Over the last week, I had the fantastic opportunity to visit a construction site of a $22,000,000+ hotel and restaurant. While muddy boots and long underwear weren’t exactly how I imagined my first overnight business trip in life, I discovered a secret that every successful business person needs to know’leadership.

I know you’ve heard all about leadership and probably figured that you already were a good leader. Throw yourself into the setting of a multi-million dollar construction site, and you might see what I did’I don’t know near enough about leadership.

Knowing the industry isn’t enough
A person isn’t a good leader because he’s an expert in the industry. Anyone can paint a wall or install insulation. A great leader holds other skills, too. He has to plan, and he knows how to keep others in line with his plan. This project has to be finished for a June opening, and construction is barely half done – 2/3 of the rooms don’t have drywall, 1/3 don’t have windows. The superintendent knows how to do this work, but on a tight schedule? He has to figure out which tasks are the most important, when he needs different subcontractors to arrive, and how to cope with problems in the plans and number of field guys. Next, he’s got to figure out how to keep everyone motivated on the schedule he builds and constantly changes.

Leadership isn’t about friendship
Construction guys are not buddies with each other. They slap each other on the backs and treat each other well. But the leaders don’t stand around and chat with workers. As a woman, I think about if people will like me. A leader can’t do that’he’s got to focus on results and getting the job done. No conversation is longer than it needs to be out here.

Always show confidence
If the superintendent shows a glimpse of doubt about the completion date, the doubt will spread. Presentation is the key – if the leaders act confident, the followers feel confident. Throw away insecurity and fear and replace them with enthusiasm.

Don’t be afraid of getting dirty
I’m not referring to dirty language’which flows in abundance on a construction site. I’m referring to the mud you’ll get on your boots and the blisters you’ll get on your hands. Remember the classic scene from “Gone with the Wind”? Scarlet O’Hara turns curtains into a beautiful gown to convince people she’s still wealthy. The blisters on her hands give her away, though. Well today isn’t like that! If you want to be self-made, you’re going to get blisters of some sort. A lot of people are making a lot of money on that construction site. The weather has been freezing or so muddy that my boss lost his boot in the mud as he took a step, but hey, they’re making money.

Insist on being well paid
The truth is that people make decisions based on the bottom line’you often should, too. The owners are motivated to get the hotel open on time so that they can make more money. The well-paid construction worker is more motivated to work hard, and you’ll find yourself feeling the same way.