Faces of HR: How Michael Shamblen is Building a Strong Foundation at T&T Construction

Michael Shamblen, the Director of Human Resources at T&T Construction Management Group, is a seasoned human resources (HR) professional with a passion for building high-performing teams. With over 26 years of experience in business administration, including 17 years in HR, Shamblen has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success.

T&T Construction Management Group is a woman-owned premier concrete specialty contractor that has been serving clients across the United States for more than 25 years. Shamblen’s expertise in HR is instrumental in recruiting and retaining top talent to support the organization’s continued expansion.

Shamblen’s journey into HR began unexpectedly. While working as a business manager at a ski resort, he was tasked with taking on the responsibilities of the HR manager. Despite having limited experience in the field, Shamblen quickly adapted to the challenges and discovered a newfound passion for the field.  

Today, Shamblen has a proven track record of success. His experience in various industries, including construction, railroad services, electrical, steel fabrication, and aerospace, has given him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing HR professionals.

As Director of HR at T&T Construction Management Group, Shamblen is dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. He is committed to recruiting and retaining top talent, ensuring that employees have the resources and support they need to succeed, and fostering a strong sense of community within the organization.

In our latest Faces, meet Michael Shamblen.

Who is/was your biggest influence in the industry?

I don’t know if I could pinpoint just one. I have worked with great mentors and leaders, been through leadership development programs, and read and listened to so many amazing HR and leadership authors. To me, the biggest influence you can have is creating a lifelong learning habit.

However, if I had to nail it down to one biggest influence, it was an executive training called the Daring Way with the Dash Groups’s Catherine Hickem, Cindy Barber, and Maria Elena Retter (Atlanta-based executive consulting firm and certified Dare to Lead facilitators). The Daring Way was a training course created by Brene Brown. It was a powerful training that opened my mind and helped me grow as a leader. I have since enjoyed several Brene Brown books.   

What’s your best mistake and what did you learn from it?

Despite many coaching’s, retraining’s, write-ups on an employee, I took longer than I should have to terminate. Ultimately, the employee caused considerable damage to a personal residence and car (overspray on both) that the company had to resolve. He was terminated immediately. My lesson? Sometimes holding on does more damage than letting go.

What’s your favorite part about working in the industry? What’s your least favorite part, and how would you change it?

My favorite part about the industry is implementing organizational programs that help team members raise the bar. Seeing their growth and success is very rewarding. If you pay attention, it’s all around HR. Talent acquisition helps someone land a new job to better provide for their family. Learning and development programs help team members raise their performance—be more effective—be their best selves. Benefits administration provides a most important resource for improving a team members health and well-being. HR staff and programs can have a positive impact on people’s lives, it’s a joy to see it happen.

My least favorite part is terminations. To make them better, no matter the circumstance, I make sure to treat the team member with the upmost respect and kindness and be well prepared for the meeting. 

It sounds like through your experience you really care about people, and you want to help them feel safe and comfortable, which is important in the industry. Please elaborate here.

Safety and security are a priority for our team members and organization. We want our teams to know and feel they are safe in their work environment. Unfortunately, workplace violence, and active shooters continue to make headlines. It’s truly sad that we are at a point where HR needs to include Active Shooter, Run-Hide-Fight, and how to use a torniquet trainings in organizational curriculums.   

How can HR most effectively demonstrate its value to the leadership team?

Improve your metrics, create raving fans out of the team members you service, know the business, partner with operations and leaders, and be the go-to-team to resolve the people problems of your organization.  

Where do you see the industry heading in five years? Or are you seeing any current trends?

AI robots will take over HR and soon thereafter the world. Just kidding! I see AI continuing to evolve as a highly effective tool for HR professionals. I feel it is important that we learn and grow with AI as a resource. I also see trends in articles and conference session topics that heart-centered authentic leadership is becoming a desired style of leadership. This certainly warms my heart.

What are you most proud of?

I gamified a Disciplinary Action training in a Manager Training series. It was the most effective training that I have created thus far. I took a hard topic, that can be confusing and difficult and made it fun and engaging. It was a 45-minute session of laugh-out-loud (LOL) training. The amount of employee write-ups that would come in after this training was stunning.  

I am also very proud of all the great HR friends and connections I have been blessed to make over the years.

Do you have any advice for people entering the profession?

For those looking to get into the HR profession the right degree and certifications can help. You must have strong communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. You must be flexible and keep information confidential. Work for leaders and companies that share your values. You must be engaged in the business and understand how it operates, partner with operations. Stay on top of industry trends, always learn and grow. Be passionate about the job and the people. Be proactive in your work and career. HR is demanding, you must make time for yourself to pursue hobbies, be with family and friends and take care of your health and well-being. You will be a better HR professional as a result.

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