Advance Your Career in a Booming Industry

The construction industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by major investments in infrastructure across the country. With this surge comes a rising demand for skilled construction managers who can lead teams, manage complex projects, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

The Construction Management Leadership Institute is your opportunity to grow in that role. This 3-day intensive program, developed by the University of Missouri’s College of Engineering and the Missouri Training Institute, is designed specifically for professionals in heavy civil, commercial, or industrial construction who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Leadership excellence is non-negotiable, and the Construction Management Leadership Institute will help you stay ahead on issues that directly impact the construction industry, arming you with the knowledge to adapt in a dynamic environment. Whether you're preparing for a promotion or looking to sharpen your leadership edge, this program will equip you with the tools to thrive in today’s evolving construction landscape.

Who should attend?

• Work in heavy civil, industrial, or commercial construction, for a general contractor or specialty-contracting firm, or in public works.
• Have less than five years of experience in the construction industry
• Currently have supervisory responsibilities or working towards supervisory role.

Upcoming program dates

• January 21, February 4, and February 18 from 8:30-3:30 each day
• Day Three will be extended by one hour to accommodate lab activities. It'll conclude at 4:30 PM.
• If winter weather creates unsafe travel conditions, training will be canceled. A makeup session is scheduled for February 25.

Program highlights

Day One: Foundations of Leadership and Industry Insight

• Overview of Legal and Regulatory Structure
  Gain a clear understanding of the legal frameworks and regulatory structures that shape the construction industry.
• Project Delivery
  Explore various project delivery methods, including design-bid-build, design-build, and CM-at-risk, and learn how to select the right approach for different project types.
• Global and Regional Workforce Trends
  Examine current labor market dynamics, including workforce shortages, generational shifts, and the impact of workforce trends on construction talent.
• Leadership Best Practices: Understanding Effective Leadership
  Define what effective leadership looks like in today’s construction environment and apply to your own leadership style.

Day Two: Financial Acumen and Emotional Intelligence

• Construction Cost Control and Estimating
  Learn essential techniques for accurate cost estimation and budget control, including manpower utilization rates and productivity benchmarks.
• Construction Contracts
  Understand the key components of construction contracts, risk allocation, and how to navigate common legal pitfalls.
• Leadership Best Practices: Emotional Intelligence (EQ 2.0) & Team Building
  Dive into the EQ 2.0 framework to assess your emotional intelligence. Learn strategies to enhance self-awareness, empathy, and team cohesion for more effective leadership.

Day Three: Risk, Safety, and Conflict Resolution

• Construction Liability and Risk Management
  Explore the fundamentals of liability, insurance, and bonding. Understand the cost implications of claims and how to mitigate risk.
• Construction Safety
  Review OSHA standards, workers’ compensation, and regulatory compliance. Learn how to foster a proactive safety culture that protects your team and your projects.
• Leadership Best Practices: Conflict Resolution & Goal Setting
  Examine how assumptions influence decision-making and team dynamics. Develop practical skills for resolving conflict and setting actionable leadership goals.

Professional development hours

Participants will be awarded 21 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). MU Extension will issue a digital badge and certificate.

Program instructors

Mizzou College of Engineering’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department has a long history of graduating civil engineers who go on to design and construct smarter roads, buildings, and other infrastructure to improve communities. Construction management sessions will be facilitated by:

• Dr. Carlos Sun, Director of the Construction Management Programs: Dr. Sun is a licensed attorney and professional engineer and has specialized in transportation and construction for over 30 years. His research areas include construction management, work zones safety, contracting, and legal issues.

Missouri Training Institute (MTI) has provided customized training and consulting services to improve business performance and organizational effectiveness for public, private, and not-for-profit organizations for 40+ years. Leadership and supervisory sessions will be facilitated by:

• Dewey Thompson, director of the Missouri Training Institute. Dewey has trained thousands of public and private sector professionals across the country on change, leadership, management, coaching, teambuilding, customer service, and building effective workplace environments. He served as the lead facilitator for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Excellence Network and is on the Central Missouri Workforce Investment Board.

Registration process

Registration for the 2026 Institute is now open and will close on December 1, 2025.

Spots are limited and early registration is encouraged.

The registration fee is $1,550, payable online or via invoice for organizations.

Discounts are available for bulk enrollments and Mizzou alumni.

Please contact us for more information on available discounts.