The answer to the question concerning Tenacity or Stubbornness is probably “yes.” And there is a reason for that. Your good attributes – like tenacity – can also become your bad attributes – like stubbornness. You’re a construction contractor who makes a difference in the world because you have some excellent attributes.
You Are Who You Are
Your attributes are considered your personality, individuality, or temperament. Or, as some like to say, “the nature of the beast.” In other words, you are who you are.
Dictionary.com defines the word attribute this way:
Attribute – to consider as a quality or characteristic of the person, thing, group, etc.
All of us want to be recognized for having good attributes. None of us is happy to be thought of as having attributes considered negative. But it is more than just lining up the pros and cons of your attributes. Because, regarding attributes, your pros can become your cons.
When Pros Become Cons
You know what it means when you say, “Let’s look at the pros and cons.” But do you know the origin of “pros” and “cons?” They are both Latin words. And their meanings are simple. Pro means “for,” and con means “against.”
Understanding their basic meaning makes it easier to see how your best traits can sweep you into a place you don’t want to be.
For example, running your construction business requires tenacity, or things simply won’t get done. But if you insist on using outdated methods, fall into the lost cost fallacy, or keep doing something that wastes time and adds no value, your stubbornness can drag you down. Sometimes, when pressed, your best traits can morph into less-than-admirable traits. And your construction company can suffer because of it.
Consider honesty, a particularly admiral attribute that can be carried so far that it becomes insensitive or brutal. “No, Ma’am, I do not like your beetle-brained idea of putting ‘that’ tile in this otherwise well-designed building!”
A few other examples are:
Conscientious = Perfectionistic
Empathetic = Overwhelmingly attentive (or, on the other hand, burned out)
Loyal = Tolerates bad behavior
Confident = Blustering
Optimistic = Blind to actual consequences
Kind = Passive or unassertive
Overcoming the Cons
While there is no magic bullet to prevent you from falling victim to the morphed attribute, there is still hope. It is called awareness. The first step is knowing that you (and everyone around you) can twist the good into the bad.
Here are ways to notice it in yourself:
You can remember specific instances when you’ve crossed the line in the past.
You’re particularly uncomfortable with a decision you’re about to make.
You think, “This is not like me.”
Here are some signals others will give you:
The person you’re talking to has stopped eye contact.
One or more group members change their body language – for example, crossing their arms over their chest or turning away.
Others work hard to change the subject.
Someone makes a direct complaint.
Summing It Up
Always be on the lookout – there is no “conquered” symbol to place on the list of good attributes gone awry. Hold tightly to your good attributes. Change course when you see bad attributes rising.
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735