March 2005 Strategic Pursuits The term, “Strategic,” seems to be used increasingly. Always, the term is used to give emphasis of one marketing effort over another. The benefit, in all cases: the focus of a firm’s efforts is better; and results also are better. However – some efforts are macro and others are micro. […]
Winter 2004 Experiencing the Theory Here’s an interesting case example from which we can all learn. It involves doing and implementing a strategic planning effort … and experiencing the aftermath. This particular firm has about 100 people, with a broad mix of professional disciplines … architects, site/civil engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, highway and […]
Fall 2004 Urgency -v- Priority In many firms’ strategic planning efforts, considerable market research is done, to create an accurate and reliable forecast of the strength of the coming marketplace. Firm leaders also factor in personal enthusiasm for potential markets, so the directional commitment is based both on market opportunity and professional passion. By […]
Fall 2003 Implications of “Good to Great” In the past year, leaders of many firms espouse concepts from Jim Collins’ bestseller, “Good to Great.” In revisiting the concepts, many don’t seem consistent with their professional services firm culture. Some concepts are applied verbally, but not actually. And other concepts could deliver incredible benefits if […]
Summer 2004 Futures The Arlington Institute’s “futures” conference in Washington, D.C., last April, had an amazing cadre of presenters. Here are “nuggets” from an event that was a “feast”… particularly elements with ties to what we do professionally … and opportunities. The Millennium Project This international think tank surveyed over 300 influential heads of […]
Summer 2003 Differentiating As markets mature, firms seem considerably more comfortable staying in their traditional markets than in continuously evolving into new growth markets. Firms have relationships with a broad base of clients. And the firm has name recognition. It’s a lot more comfortable to “stay put and hope things will eventually pick up.” […]
Spring 2004 Adjusting Here are some observations and suggestions for “adjustments” that seem in tune with what’s happening today in our professional services environment. First … External Adjustments … Markets are continuing to shift. Some that have been “dormant” for twenty years or more seem to be coming back to life. Others seem […]
Fall 2002 Staying Successful When market conditions are abundant, firms are busy. Utilization rates are up. Profits are up. Firms grow. And even training budgets and other amenities flourish. The problem? No pain … other than getting work done and finding more good people. Leaders often get caught up in the euphoria. And everyone […]
Summer 2002 Turbulence Treasures & Traumas For twenty years, I’ve tracked an economic model known as the “Kondratieff Wave” or the “Long Wave Theory” or the “56-Year Cycle.” Some in the business world are fans of the theory; some think it’s nonsense. Like many models, however, if it provides you with some insights or […]
March/April 2002 Going for the Gold! “I’ve stood my watch at the firm’s helm; now it’s time for someone else to do it.” “I need about five more years to build the equity that I need to retire.” “Well, two more years and it’ll be time to leave the firm.” “It’s been 35 years; […]