Mindful Builder

• Learning How To Give Feedback

  Ever wondered how the best leaders deliver feedback that empowers their teams rather than crushes them? We had a fantastic unscripted chat with our amazing friend and psychologist, Julie where we ventured into the territory of delivering constructive feedback in the workplace. Julie guided us through understanding the nuances of communication, how important the words are that we use, exploring effective feedback methods, and managing our emotions under pressure—essential tools for any leader wanting to encourage a positive and productive work environment.Understanding the Power of WordsFeedback is often tricky. Julie emphasised how our language can profoundly affect how our message is received. Instead of defaulting to statements like "You failed," Julie suggests using less loaded language such as "Let's explore what went wrong and how we can fix it." This approach not only diffuses tension but also helps the individual focus on solutions. It's about facilitating a conversation around "the mistake" instead of labelling someone with "failure."Inviting Participation and OwnershipOne standout piece of advice from Julie was the idea of inviting employees into the solution-making process. Rather than dictating tasks, frame feedback sessions as a team collaboration against a common problem. Ask questions like, "What do you think went wrong?" or "How could we improve this together?" This method fosters a culture of trust and shared responsibility.Managing Emotional ResponsesAs leaders, it's easy to let stress and frustration take the steering wheel, especially when things go awry. Julie explained that while expressing disappointment is legitimate, there is a fine line between constructive criticism and dumping our stress onto others. She stressed the importance of self-regulation, echoing how our tone and approach can determine whether feedback leads to motivation or demotivation.Concentration on PositivesHamish mentioned an episode of The Imperfects where Billy Slater spoke about catching people doing the right thing. By acknowledging and celebrating positive actions, you build credibility and goodwill, making it easier to address areas of improvement when needed. This also sets a balance, ensuring team members know their strengths and contributions are recognised.Creating a Positive Work CultureUltimately, our discussion with Julie highlighted a critical theme that Hamish brought to the table —seeing the person, not just the problem. By creating a space where feedback is synonymous with growth, respect, and understanding, you set the stage for a thriving work culture. We also touched on the importance of addressing external issues affecting work performance, advocating for open conversations grounded in empathy and support.As always, chatting with Julie was a thought-provoking experience, and her insights were invaluable for us as leaders in the building industry striving to improve how we communicate with our teams. We left the conversation more equipped to handle the dynamic nature of leadership with a heart, and hope these tips inspire you to do the same at your workplace.LINKS:Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite:

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• Passive House Secrets Part 2

  We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Damien, a listener of ours we brought on to answer some of the questions he had around passive house building. There was so much to cover during our chat, we knew we had to break it up into two valuable episodes for you. Last week, we got into the nitty gritty of the cost of passive house building vs traditional homes, the importance of working with the right design team, and gave our insights on insulation and membranes. Today, we share our experiences on how to effectively manage and educate your trade team, emphasising the importance of working with professionals who are ready to embrace new challenges. From our personal experiences, we discuss how some trades actually find passive house construction simpler than traditional building methods.We explore practical construction tips, including our colour-coding system for external penetrations and the crucial aspects of planning ahead for solar installations and service routes. The discussion covers our insights on choosing the right windows and the critical importance of proper insulation installation. We also share a valuable lesson learnt from our own experience with Stuart Dawson from Thermaluxe about getting insulation right the first time.We wrap up with our detailed advice on managing cash flow for high-performance homes, including our strategy of breaking payments into 10-15 stages. While initial labour costs might be higher, especially for first-time passive house projects, the investment in quality and sustainability pays off in the long run. Our conversation reinforces that successful passive house construction isn't just about technical expertise – it's about fostering a culture of innovation and sustainable building practices.LINKS:Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/

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  33:38
• Passive House Secrets Part 1

