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8 Soft Skills To Get You To Executive

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?

TL;DR

8 Soft Skills For Being An Executive:

1. Listening
2. Humility
3. Time-Management
4. Stress-Management
5. Communication
6. Adaptability
7. Persuasion
8. 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!

Once you have your results, reply to this email or tag me on LinkedIn and let me know what you learned.

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 Around The Industry: People To Know

Tyler Suomala

Tyler is a trusted friend and instrumental voice in the architecture industry.

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