What Home Improvement Teaches Us About Leadership

In the fast-paced world of business, success often favors those who take initiative, adapt to challenges, and lead from the front. These traits can also be cultivated outside the boardroom in unexpected ways. One of the most illuminating examples? Tackling a home improvement project.

I had this very experience over the holiday break, when we decided it was time to stop taking cold showers every morning and finally figure out the issue. Like leadership, it required patience, strategy, resilience, and the ability to learn on the fly.

What I love most about the home improvement projects is being able to step out of your comfort zone with a hands-on task to improve your home, hopefully save a little money and? develop these leadership skills. Really any home improvement project can shape you into a better leader:

1. Embrace Problem-Solving

Home improvement projects rarely go as planned. A wall might need extra prep work, or a simple plumbing fix might uncover a bigger issue. Similarly, in the corporate world, challenges arise unexpectedly. The ability to troubleshoot and find creative solutions is a cornerstone of effective leadership. When you take on a DIY project, you learn to assess problems, think critically, and pivot when needed—all skills you can carry back to the workplace.

2. Foster Patience and Perseverance

Leadership requires a long-term mindset, especially when results aren’t immediate. Home improvement tasks teach patience in spades. Whether it’s waiting for paint to dry or in my instance, trying to repair a plumbing fixture whose parts no longer exist, you develop the grit needed to see things through—even when progress feels slow. In business, this translates to staying focused on strategic goals despite short-term setbacks.

3. Strengthen Communication and Collaboration

My project required asking for help and advice, something leaders sometimes overlook when defining their style. It allowed me to assess different ways to tackle the issue from people with more experience working on this type of project. Without these conversations, there would likely be a new hole in the wall created by a hammer or a fist. With these improvement projects, you’ll quickly realize the importance of clear communication and teamwork. Just as you coordinate with others to ensure the project’s success, leaders in business must communicate effectively and align their teams towards a common goal.

4. Boost Confidence by Learning New Skills

Nothing builds confidence like mastering a new skill (or at least understanding what goes into that skill to gain a greater appreciation and empathy for those on your team). Whether you’re tiling a backsplash for the first time or trying to find the source of the dripping water, pushing your boundaries fosters self-belief. As a leader, this confidence inspires your team and demonstrates that growth is possible at any stage.

5. Understand the Value of Preparation

A successful home improvement project starts with research, planning, and the right tools. Before I did anything, YouTube and family members with more experience in home improvement helped me determine the source of the issue and find the solution. Leaders know that preparation is equally critical in the corporate world. By developing a detailed roadmap, anticipating challenges, and equipping yourself with the knowledge to address them, you set the stage for success—whether you're managing a project at work or tackling one at home.

The Satisfaction of Completing the Task

While I appreciate the cold plunge trend, I’m happy with warm showers in my bathroom again. And it is personally rewarding knowing the role I played in turning the water back on.

Taking the initiative to embark on a home improvement project might seem like a personal endeavor, but the lessons you gain can profoundly impact your professional life. By cultivating problem-solving skills, patience, communication, confidence, and preparation, you’re not just enhancing your living space—you’re honing your leadership abilities.

So, the next time you consider hiring someone for that home project, think twice. Could this be an opportunity to challenge yourself intellectually, grow as a leader, and step out of your comfort zone? The answer might surprise you.

Remember, great leaders aren’t just born in boardrooms; they’re shaped by experiences that push them to think, adapt, and grow. But also remember to have a few experts on speed dial, because being a great leader is also knowing when to pull the ripcord and bring in additional expertise.