A lesson of leadership in construction…(with strong wind in its sail).
Amidst the sounds of hammers on steel and the whirr of drills, there was a subtle tension in the air at one of our client’s construction sites. It was not…
Amidst the sounds of hammers on steel and the whirr of drills, there was a subtle tension in the air at one of our client’s construction sites.
It was not the usual noise of construction, but a sense of unease whispered through the workforce as they awaited their managing director, John Rutherford, known for his stern demeanour, relentless pursuit of perfection, and keen sailor.
John, a seasoned individual in the construction industry, had seen it all.
His projects adorned the landscape like monuments to his expertise, from building office blocks and shopping centres to quaint countryside cottages.
But recently, he wasn’t on site just to oversee the progress; he had something more profound in mind.
As the workforce gathered around him, John began his lesson. He didn’t start with blueprints or technicalities; instead, he spoke of something seemingly unrelated – the art of sailing.
The workers exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of where this was leading.
John recounted an experience from his youth as an apprentice to his father on a sailboat. He vividly described the chaos of a sudden storm, the panic that gripped the crew, and the pivotal moment when the captain calmly took control, steering them to safety with unwavering resolve.
The workers listened intently, captivated by the story unfolding before them. John drew parallels between sailing and construction, emphasising the importance of leadership, teamwork, and adaptability in the face of adversity.
He stressed the significance of staying calm under pressure and making swift, decisive decisions to navigate through challenges.
Then the penny dropped
In that moment, it clicked for the workforce – the lesson wasn’t just about sailing; it was about leadership in construction, resilience, resourcefulness, and the mindset required to thrive in the construction industry.
They realised that beyond technical skills, success depended on their ability to weather storms and steer their projects towards success, no matter the obstacles that arose.
The lessons learned:
Leadership:
John emphasised the role of strong leadership in guiding teams through challenges.
Encouraging workers to step up and take initiative when needed fosters a culture of accountability and collaboration.
Teamwork:
Just as a crew relies on each other on a sailboat, construction teams must work together seamlessly to achieve their goals.
Building trust and communication among team members is essential for smooth project execution.
Adaptability:
Construction projects are dynamic, often presenting unforeseen obstacles.
Being adaptable and open to change allows teams to pivot quickly and find creative solutions to problems as they arise.
Resilience:
Like sailing through rough seas, construction projects can be turbulent.
Cultivating resilience helps workers bounce back from setbacks and stay focused on the end goal, even in challenging circumstances.
As the workforce dispersed, inspired by John’s lesson in leadership, they carried with them not only newfound knowledge but a renewed sense of purpose—ready to tackle whatever storms came their way and build something truly outstanding at the company.
