What Makes A Successful Female Construction Executive?
Following on from my article last week regarding “Closing the Gender Gap in Construction” and the start of our UK’s first Women In Leadership: Leading With Motivational Intelligence that kicked off on Friday last week, I decided to write this article.
Becoming successful in any industry takes determination and hard work; one industry where this is arguably more apparent is becoming a successful female in the construction industry. Have you ever wondered why some people and – for this blog – some women, in particular, become more successful in specific sectors than others?
The following article was created from interviews with several successful women in construction management roles within the UK. It gives an insight into the skills, mindset, experience and support required for women to become successful leaders within the construction industry.
Meet Jane, a successful female construction executive who has made her mark in a male-dominated industry. Jane has always been interested in the construction industry, and after completing a degree in civil engineering, she began her career as a project manager at a large construction firm.
As she gained experience and took on more responsibility, Jane realised she was passionate about leading teams and driving projects to successful completion. She decided to pursue a master’s degree in construction management and, upon graduation, took on a leadership role at a mid-sized construction company.
Jane has faced numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry throughout her career.
These include challenges related to discrimination, bias, stereotypes and a lack of mentorship and support. We know that within the construction industry, women may face difficulty being taken seriously and receiving the same opportunities and resources as their male counterparts.
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” — Maya Angelou
However, Jane has always remained committed to her goals and has worked hard to overcome any obstacles that have come her way. She credits her success to the support of great leaders who believed in her vision and provided her with the resources and opportunities she needed to succeed, as well as her solid motivational intelligence.
Jane is now the CEO of her construction company, specialising in commercial and residential projects. She has built a strong team of skilled professionals and is known for her ability to lead and inspire them to succeed.
Some key things have played a crucial role in Jane’s success, including having supportive leaders and mentors and high levels of motivational intelligence and self-belief.
Drivers for leadership success
I believe Jane’s story shows that there are several key drivers which can enable women to succeed within the UK construction industry.
These include:
Education and training: Women who are well-educated and trained in the necessary skills and knowledge for their careers are more likely to succeed in the construction industry. This includes obtaining degrees or certifications in engineering, construction management, or the trades.
Mentorship and support: Women may benefit from having mentors or support networks to turn to for guidance and advice as they navigate their careers in the construction industry. This can include mentors within the industry, as well as support groups or networks specifically for women in construction.
Confidence and determination: Women who are confident in their abilities and determined to succeed in the construction industry are more likely to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Strong communication skills: Communicating effectively and collaborating with colleagues and clients is essential for success in the construction industry. Women with strong communication skills are better equipped to build relationships and make their voices heard in this field.
Leadership skills: Women with strong leadership skills, such as inspiring and motivating others, can succeed in construction industry leadership roles.
Women contribute to the construction industry, and effort is underway to create a more diverse and inclusive sector…….but further work needs to be done.
See our previous blog post on the current gender gap within the construction sector: Closing The Gender Gap In Construction.
“I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.” — Florence Nightingale
How can Motivational Intelligence Leadership training help create successful leaders?
Motivational intelligence (MQ) refers to a person’s ability to recognise and understand their motivations, as well as the motivations of others, and to use this understanding to drive positive action and achieve their goals. It involves self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-motivation.
Motivational Intelligence Leadership training can be a crucial driver of success for women in several ways by focusing on the following :
Self-awareness: By being self-aware, women can better understand their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations and use this understanding to set realistic goals and take action towards achieving them.
Self-regulation: Women with strong self-regulation skills can manage their emotions and behaviours effectively, which can help them overcome challenges and stay focused on their goals.
Self-motivation: Women are more likely to take the initiative and persevere in facing obstacles, which can be essential for success in the construction industry.
Understanding others: By having a solid understanding of the motivations of others, women in the construction industry can better communicate and collaborate with colleagues and clients, build relationships, and effectively lead and motivate their teams.
“If we understood the power of our thoughts, we would guard them more closely. If we understood the awesome power of our words, we would prefer silence to almost anything negative. In our thoughts and words, we create our own weaknesses and our own strengths. Our limitations and joys begin in our hearts. We can always replace negative with positive.” — Betty Eadie
Jane’s story is a testament to the fact that women can succeed in the construction industry, even in non-traditional roles. She is an example of the significant impact that women can make on the industry and a role model for other female entrepreneurs in construction.
If you’d like to start your story or find a more successful path, then Motivational Intelligence (MQ) will almost certainly play an essential part in that.
Our Women In Leadership: Leading With Motivational Intelligence programme will help you ensure you’re fully equipped to build your career, thrive through the challenges and embrace the successes of being a leader.
So let’s work together to grow your business in 2023.
If you’re a business leader looking for something a bit different, training & development that works…then we can help.
So let’s work together and make 2023 the year you said YES!
James Fleming
The Power Within Training,
The Motivational Intelligence Company
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