Leadership - Page 16 of 18 - Beyond the Build

Tips from the Trenches: CEO’s Recession Strategy Improves Leadership in Any Economic Climate

I was recently reading Institutional Investor, a magazine that provides financial commentary and survey results directly impacting investment decisions. They’ve just announced their “All-American Executive Team” award winners for multiple corporate titles. This is a composite from a survey of 570 sell-side analysts at more than 100 securities firms and 780 buy-side investment professionals at …

Leadership

What Dinner With Alan Greenspan Taught Me About Leadership

Last month, with little time to spare, the Senate reconfirmed Ben Bernanke as Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve. His term was set to expire just two days later. Senators were looking for a place to lay blame for our country’s current financial dilemma. Bernanke took much of their heat, even though they really wanted …

Leadership

All For One and One For All

You’ve heard the Three Musketeers shout it as a show of selflessness and solidarity. It’s the national motto of Switzerland. I’m proud to say it’s also a mantra of the Stewart Perry team. When the economic downturn started affecting commercial construction, our CFO Del Allen and I were forced to take a hard look at …

Leadership

True Character Shows When We’re Forced to Use Plan B

When we prepare for projects, we have a plan A (or better said a construction schedule) but with backup plans B and C. Experience tells us to plan for success but leave room for contingencies. I saw a similar scenario played out in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. Recall the Vancouver …

Leadership

Spikes in College Applicants Show American Youth’s True Colors—Red, White and Blue

Since Planting Acorns evolved primarily as a forum to discuss views, encounters and takeaways from my professional life, it’s rare that I have the occasion to mention my family. With that said, I think facets of our personal lives shape the way we think professionally, so it’s important you know I’m a fortunate father of …

Leadership

Do Rigid Job Titles Restrict Your Team’s Performance?

Over the years, I have noticed how many people get attached to job titles, particularly in their letters and on their business cards. Some are in the game for a higher rank, and achieving their desired title is almost like wining an Olympic medal. It’s something for them to hold on to. If I had …

Leadership

Business Leaders: We Hear All the Talk, But Are You Listening?

In my opinion, good listeners are continually refining their skills of attention, empathy and most of all, reticence. Listening comes more naturally to some, while others have to work hard to silence themselves and fully digest the thoughts of others. Over the years, I’ve made a conscious effort to improve as a listener, and I …

Leadership

Construction Trend: Quick Issue Vendor Liens and Lower Subcontractors Insurance Limits

From my perspective, these tough economic times have had an impact the unwritten rules that long governed the way construction businesses operate. Case in point: the vendors employed by subcontractors seem much quicker to file liens these days, even without communicating with the contractor. Insurance limits are being lowered on aggregate and umbrella coverage to …

Leadership

Super Bowl Success: Traveling Through Tragedy Makes Customers Valued Friends

As I sat in my living room last Sunday evening and watched the New Orleans Saints become the world football champions, I couldn’t help but think back to the days following Katrina. One of our customer relationships called right after the storm to tell us they weren’t sure what happened to their properties in New …

Leadership

Actions Speak Louder than Words: Corporate Philosophy Actualized

Anyone can talk a big game. It seems that in the name of public relations, lots of business leaders are talking up green initiatives, corporate responsibility and the importance of a welcoming in-office environment. It all sounds good, but does it ever really play out in day-to-day operations? I’ve always thought that corporate culture goes …

Leadership

My Road Trip Reminder: True Legacies Were Built in Our Country’s Darkest Financial Days

I’ve often thought that most builders strive for one of two major goals—to make the most money possible or to build a legacy. I’m not sure about you, but as a business owner I’d like to think at least some of what we do will go beyond legacy status and have a lasting impact to …

Leadership

Tips for a Successful Build: A Project Checklist

Ideally, I could say that every project that we’ve built during the last 25 years has been perfect. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. As our company has matured beyond those early years, it’s become evident that starting out with a good game plan and a properly laid concrete foundation makes the rest of the job …

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Tips from the Trenches: CEO’s Recession Strategy Improves Leadership in Any Economic Climate

What Dinner With Alan Greenspan Taught Me About Leadership

All For One and One For All

True Character Shows When We’re Forced to Use Plan B

Spikes in College Applicants Show American Youth’s True Colors—Red, White and Blue

Do Rigid Job Titles Restrict Your Team’s Performance?

Business Leaders: We Hear All the Talk, But Are You Listening?

Construction Trend: Quick Issue Vendor Liens and Lower Subcontractors Insurance Limits

Super Bowl Success: Traveling Through Tragedy Makes Customers Valued Friends

Actions Speak Louder than Words: Corporate Philosophy Actualized

My Road Trip Reminder: True Legacies Were Built in Our Country’s Darkest Financial Days

Tips for a Successful Build: A Project Checklist