(You can also view us on Spotify or listen to it on Apple Podcasts. )
Embarking on a journey of entrepreneurial success, Chris Elder, alongside his twin brother Patrick and lifelong friend Austin, shares valuable insights into the essential elements that have propelled their business forward. The narrative unfolds, offering not just a story but a blueprint for cultivating success through enduring friendships, trust, and a commitment to the team's well-being.
Building on Trust: A Pillar for Success
The cornerstone of Chris's success story is trust—an invaluable currency cultivated over a remarkable 30-year friendship. This enduring trust serves as a rare and robust example, emphasizing the significance of establishing unwavering faith in your business partnerships. Chris advises, "Trust each other with your lives. Trust each other with the money." In a world driven by transactions, the depth of trust they've built is a powerful testament to the foundation upon which success can be constructed.
Candid Conversations: Navigating Differences with Grace
A key takeaway from the podcast is the trio's ability to engage in candid conversations. Chris emphasizes that their intimate knowledge of each other's strengths, weaknesses, and decision-making processes forms the basis for these open dialogues. This level of transparency allows them to navigate challenges effectively. The lesson here is clear: cultivate an environment where candid conversations are encouraged, providing the space for constructive dialogue that can lead to innovation and growth.
Personality Differences as Strengths: Embracing Diversity
Rather than letting personality differences hinder progress, Chris underscores the importance of embracing diversity within the team. Their success lies in the ability to look past individual idiosyncrasies and focus on the collective goal. The lesson here is clear: recognize and leverage the unique strengths that each team member brings to the table, fostering an environment where diversity becomes a source of strength.
Putting the Team First: A Commitment to Resilience
Facing potential economic headwinds, the team's mindset remains unwavering—they've collectively committed to putting the team first. This decision, as Chris recounts from a recent leadership meeting, is a non-negotiable. It serves as a guiding principle for resilience and a testament to the importance of prioritizing the well-being of your team. The lesson here is evident: in the face of challenges, a united and prioritized team can weather any storm.
Leadership Growth: Investing in People
As Chris expresses excitement about going deeper with their young leadership team, he highlights the growth not just in business acumen but also in their leadership journey. The advice here is profound: invest in the growth of your team, both professionally and personally. A team that evolves together is not just a workforce; it's a community that shares a common purpose.
In conclusion, Chris Elder's journey unfolds as a manual for navigating the complexities of business. Trust, candid conversations, embracing diversity, prioritizing the team, and investing in leadership growth emerge as the guiding principles. Beyond a narrative, it serves as an insightful guide for entrepreneurs and business leaders aiming to build not just success but a resilient, thriving, and interconnected business ecosystem.
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Elder Construction, Inc. Inc. is an experienced contractor with a focus on integrity and staffed with the industries most capable construction professionals. With offices in Colorado Springs and Windsor, we are committed to serving our clients, our employees, and our communities.
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ExperienceYes is a learning and development company focused on turning soft skills into hard results with its Business Relationship and Leadership IQ programs, innovation, and mind-blowing keynotes. Contact us if you want to know more!