The Secrets of Successful Strategic Planning
AIA Greenville, SC, July 2014
Scenario Planning: A Creative Tool for Future Strategies
KA Connect, June 2014
Career Advancement in Design Firms: Ownership Transition and Succession Planning
AIA national convention, June 2014
Your Clients Talked, We Listened: Top Ten Research Findings Every Firm Should Know
ACEC national convention, May 2013
On the Minds of Firm Leaders
Our A|E Advisors group (www.ae-advisors.com) has just completed our annual CEO Forum, where 50 firm leaders from across the country came together in Scottsdale, Arizona for a 2-day CEO roundtable. A thought provoking session this year was the discussion of our CEO Survey Report. We once again surveyed A&E firm CEOs regarding the trends and challenges that they’re seeing today. I’d like share some of the survey results with you, and also pose some follow-up questions.
The Talent Scramble
The economic downturn that has affected nearly all of our industry has had most firms scrambling for work to keep their people busy. No doubt this has been a top priority for you, too. As a result, we’ve observed one element that has been notably absent from strategic plans developed over the past few years: [...]
The Five Failures of Strategic Planning (and How to Avoid Them!)
In my many years of strategic planning consulting, I’ve seen some clear patterns emerge where A/E/C firms get bogged down, and I’d like to share some of those experiences. My colleague, Cara Bobchek, and I are also presenting case studies on this topic at the ACEC national convention this month. “Title Bloc.” Many firms can’t [...]
Where Do We Go From Here?
In these changing and uncertain times, many firm leaders are asking themselves “where do we go from here?” In my strategic planning work, I too have had ample opportunity to think deeply about this with my clients. In pursuit of meaningful answers, I’d like to pose several more focused questions: What’s changed in the world? [...]
Planning in Perpetuity: The Firm Leader’s Role
Too many firm leaders operate under the misconception that once their new strategic plan is developed and committed to paper, their job is finished. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, the biggest one-time effort in strategic planning is getting the new plan off the ground. But maintaining momentum toward your goals and strategies [...]
Success and Succession
If you’re reading this, you’re either leading your firm or would probably like to be leading it someday. Effective leadership is the single most crucial asset a firm must have to succeed. Firms that need money can borrow; firms without enough business (if there are any these days) can boost their marketing; but firms that [...]