How about some learning, lunch, and leisure at the client’s place?
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Back in January 2011, I wrote in this column about hospital-acquired infection based on my introduction to this serious problem and my participating as a steering committee member for the Hospital Associated Infection Organization (HAIO).
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This past March, I asked the question, “Do you have a corporate sustainability plan?” and recently I was discussing this topic with a director of a physical plant for a major college on the East Coast. He commented, “Energy conservation and environmental management should be a team effort.”
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Since I became a “company of one” this past January, I have been far busier than I had estimated when I wrote out my business plan. I guess that is a good problem, but it has taken me 10 months to get things under control and fit within my new five-days-a-week schedule (no more working Saturdays, Sundays, or evenings).
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In the past, I have written about the integrated project delivery (IPD) process and my advocating it over design-bid-build, construction management, and/or performance contracting, but I’m troubled by the slow progress of IPD into the design, construction, and O&M business.
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Here’s a manufacturer’s competitive advantage waiting to happen.
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Put yourself in the position to come up with the next Great Idea, or to at least hear about and recognize it early on.
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Guiding a group effort isn’t effortless, but a few good habits will set the tone for success.
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Some will say most engineering, construction, and O&M software offerings are “smart” because they are all programs built for computer applications, but I see that some software has added benefits beyond their program intent. To begin, computer programs are developed to provide a variety of technical features, such as performing energy calculations and system/equipment service that blends technical data with financial data. Even my own software programs have specific features for commissioning and air and water balancing. But what about the benefits a program can provide which maybe weren’t part of the intent?
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In recent “Tomorrow’s Environment” columns, I’ve talked about the need for engineers to change from being a commodity and a follower to recommitting their technical skills to engineer-driven consulting services. I touched on some of the engineering initiatives that are ideally suited for engineer-led teams. The heart of being a leader of projects begins with three essential attributes: Positive attitude, creativity, and a high energy level, followed by a need to lead.
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