Ditching Her "Hot-Headed" Habit: How Deryl McKissack Built a $25 Million Construction Empire
Deryl McKissack, the president and CEO of Washington D.C.-based construction firm McKissack & McKissack, has a family legacy in construction dating back to the late 1700s. However, she took a different path, building her own firm from the ground up with $1,000 of her own savings in 1990. Today, the firm boasts annual revenue exceeding $25 million. McKissack credits a significant portion of this success to one crucial change: ditching her short temper, a common struggle for many professionals. By replacing her explosive reactions with thoughtful questions and empathetic communication, she fostered a more collaborative and productive work environment, leading to a thriving business.
Key Takeaways:
- From $1,000 to $25 Million: Deryl McKissack’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and strategic leadership in building a successful business.
- The Power of Communication: Recognizing and addressing her "hot-headed" tendencies, McKissack adopted a different communication approach, focusing on empathy and thoughtful questioning, ultimately building a better working relationship with her employees.
- Beyond the Bottom Line: McKissack’s story emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and its impact on both employee morale and business success.
- Shifting the Paradigm: The article advocates for a shift away from aggressive communication styles and towards more collaborative and constructive approaches in the workplace.
The Cost of Anger in the Workplace
A 2018 survey by staffing company Accountemps found that a significant 52% of professionals have lost their temper on the job, highlighting the prevalence of anger in the workplace. While it might seem like a natural response to stress or frustration, unchecked anger can have detrimental consequences, impacting both individual relationships and the overall work environment.
The Ripple Effects of Anger
- Damaged Relationships: Explosive outbursts can damage relationships with colleagues, clients, and superiors.
- Reduced Productivity: Anger can lead to unproductive conflicts, decreased focus, and even sabotage, hindering individual and team performance.
- Increased Stress Levels: Unresolved anger can lead to chronic stress, affecting physical and mental health.
- Negative Company Culture: A workplace rife with anger creates a toxic environment, impacting employee morale and retention.
Managing Anger in the Workplace
The article highlights a range of strategies for managing anger in the workplace. These strategies emphasize self-awareness, mindfulness, and effective communication:
Step 1: Acknowledging and Understanding Your Anger
Understanding the root cause of your anger is crucial. Researchers Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy, writing for the Harvard Business Review, suggest giving yourself time to cool down before reacting.
Step 2: Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, can be highly effective in calming down and reducing stress. Even short meditation sessions can lead to significant benefits, as stated by Mindvalley CEO Vishen Lakhiani.
Step 3: Communicating Effectively
Once you’ve calmed down, focus on clear and constructive communication. Avoid venting or blaming, and instead, practice using a formula like "When you , I feel " to express your concerns effectively.
Building a More Positive and Productive Workplace
Deryl McKissack’s journey highlights the transformative power of changing behaviors, particularly in leadership roles. By recognizing the detrimental effects of her anger and actively working to shift her communication style, she fostered a more positive and productive work environment, leading to the success of her company. Her story is a reminder that emotional intelligence is just as important as technical skills, particularly in leadership.
The article advocates for a broader shift towards more empathetic and collaborative communication in the workplace. By embracing strategies like mindfulness, effective communication, and emotional intelligence, individuals and organizations can cultivate a more positive and productive work environment, leading to greater success for all.
