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If you are in architecture, engineering, or construction and want to be an executive, it's time to think about what soft skills you need to get there.
The AEC industry is in need of good executive leadership, so the opportunities are out there.
And even if you’re not ready to take the step yet, that’s okay. But you should at least start learning which soft skills you need. There’s no downside to being well-rounded.
You’ll be a better employee no matter your career aspirations.
So here are eight soft skills you will need to get promoted to executive in AEC.
Listening
As a project manager, you need to talk a lot.
As an executive, you need to listen a lot. Some suggestions:
Wait to offer your opinion
Don’t jump to conclusions
Ask questions before reacting
Be the last one to speak in meetings
It’s how you build trust, learn about problems, and get the most out of your team.
Humility
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” - C.S. Lewis
Be confident in your strengths
Acknowledge your weaknesses
Praise the team before yourself
All critical to leading a team as an executive.
Time-Management
Getting promoted to executive means being a project manager, estimator, salesperson, submittal manager, and leader all-in-one.
Prioritize your time to get everything done:
Say “no” a lot
Do your hardest work first
Schedule times in your schedule for “focus”
Delegate tasks someone else could be doing
Time is your most important resource.
Stress Management
I’ve often heard the hardest part about getting promoted is being able to handle the stress that comes along with the responsibility.
Give these stress-reducing activities a try:
Journal every morning
Take a 15 minute walk at lunch
Do yoga 3-4x per week
Find what works for you.
Just make sure it’s something other than alcohol, nicotine, or overeating.
Communication
Communication is the greatest differentiator in AEC.
Use active voice
Be extremely clear
Stay objective
Never gossip
99% of problems come from a breakdown in communication.
When in doubt, overcommunicate.
Adaptability
Construction changes by the minute. Get used to it:
Be patient
Learn to utilize your resources
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
You need to demonstrate adaptability to be an executive in AEC.
Persuasion
Executive leadership is all about getting your people to row the boat in the same direction.
Persuasion helps them see the North Star:
Communicate the vision
Demonstrate company values
Support your team so they can be effective without you
Winning managers persuade with authenticity, not manipulation.
Modeling Behaviors
Don’t try to change your people. Start by changing yourself:
Be vulnerable
Say thank you
Admit your mistakes
Whatever culture you want to build, model those behaviors.
If you aren’t willing to live by them, how can you expect your team to?
Once you have your results, reply to this email or tag me on LinkedIn and let me know what you learned.
If you enjoyed this, share it with your friends!
Spark Notes:
8 Soft Skills For Being An Executive:
Listening
Humility
Time-Management
Stress-Management
Communication
Adaptability
Persuasion
Modeling Behaviors
I hope this newsletter gave you some ideas on how to be a leader and get promoted to executive!
Now go practice and have some fun with them on Monday- you won't regret it!
Around The Industry: People To Know
Tyler Suomala
Tyler is a trusted friend and instrumental voice in the architecture industry.
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