The 63-year-old is the president and CEO of Washington D.C.-based construction firm McKissack & McKissack, which she started with $1,000 of her own savings in 1990. It now brings in more than $25 million per year, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. McKissack credits at least some of that growth to ditching her most toxic habit as a boss: having a short temper. It's a common habit — 52% of professionals say they've lost their temper on the job, according to a 2018 survey from staffing company Accountemps. The coach suggested something simple: Start every meeting with a question, instead of diving right in.

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Persons: Deryl, they've, You've, McKissack didn't, McKissack Organizations: Washington D.C, CNBC