Understanding the significance of candor-filled conversations changed everything I once (thought I) knew about leadership and professionalism. In an industry that is moving as quickly as construction, there is no room for vague conversation with open-ended intensions. Learning to have the hard conversations are essential for everyone\u2019s time, accountability, and in all honesty\u2014respect.<\/p>\n
As employer initiatives to enhance and empower the leaders within our company, I was fortunate to gain a seat in a professional development with Sarah Turner, Principal Consultant with Faurote Group. This learning opportunity changed my dialog with colleagues; it impacted the discussions I have with team members looking for direction, and most of all, awakened my ability to receive candor feedback regarding my own performance and how to emerge into a better leader. In an industry where we often use the quote \u201ctime is money\u201d, those who avoid hard discussions are the most wasteful\u2014wasteful of time, resources, and opportunities.<\/p>\n
Allow me to explain.<\/strong><\/p>\n Our time is valuable.<\/strong> The time estimators dive into a proposal is valuable. The time we invest in meetings and collaboration efforts is valuable. The time wrapped up in every weather delay, monthly report, financial review, and project schedule is valuable beyond the dollar value assigned to it. I\u2019ve been on the end of the phone call advising a multi-million dollar contract was missed by a few hundred dollars. I\u2019ve walked away from unorganized meetings. This level of professionalism started when others\u2019 time was considered as valued as if it were my own.<\/p>\n