The soft side of business often gets overlooked
But strong communication and leadership matter just as much as the work itself.
Mann Group HR Manager Amy shares her perspective on handling difficult workplace conversations with professionalism, composure, and respect.
Whether it’s addressing performance issues, conflict, or tough situations on site, the goal is never to tear someone down. It’s about staying calm, keeping the conversation focused on the issue at hand, and helping people improve so they can continue growing within the company.
Amy also emphasizes the importance of recognizing that employees often come into these conversations already frustrated or emotional. Strong leadership means being able to navigate those moments professionally while reinforcing why their role matters and why the conversation is happening in the first place.
At the end of the day, good teams are built through communication, accountability, and people who genuinely want to see each other succeed.
Colquitz Creek Bridge | Highway 1 Improvements 🚧
Crews from @donmannexcavating are back working at the Colquitz Creek Bridge project as this major Highway 1 infrastructure upgrade continues moving forward through Victoria.
The project is focused on improving traffic flow, strengthening the corridor, and helping create a more efficient commute for drivers travelling through the area each day.
It’s also great seeing the environmental side of the project incorporated into the work, with upgrades aimed at helping protect the surrounding creek and habitat long term.
Another great collaboration alongside Pomerleau as progress continues on this important transportation project.
Royal Bay | Utility Installations 🚧
Our @donmannexcavating crew is on site at Royal Bay, working through the installation of underground services as each home ties into the mainline along the roadway.
From maintaining proper grades and compaction to dialing in alignment and depths for hydro and other services, there’s a lot happening below the surface before the next phase can move forward.
With multiple lines running in from different directions, staying organized and detail-focused is key to keeping everything flowing efficiently and building the infrastructure right the first time.
Esquimalt Road | Excavation Support Progress 🏗️
The @axis.sd crew continues making steady progress at Esquimalt Road as the excavation support system takes shape across multiple areas of site.
Current work includes drilling and installing rock anchors along the roadside perimeter, setting vertical piles on the south side of the excavation, and advancing shotcrete application as sections of the shoring wall are built out.
With tiebacks, piles, and shotcrete all working together, each phase plays a key role in stabilizing the excavation and preparing the site for the next stage of below-grade construction.
Another solid example of the specialized work happening across the Mann Group alongside @farmerconstructionltd
Tough Talks | Getting It Right 🎯
HR Manager Amy shares her approach to handling difficult conversations on site, and why timing and clarity make all the difference.
The key? Don’t wait. Address things early, be direct, and make sure expectations are clear. When feedback is delayed, it creates confusion. When it’s honest and timely, it builds trust.
It’s not just about pointing something out, it’s about explaining the impact. Whether it’s safety, performance, or reliability, understanding how actions affect the crew and the job leads to better outcomes for everyone.
What does a strong culture actually look like?
Amy from Mann Group breaks it down:
It shows up in how people come to work wanting to be there, bringing a good attitude and taking pride in what they do.
Crews work well together, building strong relationships where communication is easy and respect is felt across the board.
People feel like their work matters, and when they’re treated fairly and supported properly, it creates a culture they’re proud to be part of.
Luther Court | Perimeter Progress 🏗️
Final stages are underway at Luther Court as @axis.sd wraps up shotcrete along the perimeter, locking in the excavation and keeping the walls secure.
Alongside them, @rgexcavatingltd continues pushing the dig deeper, advancing the foundation work as the site moves toward its next phase.
A strong example of Mann Group companies working together to keep progress moving.
Great to be part of it with @heatherbraebuilders
Verdier | Closing Out Civil 🚧
Progress continues at Verdier as @rgexcavatingltd wraps up the last pieces of civil work on site.
The crew is finishing off key storm drainage installs, tightening up the details as this phase comes to a close and the site gets ready for the next step.
With interior remediation nearly complete by Removall Remediation Services, demolition is right around the corner.
Another one moving forward alongside @farmerconstructionltd through Mann Group.
HEADQUARTERS - Closing in on completion, this fast-paced steel and concrete build is a testament to precision and exceptional teamwork. Congratulations to everyone involved for the outstanding delivery. 👏
@gtmanncontracting@mann.group@avalonmechanical@mcelhanney
Skyline Engineering
E2 Engineering
Lombard North Group
Vancouver Island Steel Buildings
#projectdelivery #collaboration #teamwork #craftsmanship #nickbrayarchitecture
Interested in getting started in the trades? 👇
Amy from Mann Group shares it best:
There’s no one path in. You can explore programs through Vancouver Island Construction Association or British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance, or go straight to the source.
Best way to know? Get on site. Pick up a shovel.
Trenchless Repair | Keeping It Moving
The @victoria.drains crew was called in to an apartment building after rodents chewed through an aging sewer line, leading to leaks and system failure.
To solve it quickly, the team used a trenchless liner, installing a new pipe from within the old one, cured in place to restore full function without major disruption.
No ripping up parking areas. No extended downtime. Just an efficient solution that gets things back to normal, faster. Smart solutions that keep properties running.
Built on Experience. Focused on Safety 🦺
Amy, our HR Manager, shares something that’s shaping the culture across our sites.
A big shift toward safety is happening, and it’s being led by the people who’ve been here the longest.
Our experienced crew members are stepping up, making sure the next generation understands the importance of the basics. Hearing protection, safety glasses, and doing things the right way every time.
It comes from experience. From seeing what can go wrong… and knowing it doesn’t have to.
Because protecting the crew today means making sure everyone’s still strong, healthy, and able to do what they love for years to come.
