Passion Vs. Conviction on the Job Site
Look at it this way – your passion is like the scaffolding used to reach the work area – you put it up, and when its usefulness is complete, you take it down. Passion subsides or wanes.
While your conviction is like the completed building – it isn’t going anywhere soon. Conviction generates security. Conviction is about values, principles, and standards – and deals with your impact on others. And in the construction industry, it matters.
Put Passion Where It Belongs
Another way to see passion is to consider it a tool in your business convictions tool belt. Generating enthusiasm and passion in your employees must be anchored in the convictions that sustain your construction business.
The definitions, from Dictionary.com, of the two words give insight into their usefulness.
Conviction - a fixed or firm belief.
Passion - any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.
So, the oft-repeated call to “follow your passion” in your business, though meant well, is of very little value. You can’t build a healthy, sustaining, and profitable business on emotions or feelings.
Relying on passion alone can be compared to the soon-to-be-wed young lady who is passionate about the upcoming wedding but hasn’t given much thought to or has no convictions concerning the marriage that will follow.
Fill Your Business Convictions Tool Belt
Establishing a culture begins with knowing and following your convictions, whether you call them guiding principles, core beliefs, or the company’s mindset. It goes beyond writing and publishing a mission or vision statement. If you want your convictions to stick, you must put them into action in your own dealings with all aspects of your business.
You may think of other convictions to include in your tool belt, but here are ten basics to consider.
Possessing integrity; having moral and ethical principles.
Holding oneself and others accountable.
Being bold, courageous, and adventurous.
Dealing with everyone honestly.
Developing trust and dependability.
Making use of passion and zeal when appropriate.
Exceeding promises to GCs, owners, and subs.
Seeking new ideas, innovation, and growth in the company and individuals.
Treating everyone with respect.
Having fun!
Passion Can Be Useful
Once you’ve established the convictions of your construction company, then you can put passion to work. Here are a few means for doing so. Think of it as starting a fire at the company campsite.
Bring your team around a common goal.
Tell them how important the task or project is to the company and to them as individuals.
Ask team members to find creative solutions for regular problems.
Provide a level of autonomy.
Offer opportunities for skill improvement.
Give team members space and time to bond with one another.
Ignite the fire with dollars if necessary – bonuses and rewards can be helpful.
Reflection: Are there tools missing from your convictions tool belt? How will you go about obtaining them? When can you best use the tool of passion?
Ambitious 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
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735