If you are a biker (the non-motorized kind), you know that every bike shop has a team of bike repair guys (yup, often guys). Over the years, I've been impressed by their generosity. I could tell you story after story about how they would bend over backwards to repair my bike and get me back out on … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #128: Client service lessons from the bike shop repair guys
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Scarlett Letter #127: Must Followup on these Tweets from Q1-2 2010 (Part II)
In Scarlett Letter #126, I posted a dozen key tweets from this year that I myself (and perhaps you, too!) need to delve into at a deeper level. Here's the rest (just eleven!). Please do let me know your own thoughts or experiences relating to these ideas, resources, concepts, etc. Privately or … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #127: Must Followup on these Tweets from Q1-2 2010 (Part II)
Scarlett Letter #126: Must Followup on these Tweets from Q1-2 2010 (Part I)
Seven months into 2010, I realize that I have not fully followed up on some of the 'to do' items that I've posted on Twitter. First, let me explain that there are two reasons that I post tweets: 1. The 'usual' reason: to build relationships and trust; to join in the spirit of sharing; to win new … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #126: Must Followup on these Tweets from Q1-2 2010 (Part I)
Scarlett Letter #125: Resist the urge to provide backup explanations when ‘creating’ ideas, concepts, designs
Recently I was in Europe, speaking with an accomplished young author and professor from Germany. Her name was Lillian, and we spent some time talking about our respective teaching philosophies. Because I so often co-purpose my approaches to my Scarlett Consulting design and construction clients … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #125: Resist the urge to provide backup explanations when ‘creating’ ideas, concepts, designs
Scarlett Consulting #124: Clarifying roles and responsibilities
Or maybe I should be titling this post: Expecting the wrong things from the wrong people. Not unlike the majority of sizable AEC firms, Columbia College of Chicago has a formidable information technology (IT) team. This group educates adjunct professors, like myself, on the latest and greatest … [Read more...] about Scarlett Consulting #124: Clarifying roles and responsibilities
Scarlett Letter #123: Make it easy for your internal staff members to share knowledge with one another.
Have you ever noticed how people from your firm will attend conferences, seminars, lunch sessions, etc. but then they will neglect to share their new knowledge or experience? When times are busy, admittedly, it’s hard to keep track of what’s being absorbed and shared, let alone keep up with regular … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #123: Make it easy for your internal staff members to share knowledge with one another.
Scarlett Letter #122: When you are frustrated with your career, did you ever think about….
...what it would feel like if you were no longer 'allowed' to do your profession? Or perhaps particular aspects of your profession? For example, in my own work, here are my top five favorite things to do (not in any order): educating/teaching; public speaking; coaching on public speaking and … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #122: When you are frustrated with your career, did you ever think about….
Expanding your services.
Lessons learned from striving to grow market share with existing clients. Published in Modern Steel Construction. What do Building Information Modeling (BIM), Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Private and Public Partnerships (PPP) have in … [Read more...] about Expanding your services.
Scarlett Letter #121: Keeping your cool in stressful times
Moving sucks. You know it's true; I won't hear any arguments from my readers on that point! They say moving is one of the life's most stressful experiences. For the last two months, I've been in moving mode. I am simply moving from one part of the City to another. But, after living in my condo for … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #121: Keeping your cool in stressful times
Scarlett Letter #120: Summer solstice~An opportunity to re-energize
Earlier this morning, this inviting announcement tantalized me to attend a meditative ceremony tonight, the longest day of the year: Summer solstice marks the middle of growing season, as plants flourish and we cultivate them to ensure an abundant harvest. It is the longest day of the year, with the … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #120: Summer solstice~An opportunity to re-energize