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Those who know me know I am a huge Franklin Covey fan. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Principle-Centered Leadership and The Speed of Trust are go-to resources for me. In times like this, where uncertainty reigns and so many things are out of my control, I rely on Covey’s foundational principles to guide me. As leaders and construction executives, we can lean on these teachings at every moment to navigate our businesses through turbulent waters.

Stephen Covey’s Habit #1—Be Proactive—teaches us to focus on our “circle of influence” rather than our “circle of concern.” We always have the freedom to choose how to respond to the multitudes of stimuli which are thrust onto our businesses by forces which are out of our control. It is most productive to focus our energy on what we can actually influence. This freedom to choose is liberating.

Moments in time such as these are an opportunity to change paradigms, depart from past practices and rewrite the rules to the game. This is the time to be innovative and differentiate your business in the marketplace. As we confront instability caused by external or internal forces—such as government mandates, lack of immigration reform, tariffs or cheating fair and open competition—we will always have the freedom to choose how to respond. There is no “easy” button. Leadership takes courage. True leadership can be lonely, but it is the differentiator and the life-blood of innovation in the construction industry and in America.

ABC has led that charge for 75 years, and we will continue to lead it for the next 75 years by making wise choices focused within our circle of influence.