This Podcast Is Episode Number 526, And It's About Becoming A Better Construction Company Owner By Developing Courage Fear is a natural, emotional response to distress. The evolution of humanity was dependent upon feeling and responding to fear. Unfortunately, for some of us, fear is a stumbling block to unlocking our full potential and becoming great leaders.  Fear can have a significant impact on business activities. If a business owner is afraid of taking risks or making decisions based on past negative experiences, it can hinder their success. It's important to remember that fear is often based on False Evidence Appearing Real or F.E.A.R. It's crucial to approach business decisions objectively and not let fear cloud judgment. By recognizing and addressing fear, business owners can make informed decisions that lead to success. The good news is that courage is like a muscle, and when you exercise courage, it often becomes more robust and more natural. Here are a handful of ways to overcome fear, find courage and become a better construction company owner. 1. Don't lose your sense of direction If you struggle to lead in your construction business or manage your employees, staying connected to your purpose for making your decisions is essential. If you lose your sense of direction, the people you are leading may begin to question your ability and authority. When giving instructions to someone you are charged with leading, be specific about what needs to be done and why. 2. Visualize all of the possible outcomes Visualizing a negative outcome may seem counter-intuitive to building courage; however, realizing that the worst that could happen is not fatal in most situations is incredibly beneficial. Conversely, visualizing a positive and prosperous outcome can give you the bravery to make risky choices and stand behind them occasionally. 3. Be willing to do what other leaders won't If you are surrounded by leaders who continually play it safe but are sensing a need to take the road less traveled and make a bold decision, be willing to do it! The fear of people around you disapproving of your choices can be crippling. But the sense of pride when you carefully calculate your options and make a bold choice that turns out well, will strengthen your sense of courage. 4. Carefully consider the opinions of people around you You don't need to allow yourself to be persuaded by the opinions of others in any way, but occasionally a new view from someone with less experience can bring new life into your construction business. Don't let your employee's inexperience cause you to overlook the great ideas they may occasionally have. Be willing to do things someone else's way occasionally bravely, and your courage will undoubtedly increase. 5. Be willing to commit to success Have the inner strength and courage to keep going even when things get tough because you know that everything will work out in the end; if something has not worked out yet, it is not the end. 6. Make the hard decision and say "no" As uncomfortable as it can be to shut down someone's idea, it is necessary sometimes. Next time someone has an opinion you are completely uncomfortable with, respond by telling them no. Often, no explanation is better than a long explanation when you disagree with a person's idea. As a leader, it is right to go with your gut instinct and override decisions you disagree with. Saying no to bad ideas will increase your courage and even the level of respect your employees have for you. As you can see, building courage is not a complicated process. Building courage is simply taking small steps in your daily life and being unapologetic about doing what you know is right. If you are willing to commit to taking the above steps as a leader, you will soon become more confident in your decisions! Many leaders struggle to feel courageous regardless of their time leading. Fear on all sides Contractors without financial reporting systems they can trust...