Over $25 million a year: The story of the 63-year-old entrepreneur who quit her most harmful habit.

Deryl McKissack established her construction firm from scratch, despite her family's long history in the industry.

The construction firm McKissack & McKissack, founded in 1990 with $1,000 of her own savings, is now a Washington D.C.-based company that generates more than $25 million in annual revenue, according to CNBC Make It.

McKissack attributes some of her growth as a boss to abandoning her habit of having a short temper. A 2018 survey from staffing company Accountemps found that 52% of professionals have lost their temper on the job.

"I was very impulsive," says McKissack. "[In construction] some things are happening quickly, and sometimes you just need to let out your frustration. You need to vent. That's how it was back then."

Mastering communication and public speaking is the ultimate guide.

An executive coach's suggestion to start every meeting with a question has helped her approach conversations more congenially, she says.

At first, I didn't fully grasp the advice. I remember thinking, 'WTF?' during my meeting. However, I realized that I needed to start with a genuine question. It could be something casual like 'How was your weekend?' or something work-related, such as 'How do you all feel about the upcoming project?'

By adopting a more empathetic and approachable communication style, McKissack was able to better connect with her employees. She offers guidance and positive reinforcement, and prioritizes her own mental well-being before engaging in conversations.

Her employees are more energized, collaborative, and responsive to feedback, which boosts their performance and grows the company's bottom line, says McKissack.

How to handle anger in the workplace

Feeling underappreciated, stressed, or angry can be common. According to Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy, writing for the Harvard Business Review in 2022, understanding the root cause can help you find a solution.

"The pair advised against immediately expressing emotions to others and instead recommended taking time to calm down before making major moves. They noted that when upset, individuals are less able to think strategically."

Even short meditation sessions can help ease frustrations, as Mindvalley CEO Vishen Lakhiani advised Make It last year.

"Lakhiani stated that taking a one- to three-minute break for peacefulness can yield significant results, with the greatest benefits occurring in the initial few minutes."

After clearing your mind, you can communicate more calmly about the source of your anger. Instead of venting, try using the formula "When you do this, I feel that" to express your grievances.

To become a successful and confident communicator, enroll in CNBC's online course, "Become an Effective Communicator: Master Public Speaking." Our program will teach you how to speak clearly and confidently, manage your nerves, choose the right words, and use effective body language to make a great first impression. Sign up now.

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