Can't is a 4-Letter Word

Never even begin to let the word CAN’T enter your mind or come out of your mouth.

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Don’t allow your teammates to think or say the word CAN’T.  This is easier said than done. Avoiding CAN’T requires a combination of leadership, discipline and tenacity with a healthy dose of optimism to avoid.

Leadership Tools: Can't is a 4 Letter Word

NOT YET is a much better way to frame things.  

"Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years."

Bill Gates

Bill Gates summed it up perfectly with his quote which is generally about time span. It’s important to understand that all of us have different time horizons over which we are comfortable planning.  

These time horizons shorten based on the newness of the subject matter and what level of stress we are under.

Contractors are faced with lots of new conditions including a very tight talent market, changing project delivery methods and rapidly developing technologies.  

Leadership requires that steady hand of setting the course - even in the face of uncertainty.  Then sticking with that course taking one step forward at a time. Even when you end up falling back two-steps just get back up and take another step forward with a positive attitude.  You will get there; just NOT YET.




Urgent vs Important (Put First Things First - Stephen R. Covey)
Every person on the planet has the same 24 hours in a day. It’s how we use those 24 hours that determines our outcomes. What must I get done today, this week, and this month that will have the biggest impact in the next quarter, year, and decade?
The Toolbox of a Leader
Contractors know how important it is for their crafts people to have a toolbox (and bags) full of well maintained tools. As a leader in a construction business you must build your own toolbox.
Mark Twain - Boundaries of Knowledge
Whether you are learning or training it is important to understand the boundaries of your own knowledge as well as the boundaries of those you are working with.