We've all been on those teams or projects where a leader or coworker wasn't so great to work with. They may have been a "bus driver," less than cooperative or unethical. One bad character trait is bad but multiple can be killer to a project's morale and performance metrics (safety, quality, profitability). Three that are bad whether applied in the trailer, in the office or at home are narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. By themselves they are a bad idea. Combined they make for something called the Dark Triad in the world of psychology. They make for someone who has too much pride and ego, manipulates people and situations to the extreme and has no remorse or empathy while doing it. A little confidence is a good thing while overconfidence can leave us with blinders on and underprepared. Working situations to make sure our goals are taken care of is also good as long as we do it fairly. Even empathy in the right amount is required. The right amount of empathy where we have concern for others and ourselves is a good thing.
Construction can be high stress where, if we are not careful, we hide the nicer side of ourselves and our teams. Going to a dark place might get things done in the short term but it won't last. Don't be a "bus driver" leave people in your wake while trying to attain success. In the next few days, I'll cover several different character traits that we can live by that will make long term professional and personal success more likely and more enjoyable.
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