Crucial Conversations That Drive Project Outcomes

Episode Description:

What if the biggest risk to your project isn’t technical—it’s conversational? Most engineering projects fail not because of flawed plans or inadequate technology, but because teams aren’t having the right conversations about trust, coordination, and care.

In this episode, Jason Klous, Principal at Midion with over 30 years in complex construction projects, reveals the Language Action Perspective—a framework that transforms how teams communicate and coordinate. Jason shares why the most technically skilled people often struggle with the most critical conversations, how to rebuild trust when it’s broken, and the surprising power of assessments delivered with care.

Whether you’re leading a multi-million dollar construction project or navigating difficult conversations at home, this episode will change how you think about communication as the foundation of success.

Key Takeaways:

• The missing conversations kill projects: Technically sound projects fail when teams don’t discuss trust, psychological safety, and coordination—not because of poor planning or inadequate software.

• Trust has specific domains: When trust breaks down, identify whether the issue is reliability, competence, or sincerity. Once you know which domain is lacking, you can develop a targeted plan to rebuild it.

• Moods are contagious and foundational: Teams fall into moods unconsciously, and those moods influence listening, trust, and coordination. Identifying and shifting moods can transform project outcomes.

• Assessments strengthen relationships when delivered with care: The most difficult feedback, when delivered to improve the relationship (not damage it), often brings relief and reveals more about the person delivering it than the person receiving it.

• Write it down before difficult conversations: To avoid “talking around” the issue, write down what you need to say. This helps you be more direct while maintaining care and candor.

Timestamps:

[00:51] Introduction – The story teams tell themselves
[01:52] Why technically sound projects fail
[05:08] The Language Action Perspective explained
[09:04] Real-world example: $250M wastewater project turnaround
[15:47] The four domains of trust
[19:23] Understanding moods vs. emotions
[24:30] How to deliver assessments with care
[32:25] Having difficult conversations at home
[37:03] Coach in Your Corner

Guest Information:

• Name: Jason Klous, Ph.D., Principal at Midion
• Expertise: Language Action Perspective, Lean Construction, Integrated Project Delivery, Team Coordination
• Connect: [e-mail] | https://midion.com
• LinkedIn: Jason Klous, PhD | LinkedIn

Resources Mentioned:

About the Host:

Dr. James Bryant is an engineering leadership coach and host of the Engineer Your Success podcast. He helps technical professionals and engineering leaders develop the human skills that drive career success—from communication and influence to strategic thinking and team leadership. Connect with James on LinkedIn or visit [website] to learn more about engineering your success.

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