AEC Industry Insights
PSMJ Article: Making Annual Reviews A Positive Process
Making Annual Reviews A Positive Process Download
Culture & People
Why Regular Reviews Matter—Even When You’re “Too Busy”
A surprising number of firms still don’t run any kind of structured employee review process—not annually, not quarterly, not ever. And when you dig into why, the answer is usually some version of this: “Our technical leads are slammed. They don’t have time to review their people.” Fair point. In Read more…
Business Strategy
Why Small Business Owners Stay Frustrated (And How to Break the Cycle)
I had coffee with a fellow consultant today, and our conversation drifted into familiar territory—small business frustration. At one point she joked, “Aren’t all small business owners frustrated?” It was tongue-in-cheek, but let’s be honest: it wasn’t far from reality. You’d be hard-pressed to find a small business owner who Read more…
Culture & People
Death by Meeting
Every leader knows what a bad meeting feels like. The energy drops. People disengage. The conversation wanders. And by the end, nothing is decided, everyone is more confused than when they started, and the only clear outcome is the collective wish that the meeting had been cancelled. This is what Read more…
Growth & Scalability
The Flat Organization Myth
I came across this idea while reading Radical Candor by Kim Scott: many leaders wear the “flat organization” label as a badge of honor. The thinking goes, We don’t need titles or hierarchy here—we’re all equals. I understand the sentiment. It’s about teamwork, openness, and avoiding the bureaucracy that slows Read more…
Culture & People
Fight, Flight, or Freeze — The Best Move in Uncertain Times
We find ourselves in uncertain times. Then again, one could argue we always do—it’s just that sometimes we perceive things to be more stable than they are. Stability is often an illusion; change and disruption are constant. In moments of uncertainty, our natural wiring kicks in: fight, flight, or freeze. Read more…
Culture & People
The Double-Edged Sword of Vulnerability in Leadership
Vulnerability is often celebrated as a hallmark of great leadership. Countless articles in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and WSJ highlight how leaders who are open, transparent, and willing to admit mistakes build trust, inspire loyalty, and create high-performing teams. And they’re right—up to a point. But let’s talk about the Read more…
Culture & People
Three Ways You Are Undermining a Culture of Accountability
Accountability isn’t just a leadership buzzword—it’s the backbone of every successful organization. Yet, as leaders, we often undermine this critical cultural element without even realizing it. Through my experience as a firm leader and consultant, I’ve seen three behaviors that erode accountability faster than you can say, “Who’s responsible for Read more…
Business Operating Systems
The Business and Personal Payoff of Better Project Management
When leadership sets clear expectations and holds project teams accountable for using project management tools and processes, the payoff extends far beyond improved project outcomes. While the financial benefits are clear—fewer delays, reduced rework, and increased profitability—the impact on employee well-being is equally significant. A firm that runs well-managed projects Read more…
Business Operating Systems
Why Clear Expectations and Accountability Lead to Higher Adoption
Leadership sets the tone for how processes and tools are adopted within a firm. But it’s not enough to invest in technology or introduce new procedures. To see meaningful adoption—especially when it comes to project management—leaders must be explicit about expectations and hold their teams accountable for following through. In Read more…