Most folks tend to think of growth as getting bigger. And that is a way people, things, and construction businesses grow. But there are other ways to measure growth. For example, increased skills, more knowledge, and better emotional intelligence are all ways to grow.
"Applied learning is the key to becoming a leader people want to follow, not have to follow." – Jeremie Kubicek
Skills
Improving your skill level on the field, in the office, and in your personal life is worth the effort. The best way to get better at something is to keep doing it! Some call this practicing. Others say rehearsing.
For example, out in the field, it may mean getting to know and use the latest tools and materials available.
Wherever you are, improving the following skills and attributes means you’re actively growing your ability to lead.
Analytical -- organize, plan, and prioritize effectively
Communication – both in person and in writing
Interpersonal – included in emotional intelligence
Technical – computer literacy and industry software
Problem-solving – think on your feet and solve problems at a moment’s notice
On a side note, like the players of virtual games, you will have to keep an eye on your stamina bar and make sure to regenerate when you need to.
Knowledge
Keep growing by adding to your knowledge base. In simple terms, keep learning.
Flex your curiosity muscle. Questions are good. Questions mean you’re thinking and thinking means you’re learning. Learning means you’re changing and growing.
One benefit of increasing knowledge within your field of expertise is that your construction contracting business can reach the Expert Status level.
Therefore, training and research may enable you to charge more for the work you do. You may even wish to think in terms of niching down or being one of only a handful of experts in your neck of the woods.
Emotional intelligence
While being emotionally intelligent is likely to build a favorable aspect of company camaraderie and the ability to build your network, there is more to it.
The four generally accepted segments of emotional intelligence include:
Self-awareness – recognizing your own emotions, beliefs, and motivators. It includes understanding how they affect your thoughts and behavior and guides your self-confidence.
Self-management – controlling feelings and impulses, managing emotions, taking the initiative, keeping your word, and adapting to changing circumstances.
Social awareness – understanding the emotions, needs, experiences, and concerns of others; feeling comfortable socially; and recognizing the dynamics of a group, team, or organization.
Relationship management – knowing how to develop and maintain good relationships, communicating, motivating others, and managing conflict.
Aid Your Team
Develop leadership skills in others.
Know the difference between leaders and managers. Then know where and how to place them for best results.
Encourage personal and professional growth for yourself and your team.
“To motivate and inspire employees, leadership strategy is about empowering others to do their best and take on new challenges.” – John Rampton, CEO of Calendar
In Conclusion
Try to learn more about your industry, your team, your clients, and the world every day. Construction companies can only grow as quickly as the leaders of those companies do.
Leading your construction company to growth can be seen in various ways, such as expansion and development, improvement and enhancement, progression and advancement.
You’ve just read the final installment of a 5-part series concerning leadership in the construction industry. If you haven’t already, you can learn more, starting with the first post.
Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
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
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