AEC Managing Partner Newsletter - October 2006
AEC Managing Partner Newsletter
October 2006
Welcome to the October 2006 Edition of the AEC Managing Partner Newsletter.
In this Months Newsletter:
1. Working Strategically - an Article by Herb Cannon
2. Top Ten Ways to Connect with Employees
3. Strategic Planning Facilitation Services
4. Axium Users Conference on October 20th
5. Valuations and Ownership Transition Seminar November 17th
6. SMPS Southern Region Conference January 26-27, 2007
7. SDA Orange County Chapter October 18, 2007
Working Strategically
I am sitting here in my office staring out the window, wondering where the year has gone. There is a chill in the air and the leaves are turning color. Every year seems to pass a little quicker, my inbox gets a little bit deeper and my to-do list gets a little bit longer.
Like everyone else, I seem to fall back into the habit of working on mundane tasks and activities to the detriment of my strategic plan. It feels so good to work on those easy things like reading my e-mail, opening my snail mail, organizing my electronic files and so on& At the end of the day, I look back and see that I have accomplished very little.
Instead of writing my newsletter, submitting a paper for presentation, writing a proposal or finishing my clients report a few days early, I have frittered away my time with activities that produce little value.
Does this sound familiar?
When I catch myself caught up in the comfortable auto-pilot of task based activities, I ask myself how did I get here and how can I get back to working on those items that are important? What strategies, rules or procedures can I implement that will give me the greatest chance of achieving my strategic goals?
Here is what I came up with.
1. Don't read e-mail for the first 2 hours in the office. E-mail is a great distracter and leads you down the path of autopilot task based activities. When was the last time you received an e-mail that couldn't wait a few hours before dealing with it.
2. Dedicate at least the first hour of every day (2 hours are better) to working on projects that are of strategic importance. For me it is developing a new seminar, writing my newsletter, sending a proposal or finishing a project early.
3. Don't look at the internet for the first 2 hours of each workday. Yes, I love to check out CNN or MSN to see what is going on - but it can wait. In fact, make 5 minutes of internet time contingent upon completing the strategic task of the day.
4. Set-up artificial rules to keep yourself motivated and focused. Examples are no lunch until the newsletter article is written; No bathroom break until that 95% complete project is 100%. Not allowing myself to pay my American Express Card until I finish the new seminar outline.
5. Setting up personal rewards for finishing major projects. Taking a Friday afternoon off, a special outing with my family or splurging on the latest gadget are things that motivate me to finish my projects.
6. Delegate Delegate Delegate. Yes, I know you can do it quicker yourself, but it is clearly a short-term strategy. Invest the time needed in delegating every possible task and you will reap the benefits long after the pain of delegation has passed.
7. Save task based activities for the end of the day. Spend the last ½-hour or so of every day to quickly handle those mundane tasks that cannot be delegated. This will free your desk from the distracting clutter that has accumulated and allow you to start fresh the next day.
Top Ten Ways to Communicate and Connect with Employees
In the course of my consulting practice, I am called upon to conduct a human resources audits. The audits consist of confidential employee and owner surveys, one on one interviews, a written report and an oral presentation to the owners.
One of the consistent complaints by employees in every human resources audit is the lack perceived lack of communication from the owners or top management. On the surface, it would seem that the use e-mail, voice mail, intranet, internet, virtual workspaces, cell phones, blackberries would make communication a no-brainer. However, the reality is that most employees fell more disconnected than ever.
It would seem that we are mistaking the constant noise of information for meaningful communication. Here are some simple steps you can take to improve communication and make employees feel more connected.
1. Ask for their opinion.
Employees want to share their ideas, but many are unsure how to approach the boss. Relieve them of this burden by asking their opinion.
2. Send a Monthly E-Mail to the Staff
A monthly "state of the firm" e-mail is an easy and effective tool for communicating employees. Topics can include project highlights, new employees, software tips&
3. Quarterly Meeting
Every 3 months take an hour to have an employee meeting. The owners can talk about any topic they choose. The history of the firm, plans for expansion, ideas for new services. Be sure to include time for a question and answer.
