In this episode, I talk to Dalmo Cirne, senior manager of machine learning engineering at Workday, about the concept of “management streams” and why it’s vital for effective leadership and organizational success in the AEC industry.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Implement Management Streams in AEC Leadership:
- The “management streams” framework divides management responsibilities into four key streams: managing oneself (reservoir), managing a team and operations (downstream), managing upward to stakeholders (upstream), and collaborating across disciplines (side stream). This approach helps leaders navigate diverse challenges effectively by engaging with each key direction in their management role.
- Effective leaders must avoid tunnel vision — focusing solely on their immediate team or tasks (“downstream”). Instead, leaders should manage multiple streams to ensure alignment across all stakeholders, plan strategically, and address unexpected changes or evolving requirements, especially in the complex AEC industry.
- A common management challenge is the lack of resources or actionable guidance for transitioning from an individual contributor role to a managerial position. Many traditional leadership tips are vague and not helpful. Practical frameworks, like management streams, help leaders grow effectively and meet the demands of today’s dynamic work environment.
- The “management streams” framework is an evolutionary approach, not a disruptive one. It builds on traditional management knowledge while addressing the complexities of today’s work environment, helping managers develop the skills needed to thrive and effectively bridge the gap between what they think they know and the requirements of modern leadership.
- Effective self-management directly impacts how leaders handle their teams and navigate challenges. By mastering self-awareness, managing personal reactions, and being deliberate in their responses, leaders build trust, create a positive environment, and support the long-term cohesion and success of their teams.
- Assembling an effective team is like putting together a sports team: it requires a balanced mix of skills. Leaders need visionaries, problem-solvers, and “forwarders” who are focused on seeing projects through to completion. This variety ensures that the team is equipped with complementary skills, covering both abstract thinking and practical execution.
- Misalignment with upstream stakeholders usually indicates a breakdown in communication. Keeping communication channels open is crucial to influence decisions, prevent misunderstandings, and avoid decisions being made without crucial information, which negatively impacts projects.
- Building strong peer-to-peer relationships (“side stream”) is crucial for project success. Collaborating with other disciplines — such as product managers, legal teams, and marketing — ensures alignment across all parts of a project, moving it forward smoothly despite inevitable challenges and frictions.
- AEC professionals should not only strive to be good at their technical roles but also focus on mastering the skills and expectations of leadership and management. By focusing on being effective first — delivering results and meeting expectations — before trying to become highly efficient, leaders grow sustainably and build strong foundations for their future success.
More in This Episode…
About Dalmo Cirne
Dalmo Cirne works with technology, is the author of “Management Streams,” and writes books and articles ranging from management and leadership to software and mathematics. Colorado is where he calls home.
What is different about his work is that it presents explanatory knowledge for the why, what, when, and how to go about the topics he explores. In addition to content, whenever possible, he complements with real-life examples to illustrate them in practice.
With a degree in mathematics from SUNY (State University of New York) and over three decades working in technology, he uses his experience to build products, lead teams, and teach what he has learned to the next generation of leaders and individual contributors.
At Workday, his teams build the machine learning-based financial products; at Clarifai, computer vision was brought to mobile and IoT devices used from apps to the defense of our skies; at mParticle, he was part of taking the company from zero to one and establishing the CDP market; and at Disney, video and notifications enabled a whole new way to experience sports.
Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include:
Workday
Andreessen Horowitz
Dalmo Cirne
Connect with Dalmo Cirne on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on how to implement management streams in AEC leadership.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
