Succession - There is No One Best Way

When it comes to relatively simple and repetitive tasks like bending conduit or framing a wall, there is a “One Best Way” as described by Frederick Winslow Taylor, who is known as the father of Scientific Management.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

W. Edwards Deming continued building on this with the PDCA cycle that has become a foundational part of the lean principles. 

Succession: V.U.C.A. Environments. Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous.

However, as systems become more complex (or V.U.C.A.), such as operating a company or succession planning, there is not a single “One Best Way” that will work in all situations.  

As contractors that focus relentlessly on building efficiently, it is our tendency to want to quickly figure out that “One Best Way,” making us susceptible to advice that leans in that direction.  

As you are selecting your third-party advisors, make sure to run quickly from those that insist that there is “One Best Way.”

Your focus needs to be on learning the multiple paths, understanding the pros and cons, then deciding on the path you are going to take up the mountain. 


Succession - There is No One Best Way
Continue building value in your business, yourself and your key team members with a good succession strategy....

Succession - There is No One Best Way
Continue building value in your business, yourself and your key team members with a good succession strategy....

Coaching and "GPS Feedback" - John Wooden Example
The best coaches and superintendents all have an eye for detail and constant communication. Winning in construction or sports is about ensuring that thousands of details come together correctly. The game (or project) is won far away from the scoreboard.
Cash Flow Tip 17 - Cascading Reporting Systems
Developing rigorous weekly Operating Rhythms in your business will help everything run smoother just like they do at the project level.
Success is Not Final and Failure is Not Fatal
The construction business is TOUGH! There will be years that go by where it seems you are on top of the world. There will be “perfect storms” where you have a bad project, a dip in the economy or lose a critical member of your team.