A/E/C FACT about lost bids, productivity, trust, and talent: 

Struggles with people skills will only end when industry leaders seriously commit to learning today’s communication strategies.

For themselves and their teams. 

”People didn’t understand it wasn’t working while it wasn’t working.” 

I heard this line on Election Night TV coverage. 

It hit me straight between the eyes as it’s spot-on for the sustainable growth CEOs are pursuing. 

Put egos aside. 

Level up your own leadership and self-awareness. 

Prioritize communication and BD training now —not next quarter or next year. 

“People didn’t understand it wasn’t working while it wasn’t working.” 

Let that land. 

Then equip yourselves with the right and repeatable tools for lasting growth and transformation.

Reach out and let’s do it. 

A/E/C NewsFlash: 

Architects, engineers, and construction pros are in business.

No matter your degree or major, you must know the bigger picture of your role.

You've got to understand the marketing, revenue, and operations of day-to-day business.

How do YOU contribute to goals like sustainable growth, winning pursuits, succession planning, and effective communication?

College degrees and certifications don't give us a "pass" on learning.

It's not a one-and-done. 

Can you say continuous improvement?

Don't be the Radio Shack or Kodak of your firm.

Take initiative, think creatively (unrelated to designs, infrastructure, or building materials), and show up in a bigger, bolder way.

People who strategically connect the dots win trust and lead the industry. 

*Take the initiative with one of our communication, sales, and mindset development training programs.

Click here for training info or drop me a note.

LinkedIn feeds are brimming with welcome posts and smiling young faces of eager A/E/C summer interns.

Some may become employees at your firm.

How are leaders imparting wisdom and sharing experiences with interns — and staff?

Personal anecdotes and epiphanies aren't in curriculums and rubrics.

They are between your ears and in your heart.

You have invaluable stories and insights. 

The next generation in A/E/C needs and wants to learn from your troubles and triumphs. 

Aspiring talent is watching you. 

Your teams notice how you interact and communicate. 

Are you leading with heart and wisdom?

From our file marked: Watch the Gap. 

C-suite executives in A/E/C know the value of intellectual property. 

A generation of top execs worry about passing the torch when they retire. 

It's overwhelming to think about gathering data on culture, history, finances, values, and projects. 

All are critical to succession planning.

But few, if any, talk about the colossal gap.  

Set aside data and bid packages for a sec. (Don't twitch )

What will the knowledge transfer look like without dizzying pie charts and spreadsheets?  

AEC succession planning and business communication are markedly different post-COVID.

Our next generation of leaders expects emotional connections as well as data.  

Intellectual property = storytelling. And wisdom. 

If succession planning is on your mind as 2023 winds down, be sure you know how to transfer your knowledge through stories:

• Have casual conversations
• Mentor heart-to heart
• Share...

Processes and procedures. 

A/E/C firms have long been hot on operations. 

What happens, though, when senior leaders teach new hires inefficient methods?

The cost of doing business like this is mind-boggling.

Productivity, morale, lost bids, and the labor shortage, to name a few. 

Senior management must know how to train and onboard new hires in new ways. 

Are you showing people how you scramble to prepare for a short-listed meeting the day before?

Do you confide that you don't know who will be in the room?

Does your team know when to speak and what to share?

Are they sharp and paying close attention to each other and the decision-makers?

I spoke recently at my local SMPS chapter on this topic.

The business development leaders unanimously agree:

They need (and want) to learn new communication and selling strategies, such as:  

• Storytelling

• Reading the room

• Body language

• Vocal pacing so that your words *land* with...