There is a myth in business that “good strategy takes a long time.” If you asked ten consultants how they would develop strategy, you would likely get ten different answers. Things like lengthy surveys, multi-day retreats, or workshops spread across months. All this needs to be compiled into binders that Read more…
Most business owners think they have a strategy. To prove it, they point at results: Revenue is up, headcount is growing, projects keep coming in, the phone is ringing, cash flow is decent. To prove strategy, they will point to growth. But ask them why this growth is occurring, and Read more…
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…
What’s New, What’s Next, and What Hasn’t Changed Attending AIA 2025 was a reminder of how quickly the design and construction industry is evolving—and how much remains grounded in the enduring values of the profession. The Rise (and Rise) of AI Artificial Intelligence was no longer a fringe idea or Read more…
Ask most business owners what strategy means, and you’ll hear some version of “a plan to grow.” But growth isn’t the only reason to think strategically—sometimes, it’s not even the right one.
I had a great conversation with Peter Atherton of Actions Prove in Episode 102 of The AEC Leadership Today podcast. We covered a lot of ground, from implementing Quality systems like TQM and ISO 9001 to Strategic Planning and everything in between. Perhaps the centerpiece of the conversation regarded business Read more…