Unleashing Your Unique Spark in a Concrete Jungle

Hey there, Queens of Steel and Mortar! In the realm of blueprints and power tools, it's tempting to believe "one size fits all" applies to leadership. But I believe one of your most powerful tools isn't a jackhammer, it's your individuality. Let's ditch the belief that us women need to fit in “with the men” and instead, let’s celebrate the glorious kaleidoscope of your unique sparks!

Own Your Quirks: Forget blending in! Rock that fuchsia hard hat with your neon safety vest. Choose the yellow nail polish if it makes your heart happy. Feeling like you wanna curl your hair before you throw it up in a ponytail? Wanna add some Christmas tattoos to your arm like Amanda? Want to wear jeans and your favorite Chucks to an important bid meeting? Do it!!! Your quirks are like secret sauce, adding flavor and intrigue to your leadership style. People will remember you if you stand out - just make sure it’s authentic. People can spot when we are acting unauthentic from a mile away and that’s not what we want to be remembered for.

Channel Your Strengths: Are you a negotiation ninja? A logistics sorceress? A master motivator? Lean into your natural strengths and make them your signature superpowers. And then delegate as much of the other stuff as is practical. Amanda is really good at talking with people, but not over the phone. So she leaves almost all the phone conversations to her VP of First Impressions, Kelly, who has decades of experience talking with people on the phone and who absolutely loves it! Amanda wins, Kelly wins, and the customer wins!

Embrace Your Vulnerabilities: Sharing your vulnerabilities doesn't diminish your power, it humanizes you and creates a space for genuine connection. Vulnerability is the bridge that allows your team to trust and follow you into battle. Yes, it’s important for owners to be solid leaders, stay positive in the face of adversity and be the person that leads their company to success. But letting your staff know you’re human, you make mistakes, you have feelings… all of these things will help some of your employees become some of your biggest champions!

Be a Fierce Advocate for Diversity: Your construction empire should be a mosaic of amazing humans, not a monochrome crew. The good ol’ boy network of yesteryear is gasping its last breath and younger employees are choosing companies that welcome diversity. So champion diversity of thought, background, and experience. Listen to different perspectives, embrace unconventional ideas, and celebrate the unique sparks that illuminate your team. 

Inspire Through Authenticity: Don't try to be the "tough-as-nails" stereotype - unless that’s truly who you are.. Be your authentic self, with all your quirks, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Lead with passion, laugh out loud, and show your team the human behind the hard hat. Your authenticity will light a fire in their hearts, inspiring them to bring their own unique sparks to the construction table.

Remember, construction queens, your individuality isn't a flaw, it's your superpower. So go forth and build your empire not just with bricks and mortar, but with the vibrant tapestry of your authentic self. The world needs to see the dazzling kaleidoscope of construction queens shining bright!