  Passive houses - they’re both exciting and undeniably complex. Recently, we had the opportunity to bring Damien onto our podcast, a builder with three decades of experience who’s now facing the intricacies of passive house construction and wanting to learn more.A new listener of the podcast, he had reached out to us with a couple of questions and we thought hey, why not bring him on to interview us? We know there are others out there who’d be looking for these same answers.We had so much to say around this topic, we had to make this a two part series. So, let’s get stuck in to Part 1 of our chat with Damien on the key secrets to passive house building. Damien presented us with his current project, a passive house design courtesy of a well-respected architect. He voiced his concerns and sought clarity on the key differences when quoting and building passive houses versus traditional homes. It's not just about building to higher standards; it encompasses a broader understanding of systems and costs.We explore some of the nuances of passive house building such as:1. The cost factor of passive houses vs standard homes2. The importance of working with the right design team3. Insulation techniques and airtightness4. The role of membranes5. Photographic documentationThis conversation is a good reminder that passive house construction requires a symbiotic relationship between builders, architects and engineers, and how cooperation and knowledge sharing is key to achieving sustainability goals. These passive house secrets are not just about technical know-how but encapsulate a mindset of continual improvement and passion for building better homes.LINKS:Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/

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  56:40
• What is the goal of building?

  This week, we had a chat with two incredible builders, Jake and Brad, about building science, sustainable housing, and the challenges we all face in our field.We start off by talking to Jake about his journey from an arts degree into a successful building career. He talked about how his education in art taught him to think outside the box, a skill invaluable in construction. He also shared a pivotal moment in 2013 when an architect asked him, "What's the goal of a building?" That question reshaped his entire approach to construction. For Jake, offering clients control over their living environments emerged as a core objective. Like us, he didn’t just want to meet the bare standards, he wanted to surpass them. Whether it's reducing air leakage or managing water intrusion better, we want homes that are stronger, efficient, and, frankly, top-notch in every aspect.We then touched on Passive House standards. While they are worthwhile, not every high-quality building has to be certified. The value lies more in understanding building science and applying it practically. It’s about making homes better, not just ticking boxes.Our work isn't just following codes – it's about creating homes that make sense for each client. And sometimes, that’s just explaining why a particular feature matters, helping clients see the bigger picture.One tip we can offer is to have clear communication with clients about the reasons behind building choices. Explaining the why to clients can help them see the value in sustainable practices, much like Jake does.We also delved into the builder-architect relationship. With the right communication and trust, this partnership can produce beautiful, efficient buildings. While working with architects who aren’t receptive to builder input can be tricky, it's often worth it to push through and build a foundation of mutual-respect. Jake has cultivated such relationships, particularly with his architect friend Steve. Their mutual respect allows for a progressive approach where each project is seen as an opportunity to improve and innovate.Finally we touched on the limitations we face due to existing legislation and market pressures. Jake spoke about the barriers presented by production builders who push for lower costs rather than quality. It's a shared experience across borders, reminding us of the challenges and the role we play in advocating for better standards.We hope you enjoy listening to our chat with Jake and Brad as much as we enjoyed having it. It was anjother reminder that industry change comes is a collaborative effort. By sharing knowledge and staying open to new ideas, we can all contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for construction. So make sure you keep the conversation going, and we’ll see you next time! LINKS:Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/

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  44:26
• My Super Power is Passion

  Welcome back! This week we’re Joined by the incredible Talina Edward, an architect with a strong commitment to eco-friendly building solutions! We started off by getting Talina to break down biophilic design, a term many may have heard but not fully understood. Talina explained that it’s all about our innate connection to nature. She explained how incorporating natural elements into our buildings goes beyond aesthetics. It reconnects us with nature and improves both mental and physical health. Talina emphasised that this approach is vital as we face the global environmental crisis. It’s an ancient wisdom that feels ever more crucial today.There’s a misconception with Passive houses that they make people shut themselves off from the outside, but this couldn’t be less true. Talina shares her experience working on projects like the Huff and Puff house, blending biophilic design with sustainable planning. Her designs allow residents to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while maintaining a high energy efficiency.Another key part of our conversation was around improving the current housing system, especially for vulnerable populations. Talina is vocal about the need for healthier homes that are affordable and sustainable. She believes that if we integrate these standards from the start, it doesn't have to be more costly or complicated. This approach is not just beneficial but essential for the future.The discussion takes a more personal turn as Talina opens up about her experiences with autism and ADHD. Diagnosed later in life, these conditions were initially perceived as challenges but have become integral to her identity and work. Her passion and attention to detail, Talina argues, are superpowers that have driven her success in architecture.Talina's openness has not only helped her manage her workload more effectively but also inspired others in similar situations to explore their own diagnoses and strengths. Talina is a passionate force for moving the building industry towards a better future and we hope this episode inspires you to reflect on how you can do the same! Cheers,- Matt and Hamish LINKS:Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/

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