Leading with Composure
Keep in mind these three important facts concerning composure:
Everyone wants it
Most have messed it up
It can be regained
It is easy to remain composed when all is going well. Anyone can do it.
It’s when faced with uncomfortable and difficult experiences in your construction contracting business that you have the opportunity to demonstrate your composure as a leader.
In other words, Composure
One aspect of composure is it is difficult to describe. But the following list gives you a glimpse of the traits involved.
Is Determined
Has good Judgement
Practices Vigilance
Possesses Wisdom
Shows Kindness
Proceeds with Deliberation
Is Confident
Remains Responsible
Is Patient
Practices Judiciousness
Stands Stable
Continues Steadfastly
Shows Resolve
Possesses Grit
And that list doesn’t even consider these three important “selfs” – self-governance, self-control, and self-discipline.
Composure leads to success
Sherry Campbell, in her article for Entrepreneur, suggests 7 Ways Practicing Composure Leads to Success.
Campbell says, “Think about the word ‘composure’ for a minute. What does it inspire within you? How do you see yourself operating in life and business when you envision yourself being composed? Composure is the most powerful character trait to possess when looking to advance your career.”
Composure meter
Here are three simple questions you can use to see if your composure is leveling up or needs a bit of work. Can you:
Deal with rejection without becoming crestfallen or dismayed?
Hold your temper when things don’t go just as you planned or expected?
Join in the laughter with others even when the joke is on you?
Ways to develop composure
You’ve made it to adulthood, you’ve stepped into ownership or management of a construction contracting business, and you’ve learned much along the way. And sometimes you’ve dropped your composure.
There are certain actions you can practice, thereby enhancing your composure.
Manage your ego – base your actions on your inner values
Think before you act – so you can save time in the long run
See the bigger picture – not the minor distractions
Reflect and learn – from both your successes and your failures
Look for solutions – not reasons to be pissed off
Listen to ancient wisdom
“The first and best victory is to conquer self.” – Plato
“Always keep your composure. You can’t score from the penalty box; and to win, you have to score.” – Horace
“The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.” – Aristotle
There’s more
This article is the second in a four-part series concerning leadership in the construction world. The first, Leadership – Keep learning, is worth checking out. Next up is Leadership — Develop an eye for the big picture, to be followed by Leadership — Inspire others.
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
Comments