I believe there is a powerful shift taking place in this country: The traditional mindset of measuring success by the size of one’s bank account is being counterbalanced with the importance of developing personal excellence. The premise is that in order for your long-term business success to have a chance, your personal life skills must be in good shape. In the construction business, this area is often neglected, but I believe that your personal foundation must be as strong as the foundations that support the homes you build.
Achieving personal excellence is a never-ending quest to improve every area of your life. It encompasses the resolve to search out new and advanced ways to expand your individual identity and refine your interpersonal skills. Dedicating time to this pursuit will have a transforming effect on your life and your business. Here are some primary areas on which to focus in the pursuit of personal excellence.
Balance
The most successful individuals in society are those living a balanced life. That means that you attend to your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. This balancing act can be tricky. These areas are so closely related to each other that when one is out of balance, all are affected. Add to this the fact that events that are part of the natural ebb and flow of life periodically occur to create imbalance. The commitment to personal excellence requires that you develop an ongoing awareness of what is working in your life and what areas need help.
You probably already have a good idea of what works for you. The question is, are you doing what it takes to bring the areas of your life that don’t work into balance? If one area of your life is out of whack, it may require concentrated effort to bring it up to the level of the other areas. You might consider hiring a life coach or private counselor who excels in the area in which you are lacking.
Communication
You would think this is a no-brainer. However, a lack of quality communication continues to be the most common reason for customer challenges in the construction industry. Having good communication skills relates to personal balance. When your life is out of balance, you tend to bring that baggage to work. Instead of listening to the needs of your employees and clients, you may use them to vent your personal frustration or anger. If you frequently have challenges with people, take a close look at your style of communication. Acquiring personal balance allows you to focus on the needs and desires of those with whom you interact. Listening to and acknowledging the other person validates their worth. It puts you in control of the outcome and sets you both up for an “everyone wins” transaction.
The ability to effectively communicate and build rapport with people will transform your life and your business. Do you want to get full price for your service or product? Learn to demonstrate that you are honest, trustworthy, and dedicated to serving the needs of your clients. Communicate the enormous value in your service. Clients will pay full price, and they will also reward you with repeat business and direct referral leads for new customers.
Your excellence expands every time you invest in your personal development. There are many ways to do this. Attend a personal development seminar. Listen to a communication skills tape or CD. Read an autobiography of a successful person. Watch an inspirational videotape. Create or join a mastermind group. Hire a personal or professional life coach. Volunteer your time and expertise to a worthy cause. The point is to do something and do it on a regular basis. Continually investing in your personal worth will pay huge dividends in your personal life and in your business.
All of the business strategies in the world won’t mean a thing if your life is a mess. I believe that your long-term business success is directly related to your commitment to personal excellence; there is no separation of the two. It may be challenging at times and it may not seem as though one relates to the other. However, when you make a decision to work at it consistently, anything you set your mind to can take place, if you just allow it.
Paul Montelongo has been a builder for more than 23 years and is a nationally recognized speaker and consultant to the construction industry. Visit Paul at www.contractorofchoice.com.
