The Strongest Muscle in Construction: The Heart
When you start to consider what muscle might be the strongest for use on a project, there are likely a few core groupings that come to mind. The arms, the legs or even the back all make excellent arguments for the top spot. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, none of these muscles mean a darn thing when it comes to surviving the often-cruel environment of construction.
What then, is the strongest muscle in construction?
The Heart of Leadership
If you’re going to flex anything on the jobsite, flex the heart. I know, I know, I went straight for the touchy-feely stuff in a blog about construction. But it’s Valentine’s week, so hear me out.
Despite what you and I may have been taught as we came up through the ranks, leadership is not about wielding authority over your people. Leadership is and always has been about serving and inspiring those around you. In fact, leadership guru Dr. John Maxwell put it best when saying, “I don’t have people work for me. I have people work with me.” That little shift in perspective makes all the difference.
Take a quick moment and think about that. Think about some of the great projects you have been a part of and the great teams you were able to work with.
Now, think about some of the not-so-great projects, the dysfunctional teams. Can you begin to feel the difference between the two?
Great leadership isn’t about command and control—it’s about connection and collaboration. Thankfully, there is a not-so-secret, yet rarely used ingredient to lead with connection.
The Power of Empathy
Here’s the real truth: construction is not a project business. No, no, all of us we’re all in the people business. And people? They crave connection and belonging, to be understood and to be valued.
At the core of a great connection is empathy. It’s the ability to step into someone else’s boots, to see the jobsite and the challenges through their eyes. Regardless of what your title is, or where you came from, your success hinges on understanding and connecting with the people you lead.
But empathy is more than just recognizing emotions; it’s about using that understanding to lead more effectively. To truly understand someone requires imagination—to see the world as they see it, to appreciate their struggles, their victories and their aspirations. The best leaders don’t just direct; they learn. They take the time to understand the challenges their teams face, making them better equipped to guide and support them.
The Strength of Compassion
As I said, though, empathy is simply an ingredient to leading. It’s a mindset. Putting that ingredient to work? That’s where compassion steps in.
Compassion is what happens when you put empathy into action. It’s not just about feeling for someone’s struggles—it’s about showing up and supporting them in real, tangible ways.
Compassion builds culture. It builds loyalty. It tells your team, “I’ve got your back.” And it’s often in the small things—the check-ins, the words of encouragement, the willingness to roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches—that real leadership shines through. When your team knows you care, they’re more engaged, more driven and more willing to go the extra mile.
And most importantly, your team knows you have their best interest at heart.
You see, herein lies the power of relational leadership—when people trust that you care about them as individuals, they become more receptive to feedback. That’s when the real magic starts to happen. When those tough conversations become, well, simply conversations. Sure, there will always be times when guidance and redirection are needed, but they are received from a place of mutual respect.
The last thing a leader wants to do is prioritize correcting people over connecting with people. When your team feels genuinely valued, correction stops feeling like criticism and starts feeling like an opportunity for growth.
Challenging the Status Quo
Remember the little cringe you felt when I went straight to the heart? That thought of “this is construction, we’re rough and tough and just get sh-tuff done!” Maybe this is part of the problem.
When it comes down to it, a construction project built on a foundation of empathy isn’t just a more enjoyable place to work—it’s a more successful one. And I don’t mean for the owner or the contractor here, I mean for the people.
Think about some of the biggest challenges the construction labor force faces right now. What would a heart-centered leadership approach do for:
A Culture of Safety – When leaders truly care about their team, and the team about one another, safety isn’t just a regulation; it’s a priority. People look out for each other because they genuinely care.
Stagnant Productivity Metrics – When people feel understood and valued, they’re more engaged, more committed and more productive. That culture of mutual respect encourages growth and glues high-performing teams together to drive results.
The Mental Health Crisis – The construction industry is facing a mental health crisis. Leaders who foster connection and understanding create an environment where workers feel supported and a part of something bigger. This reduces stress and isolation while boosting morale.
It’s time to break that old traditional “I’m going to yell louder and stronger until you get your act together” mentality that got us here and change the perception of construction for the better.
Find Your Superstrength
Some people think leading with the heart, having empathy, having compassion, that these are all soft skills. You know, those are nice to have and all, but not essential. The reality? Leading with the heart is not a sign of weakness, it’s a leadership superpower.
Imagine if every person on a project truly felt seen and understood. How much more motivated would they be? How much more efficient and cohesive would the team become? How much healthier would that culture be? The heart is the strongest muscle in construction—when flexed with empathy, compassion and connection, it creates an unstoppable force of unity and success.
The people of the construction industry are some of the strongest, toughest and hardest working people that I know. But now the challenge is yours: flex the heart. Your team, your projects and your legacy will be stronger for it.
Construction is cool, tell your friends!