Here's the dealio about productivity and meeting tight deadlines on multiple projects.

Are you working on the right problem?

I ask myself this question more than once a day.

And often, the answer is a resounding NO!

A 'NO' response allows you and your team to refocus and prioritize tasks more efficiently.

The result is fewer frustrating meetings and miscommunication.

Being attentive to your attention gets you back on track quickly.

Look, everyone is busy.

The real question is: Busy doing what???

If you want continuous business improvement, this is it.

Communication NewsFlash: 

The only tool your architects and engineers need is their voice.

The Best News: They are readily equipped. 

Right here and right now. 

Most just need some guidance to fine-tune their words, messages, and confidence.

Your A/E/C teams are capable of learning how to use their voices to grow careers and profits. 

Help them...then, stand back!!

Browse our training programs now (online and in-person) and let's do it! 

Have you ever felt your voice didn't matter in a room full of experts? 

Younger architects and engineers often feel they must have all the answers in presentations and meetings. 

Not true.

The need for perfection is exhausting and expensive when you lose bids to more confident competitors. 

• It's comforting to know that no one knows everything. 

• And that's more than OK; it's liberating. 

• Project managers, superintendents, and others can overcome limiting beliefs with new communication and mindset processes. 

An architect in this month's Top Tier Communicator Training said: 

"I keep falling into a trap, feeling I'm not good enough, and I didn't even know it. Now it's clear, and I have all the puzzle pieces to improve."

Admitting when you don't know something can be empowering. 

Your firm will earn respect and trust when staff says with humility and honesty:

"I don't know, and I'll find out within the...

Consider this if you struggle to introduce yourself, believing you don't need to prepare a 30-second elevator pitch.

Would YOU hire YOU?

Rambling.

Winging it.

Self-serving.

Confusing.

Missing the mark.

Clueless about prospects' needs and desires.

Here's the solution so that your networking generates new business.

Harness the power of your words.

Be intentional with how you articulate your value.

Every word wields power.

When you write your introduction and OWN it, people pay attention.

On we go.

Let's back up the bus on servant leadership in A/E/C.

Being of service and positively impacting communities is a noble pursuit.

The buzz around this phrase, though, weakens the intent.

Servant leadership isn't exclusive to your broader community.

It also applies to internal teams within A/E/C firms.

Are leaders genuinely addressing the real challenges and deeper problems your staff may not openly share?

Servant leadership starts at home.

It may include coaching or training for YOU to improve your communication skills and lead by example.

Internal servant leadership can be sharing your wisdom, screw-ups, and experiences with your team.

It may involve implementing programs that help staff prioritize and reduce burnout.

The productivity piece gets woven in; don't worry :)

Exceptional servant leadership can only happen

when firms have a solid internal foundation.

Once that's in place, go into the community and make a freakin' impact!

Who cares?

That's the question you must ask yourself when preparing RFPs and A/E/C presentations.

The only way to develop trust and get buy-in from decision-makers is to be relevant.

To them!

I share my tried and true method in the 90-second clip above.

If you like this clip and want the skillset that brings buy-in and winning pursuits, check out our new online training, Top Tier Communicator. In just 3 days, you or the team you manage will have today's communication and confidence for an outstanding 2025! We start Nov. 12th! 

You don't have to say anything at shortlisted interviews and networking events.

Others pick up on your body language and subconsciously decide if you are approachable.

Your nonverbal communication says it all. 

Humans are "people-watchers." 

Research has long shown that we observe more than we listen. 

Prospects and clients make snap decisions in under five seconds about whether to engage with you. 

This underscores the importance of your nonverbal cues.

How do you move and behave?

What is your face "saying" about your confidence and mood?

Are your gestures (even if you're standing alone in a luncheon) inviting and welcoming?

Yes, architecture, engineering, and construction firms hire me to teach staff how to confidently and clearly speak and deliver presentations. 

It's easy to get your words tangled. I get it.

Still, impactful communicators reach beyond their words so they win pursuits. 

They recognize that nonverbal skills are...

There's a rampant fear of public speaking in A/E/C. 

Here's the real cold hard truth about this. 

You say you're afraid or nervous about speaking up. 

But, it's not the talking part that brings anxiety. 

The underlying issue is you don't trust yourself. 

You say you don't feel confident even though you know the material inside and out. 

It's about facing your truth about the deeper issue of self-doubt and trust.

I see it every day with coaching clients and in my group programs. 

A/E/C pros who are willing to commit to becoming better communicators quickly lose their fear of public speaking. 

They actually enjoy engaging with others (and generating business.) 

It's an inside job. 

Transform your negative self-talk first to gain confidence and begin to trust yourself at a deep core level. 

Your self-inflicted fear of public speaking will subside. 

Then, you'll grow connections, opportunities, and profits.

Reach out if you're ready to...

If you''ve been in a shortlisted interview and don't have the answer to a question, don't beat yourself up. 

Watch the 1-minute video above and quit the negative self-talk so you can truly shine!

The pioneer of daytime TV talk shows, Phil Donahue, passed away yesterday. 

His syndicated show ended in 1996, after 26 years on-the-air.

There are many skills AEC business development marketers can learn from this legendary communicator. 

Donahue knew how to listen for the minutiae that others miss.

Attention to detail is crucial in our industry as you communicate an understanding of client needs and provide custom solutions.

Is there room to improve your teams' interview prep and presentations?

How do we develop a natural curiosity and understand people?

Learn how to ask quality questions and be more engaging.

How can we allow others to share their opinions while subtly driving conversations?

You've got to think on your feet and know how and when to pivot.

Another lesson from Donahue is how to invite differing opinions in a polite and welcoming way.

You foster open communication and encourage diverse perspectives.

Being open-minded and open-hearted...