Inspire through leadership
Your leadership capabilities as the owner of a construction contracting business may very well hinge on one simple concept – inspiration. No matter how you became the owner of your business, there comes a time when you must inspire others. You’re not Chuck in a Truck. You’re the owner of a construction company. A construction company that employs staff, teams, workers, hands, people who look to you to guide the way.
One bare fact is employees thrive in jobs where they’re inspired.
That fact leads to the second bare fact that when you are inspiring and employees are thriving, opportunities increase while complications decrease.
Need some inspiration yourself? This list of the Top Ten Ways to Inspire Others to Be Their Best from Michael Angier of SuccessNet is a quick read and good food-for-thought.
“Rally people and they will come together. Lead people and they will come together to achieve something great.” Simon Sinek
When to be inspiring
The quick answer is always. Of course, there is more to it than that.
Here, I’ll give you an example.
Years ago, our family joined other pioneers in the homeschooling movement. At that time, those who wanted to educate their children at home (in the state of New Mexico) had to submit a request for a waiver of the law requiring a teaching certificate.
The entire process was a little scary for me, but one question on the application gave me the shivers.
It was simple enough. “During which hours of the day will you be teaching?”
The blank space was small. Much too small to write, “That will vary. I have a day job and I am part owner of a retail business in a mall that is open seven days a week. My child will accompany me . . .
You get the picture. The state wanted a nine to five answer, and I wanted to be honest.
My friend saved the day when she suggested an answer that would satisfy my need for honesty and, at the same time not allow the state to quibble.
This is what I wrote, “During all waking hours.”
Sadly, there were times when I taught some things, and I wish I hadn’t. (How to be nagging, how to lose your temper, how to . . . the list is lengthy.) At any rate, it is likely there will be times you are less than inspiring for your employees. But the goal remains to inspire “during all waking hours.” Always.
“Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” —Publilius Syrus
Inspire wherever you are
Because you own a construction contracting company, you’re a “person of interest” to many. It goes beyond the doors of your office or the job sites you visit.
The organizations to which you belong, the suppliers you depend on, the general contractors, your fellow subcontractors, your advisors, friends, family, even your neighbors have the opportunity to see you as a savvy and inspiring business owner.
Be aware of the influence you have, of the people you can touch, and the ways you can make things better for those around you. Be inspiring wherever you are. You never know who will be listing you as someone who inspired them to great achievements.
“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” – John Maxwell
Why be inspiring?
Because if you don’t, who will? Oh yeah, also because those in your employ are counting on it.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” – Dr. Seuss
How to be inspiring
Through communication.
Period.
Okay, there is more to it. But it boils down to communicating well and often.
This article from Mental Floss, suggests Eleven Ways to Become a Better Communicator. The first item on their list, “learn to listen,” is likely the hardest and certainly the most important part of being a better communicator.
“Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.” – General Colin Powell
“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” – General George Patton
More inspiration
This article is the last in a four-part series concerning leadership in the construction world. Visit the others through these links, Leadership – Keep learning, Leadership – Practice Composure, and Leadership — Develop an eye for the big picture.
We hope that you’ve found inspiration through these four articles as you build your leadership skills.
We desire to familiarize you with business concepts, which will make it easier for you to be a better commercial construction subcontractor through our blog posts. Some are new ways of looking at things, and others are refreshers.
Schulte and Schulte Provides Accounting, Contract Document Management, and Advisory Board Level counsel for small to medium commercial construction subcontractors.
So you can Run With the Big Dogs! Call us 866-629-7735
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