • Prevention of mold growth 
  • Moisture Control Guidance 
  • Designing for moisture control 
  • Constructing to prevent moisture problems 
  • Operating and maintaining controlled environments 

Session 3 – Below-Grade Waterproofing 

  • Definitions of terms used in water control:
    • Waterproofing
      • Positive side 
      • Negative side 
    • Damp-proofing
    • Vapor barrier / retarder 
    • Air barrier
      • Vapor permeable 
      • Vapor impermeable
  • Where is the waterproofing placed in construction?
    • Under-slab waterproofing 
    • Foundation walls
      • Blind side waterproofing 
    • Plaza systems
      • Split slab 
      • Pedestal and pavers 
      • Earth covered 
      • Sand set pavers 
  • Categories of waterproofing and where it is used:
    • Crystalline growth materials 
    • Fluid applied materials and systems
      • Cold applied 
      • Hot applied 
    • Sheet membrane systems
      • Fully or partially bonded 
      • Loose laid systems 

Friday, November 11, 2022 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Central Time) 

Session 4 – Transition from Technical Expert to Leader 

(Susan Ottmann/Heather Smith; 7 hours; 8:00 am – 4:00 pm) 

Frequent break out groups and exercise will occur during this session to enhance understanding and provide practice. Please note that as a new leader, a skill that makes the difference in a successful leader is communication; we highly suggest following up with communication training as a next step. 

  • Your Role as a Manager and Leader
    • What kind of manager/leader do you want to be?
      • Most attrition driven by managers, not the job 
      • What have you seen successful and challenging in leaders/managers? 
    • Common challenges of new leaders
      • Micromanagement 
      • Focus 
      • Relationship 
      • Too authoritative
    • Successful traits of a new leader:
      • Good Communication 
      • Motivation 
      • Goal setting 
      • Conflict resolution 
      • Process 
    • Leadership Styles and where they are appropriate
      • Eight styles covered, with focus on situational leadership 
    • Analyze your leadership style
      • Different tools to assess (we’ll use DISC in this class) 
      • Analyze Heather and Susan’s profile 
      • Break into groups and analyze your profile and how you should best work with others based on that information 

(Lunch break at noon for an hour) 

  • Key management/leadership skills
    • Communication Focus: Active Listening
      • Impact 
      • Components and strategies of active listening 
    • Communication Focus: Meeting Management
      • Best Practices: agenda, ground rules, roles, follow up 
      • Meeting Types 
      • Industry examples of various meeting management standards 
      • Active Meeting Choices (is this really a good use of your/their time?) 
    • Create and practice delegation using a process 
    • Prioritization as it relates to decision making and goals 
    • Explore basic motivation theory and the implications to effective management and leadership 

Panel Discussion

  • Construction Industry Titans from the Saint Louis Area