497 :: Why Pacesetter Leadership Backfires in Construction (And What to Do Instead)
Is your push for excellence quietly burning out your best people?
Many construction leaders default to "pacesetting"—leading by example, demanding speed, and expecting others to keep up. But according to leadership expert Daniel Goleman, this style may be crushing team morale, lowering performance, and increasing turnover—especially when overused.
In this episode you will:
- Learn the 6 proven leadership styles outlined in Goleman’s HBR article—and how they apply to construction.
- Understand why pacesetting, though well-intentioned, often leads to burnout and disengagement.
- Discover how to flex your leadership style to drive accountability, morale, and long-term results on every project.
Listen now to uncover which leadership style your team really needs—and how to lead with clarity, confidence, and lasting impact.
Click here to download Goleman's 6 Leadership Styles.
The Construction Leadership Podcast dives into essential leadership topics in construction, including strategy, emotional intelligence, communication skills, confidence, innovation, and effective decision-making. You'll also gain insights into delegation, cultural intelligence, goal setting, team building, employee engagement, and how to overcome common culture problems. Whether you're leading a crew or managing an entire organization, these conversations will equip you with tools to lead smarter and build stronger teams.
This episode is brought to you by The Construction Spanish Toolbox —the most practical way for construction teams to learn jobsite-ready Spanish in just minutes a day over 6 months.
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If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.