4. Announce New Projects
Every new project should be announced to the entire firm e-mail. Employees want to be kept informed by the company and not word of mouth.
5. Project Presentations
Allow employees to give project presentations to the company. It keeps everyone informed and provides the opportunity for junior staff to improve their presentation skills.
6. Provide In-House Seminars
Employees want the opportunity to learn and improve their skills. An in-house seminar allows everyone to hear the same information. It is much more effective than send a select few employees out to an outside seminar.
7. Do Something Just for Fun
Whether it is the annual barbecue, museum tour or baseball game, employees appreciate the opportunity to socialize at a company-sponsored event.
8. Recognize Employees Publicly
Be sure to recognize outstanding achievements publicly. Whether it is winning a new project, passing their licensing exam or winning a design award - be sure to recognize them in the monthly e-mail and quarterly meeting.
9. Hold Annual Reviews on Time
Nothing can make an employee feel more disconnected from the company than not having their annual review on time. I know it is last on your list of favorite things to do but do it anyway
10. Conduct a Human Resources Audit
Employees appreciate the opportunity to express their concerns to an outside 3rd party. The mere fact that a company takes the time and makes the investment in a human resources audit goes a long way in improving the feeling of connection with the company.
Strategic Planning Facilitation Services
Successful firms retain a facilitator exclusive to the A/E industry and take the time (2-3 days every year) to develop a simple plan of where they want to go and how to get there. The result of the session is a simple action plan that articulates the company's goals, assigns responsibility, assigns deadlines for action and has a mechanism for follow up.
AEC Management Solutions works exclusively with Architect and Engineers to develop strategic plans that help them earn and keep the money they deserve for their creative efforts.
Please call us at 732-705-5098 to find out how we can help you achieve your goals.
Axium Users Conference on October 20th
Herb Cannon will be conducting a session on Incentive Compensation
This popular session with cover all of the key strategies for establishing an incentive compensation program.
Please visit the Axium Website for More Information
http://www.axiumae.com/events/userconference/
Valuations and Ownership Transition Seminar November 17th
Herb Cannon will be presenting a ½-day valuation and ownership transition seminar in on November 17th. This session will focus on the practical steps you need to take establish a fair valuation and insure an orderly internal transition, or prepare your firm for sale to an outside company. Download the Registration Form.
http://www.aecmanagementsolutions.com//Ownership%20Transition%20November%202006.pdf
SMPS Southern Region Conference January 26-27, 2007
Herb Cannon will be presenting at the SMPS Southern Region Conference in San Antonio, TX on the topic of Strategic Planning. More details will follow
SDA Orange County Chapter October 18, 2007
Herb Cannon will be conducting a session on Incentive Compensation
This popular session with cover all of the key strategies for establishing an incentive compensation program. More details will follow
Visit the AEC Management Solutions, Inc. Website
http://www.aecmanagementsolutions.com
Want to Reprint an Article from AEC Managing Partner?
As a publisher of a print or web-based publication, you are hereby granted the right to reprint any article contained in this newsletter with the following provisions
1) The words "By Herbert M. Cannon" must be included immediately following the article title.
2) The following "resource box" is included following or preceding each article.
Herbert M. Cannon, President of AEC Management Solutions, Inc. and Publisher of AEC Managing Partner Newsletter, is a management consultant, seminar provider and speaker exclusive to the A/E Industry. He is available to speak at company meetings and conferences. For more information, contact Herb via e-mail hcannon@aecmanagementsolutions.com. Or visit his website at www.aecmanagementsolutions.com
3) You send us a hard copy of any printed publication in which one Herb's articles appear. Printed issues may be sent to 183 Higgins Road Matawan, NJ 07747
Thank you for taking the time to read my monthly newsletter. As always, I look forward to your feedback.
Regards,
Herb Cannon
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