Ever wondered which common traits shape successful owners of construction companies and construction service businesses? Here are seven foundational traits which are found in the “closets” of savvy construction contractors.
Garment #1 They are Servant Leaders
The following quotes will give you food for thought concerning how savvy contractors lead.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams
“You don’t lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
“What you do has far greater impact than what you say.” Stephen Covey
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
“I define servant leadership as a person’s dedication to helping others be their best selves at home, work, and in their community.” S. Chris Edmonds
“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” Ken Blanchard
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” Jack Welch
This article from Inc. encapsulates the concept quite well.
Garment #2 They are Resilient in the face of adversity
Ever wonder what it would be like to buy a construction company where the financials were “sinking like a rock,” turn it around, then make it extremely profitable within a few years? You might want to check out Isaac Lidsky’s story, because that is what he did. Oh, and did I tell you — he is blind.
He has written a book, Eyes Wide Open, you might want to check out. And, be sure to watch this video all the way to the end (after he completes his talk) because he reveals one important aspect of how he, as a blind person, is able to run his construction company. And, just in case you want a bit more information, here is a link to the company, ODC, where Lidsky is the CEO.
Savvy contractors understand the risks as well as the opportunities they’re facing. They can “get back up” after a shockwave hits. They understand how to manage complex ideas and situations. There is a sort of nimbleness to them. And, they’re really good at long-term thinking.
Garment #3 They are Self-Disciplined
Yeah, you know what this means and what it takes!
Garment #4 They have exemplary Core Values
They have personal core values which they bring to their businesses. This is all about what they believe, therefore how they act.
Here are some examples:
They take pride in their work. They enjoy seeing the finished project.
Their safety meetings aren’t solely based on outside influences (like OSHA,) but rather on the fact that they care about their employees.
They have integrity.
They understand the power as well as the responsibility that comes with being a leader.
They aren’t required to “lose the ‘tude,” because, in fact, they tend to have a good attitude most of the time.
They believe in striving for excellence, being honest, truly serving the customer, having fun, being fair, teamwork – you know, good stuff like that.
This article shows a pretty neat way to come up with and USE a common set of core values within your construction contracting or service business.
Garment #5 They are Flexible
They are flexible and knowledgeable concerning how to meet the needs of both employees as well as customers
Being flexible allows them to make it through the bad weather of changing desires, the bad weather of sudden new competition, the bad weather of employee shortage, the bad weather of equipment damage or loss, the bad weather of – well you know . . . bad weather.
Yet, they also know when to draw the line.
Thomas Jefferson said it like this, “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
Garment #6 They have Problem-Solving Skills
The simple explanation – Problem solving involves methods and skills to find the best solutions to problems. We all have problems. And, we all have problem solving skills. All good parents, doctors, waiters, truck drivers, accountants and everyone must solve problems day-by-day and hour-by-hour.
What sets savvy construction business owners apart from “regular” construction business owners is the continued practice and constant honing of problem solving skills.
Typically, there is a ladder of thought and action involved in reaching a solution.
One ladder of problem solving skills could look like this, with the bottom rung being Listening and the top rung, Implementing Solutions.
Implementing Solutions
Collaborating
Evaluating
Data Interpretation
Data Gathering
Anticipating
Listening
Savvy construction contractors simplify things, use “what if” thinking, and focus on the solution rather than the problem.
Garment #7 They Pay Attention to the Company’s Financials
Savvy construction contractors know that knowing what is happening with the bottom dollar is bottom line good business sense.
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