For most of us, each day holds a number of “to-dos.” Some are thinking tasks that involve strategy, and others are more routine, as in “just do it.” Everything I’ve read says that our minds work in different cycles depending on how we are wired. I’ve written about being a member of the before breakfast club, and …
First impressions matter. In these initial minutes, maybe even seconds, we sometimes may make unconscious judgments, including whether or not we can trust a person. I’ve read that we tend to trust people who are a bit older than ourselves or those who appear a bit more reserved. For most of us, there’s not a lot …
In our business, there are times when the tendency is to quantify by the unit. “Price per square foot” is used to measure all kinds of things, from the average property value, all the way to building cost. While it can be a quick and easy reference at times, a summary is just that. A …
This time of year, there are always resolutions about this and that floating around for the new year, the things we say we are going to do better. It’s just the same with me, but I always start by taking a good look in the rear view mirror. What could I have done different here …
Sleep and I have a precarious relationship. On the one hand, it’s a necessity. But the downtime can feel wasted, like I could have been getting more accomplished. I’ve heard it said that the uninspired sleep late, while those perusing a passion naturally wake up early. I can relate. I relish the quiet hours before …
In the last few days, I was talking with our CFO about what distinguishes between a good hire and an average one. He said something like this: By watching how someone handles their personal life, we get a good glimpse of how valuable they can be to the company. Character, values and good judgment sometimes …
When I am faced with a problem to solve and there is not a clear path at the time, it has been my experience that consciously filing it in my mind for further processing is the best temporary solution. It is amazing the way this works. Over the next few days, it will surface from …
Over time, we all move through life cycles. Friends and customer relationships may change jobs, and their personal circumstances are in flux as well. It is always easier to reach out to those who have something we need, but what about other times, when there is a rough patch or someone is out of work? …
For the last 25 years or so, I have taken some time each fall to head out to Buffalo Gap, South Dakota, to chase those multicolored birds around the prairie, the swamps and the millet. In reality, hunting is just the excuse. The real trip is to visit with my long time rancher friends, enjoy some good wine and …
Several years ago we started using PlanGrid (a cloud-based system) and we now use it on every job. Our project managers upload plans/specs, reports and schedules on their particular projects, and the mobile app syncs with online document management software, allowing us to access all our files from anywhere that has WiFi. Prior to …
On Thursday evening, I was invited to a dinner with Raphael Bostic at the Birmingham Branch of the Atlanta Federal Reserve. In June, Raphael took over the reins as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, after a professorship at USC and distinguished career. As Raphael began his remarks, he offered an anecdotal story about teaching a class at USC. A …
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” – Lao Tzu Have you ever seen a picture that sticks in your mind? One that does not make much sense when you first see it, but when you “get it,” you cannot erase it from your thoughts? This happened to …