Every Construction Team Needs an Exclamation Point!
Whether you are a sports fan or Swiftie, there is a good chance you’ve seen or heard Taylor Swift’s recent interview with Travis and Jason Kelce on their New Heights podcast. My favorite moment from the 2+ hour podcast (other than her sourdough obsession) was when she described Travis, her new fiancé, saying “He’s a vibe booster in everyone’s life that he’s in. He’s like a human exclamation point!” She kept going, “he’s like the enhanced color filter on your phone!” What a wonderful way to be described by someone! If you are familiar with DISC styles and behaviors, you will recognize right away, that Taylor is perfectly describing a high “I” (Influence) style.
What does this have to do with construction? We all know days can be long, projects can feel never-ending, challenges are constant, and stress can weigh down even the strongest team. This is where the “I” style makes all the difference. Kelce is famous for his big personality, creative route-running, and off-script laterals to teammates. Some may know he’s also famously showed up late to meetings early in his career. All of these are indicators of “I” behaviors. Having a teammate like Travis on your project brings:
- Energy when deadlines drag. These are the team members that keep spirits high when others are bogged down in the details.
- Connection when conflict arises. They smooth over tension with humor, encouragement, or just the right story at the right time.
- Communication when silence stalls. High “I’s” make sure voices are heard and ideas are shared, bridging gaps between people and keeping the team engaged in the conversation.
- Momentum when progress feels slow. Their enthusiasm helps the team see the bigger picture and stay motivated.
Without an “exclamation point” on the team, projects risk losing their spark. The work gets done, but often without the energy or cohesion that makes a team feel like it’s ‘gelling.’ With a high “I” around morale stays strong, people stay connected, and challenges feel more manageable. “I’s” have the ability to inspire people in the work they do.
If you have an “I” on your project team, let them be that exclamation point! Give them opportunities to encourage, celebrate, and connect people. Use them to add an ice breaker to the start of your weekly progress meetings or lead a ‘vacation highlights’ segment of the meeting. Your high “I” will shine when they can present or be the star, and others will shine brighter when you encourage this behavior. Their energy doesn’t just brighten the room, it helps the whole project move forward together.
We are in the midst of teams filling out applications for the 8th Annual SF Collaborative Partnering Awards, and what I know from teams that have succeeded in the past is that they all have collaborative, fun stories to share! Creativity, team building, and bonding often stem from our “I’s.” Take the time to appreciate these folks and thank them for bringing the positivity. Days would feel a lot longer without them.
Every team needs an exclamation point! But they also need a blueprint, an implementor, and an engine. In our Building with Style workshop, your team will learn how to identify each DISC style and leverage those strengths so you can build your best project. How do you let your high “I’s” shine? I’d love to hear your ideas.
~ Louisa
Louisa brings a fresh and energetic approach to DISC training, combining her passion for people with the collaborative methods of OrgMetrics. As a Certified DISC Trainer, she helps construction project teams understand communication styles, strengthen relationships, and work together more effectively. Louisa’s approachable style makes DISC accessible, engaging, and directly relevant to the real-world challenges teams face. She is based in the Livermore, CA, where she enjoys coaching youth sports, volunteering at her children’s schools, and spending time with family.
For more information, please contact Louisa Garrett, louisagarrett@orgmet.com / (702) 466-8722 (cell) or OrgMetrics robreaugh@orgmet.com / (925) 449-8300.