Leadership in Contracting
In the world of contracting, leadership is often misunderstood and undervalued. Many contractors find themselves in leadership roles by necessity rather than by choice, and they often lack the skills needed to lead effectively.
This blog post will highlight the main points from a recent podcast episode on leadership in contracting businesses and provide actionable steps to help you become a better leader.
Understanding Leadership
Being the boss or the person in charge is not the only aspect of leadership. Like sales or carpentry, it's a taught skill. Sadly, even though it ought to be one of the primary priorities for contractors, building leadership abilities is frequently one of the last. Leading entails directing your group, leading by example, and always enhancing both your company and yourself.
Key Points on Leadership
Leadership is a Learned Skill: Just like any other skill, leadership can be learned and improved upon. It's not something you're born with; it's something you develop over time through education and practice.
Leadership is Not Just a Position: Being a boss or an owner doesn't automatically make you a leader. Leadership is about creating a culture, setting an example, and genuinely caring for your team.
Empathy and Understanding: Good leaders know their team members personally and professionally. They understand their struggles and provide support, whether it's through training, resources, or just being there to listen.
Responsibility and Accountability: Everything that happens in your business is your responsibility. Good leaders take ownership of both successes and failures, and they work to improve continuously.
Effective Communication: Clear and effective communication is crucial. Misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes, so it's essential to ensure that everyone understands their tasks and responsibilities.
Action Steps for Better Leadership
Invest in Leadership Training: Start reading books, watching videos, and attending seminars on leadership. Some recommended books include "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek. These resources can provide valuable insights and practical advice on becoming a better leader.
Know Your Team: Take the time to get to know your team members. Understand their personal and professional lives, and show genuine interest in their well-being. This can help you build a stronger, more cohesive team.
Communicate Clearly and Effectively: Make sure that all tasks and responsibilities are clearly understood. Use specific instructions and follow up to ensure that everything is on track. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that projects are completed correctly and on time.
Being in control is only one aspect of leadership in contracting; other responsibilities include leading your team, providing an example, and always improving. You may improve as a leader and create a more prosperous contracting firm by spending money on leadership training, getting to know your staff, and communicating clearly. Keep in mind that leadership is a taught ability, and you can acquire the abilities required to guide your team to success with the correct strategy.
Resources
Grab Brad's tell-all book: The Contractor Profit Blueprint
