Stop Talking and Listen!
Communication: The imparting or exchanging of information or news. Depending on your personality, you are either the type to listen or talk. Usually, people struggle to be good at both. I was the type to talk, to think about what to say next, and sometimes forget to listen to the person I was talking to. […]
Being a Good Communicator Isn’t as Hard as You Think
“Engineers don’t have good communication skills.” I hear this all the time, and it is a myth. While it may be true for some engineers, we cannot put it out as a blanket truth that applies to all of them. And most importantly, if someone is not a great communicator now, they can develop those […]
No Moment Is Too Small for a Sincere Thank You
Over the past 12 months, during another painful period of global socio-economic strife, I have thoroughly enjoyed EMI’s support as we’ve discussed AEC industry trends and leadership themes. Last month’s effort, A Sustainable Sales Platform Starts With an Organization’s Values, presented an opportunity to summarize these discussions. This month, as we move into what […]
Leadership Skills You Can Develop Now
Are you doing what it takes to earn a leadership role at your firm? A few years ago, I was working with a team of senior project managers (PM). The training program was “From PMs to Business Leaders.” In our first session, I asked them to list the job requirements for a PM and […]
You Don’t Have to “Win”
I once had a conversation with someone who bragged about how he was able to get a car dealership to basically give him a car. He talked about all the different tactics he used and how at the end of it, the salesmen essentially said, “We’ll sell you the car, but we ask that you […]
A Sustainable Sales Platform Starts With an Organization’s Values
As with every phase of life, beginnings and ends are times for focused reflection on our successes and failures. Individually and as a member of a team, this analysis sets the stage for subsequent growth. This reflective planning rhythm has defined the last 10 years of my life, as I’ve strived to grow from events: […]
Three Guarantees in Life: Death, Taxes, and Job Insecurity
According to careertrend.com, job security is defined as “a sense of assurance that you will remain employed for the foreseeable future – or at the very least, until you decide that you are going to move on. Job security means you are confident that your employer will keep you on board, regardless of the forces […]
How Effective Leaders Should Give Feedback — Especially During Sensitive Times
Is it time to change the way leaders give feedback to employees? Feedback is tough to give (or receive) in the best of times. Doubly so during troubling times, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a high-stress environment, emotions are high. Sensitivities are raised. Feedback is tricky. However, giving feedback is part of a […]
Engaging the Engagers: Succeeding in the New Era with Better Leadership and Management
“Literally nothing a CEO or CHRO does will authentically, structurally, and sustainably change the value of your organization more.” This is a statement from the recently released book written by Jim Clifton, Chairman and CEO of Gallup, and Jim Harter, PhD, Chief Workplace Scientist for Gallup, based on their research and more than 30 […]
Shaping Our Future Generations by Becoming a STEM Author
“If they don’t bring you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” ~ Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm There is value in encouraging children to learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). As an engineer for 16 years, I have always enjoyed mentoring and speaking to the youth, presenting “Engineering Is Fun!” […]