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F R O M T H E F O U N D E R
Would you work for you?
W ith so many growing AEC firms competing for a too-small talent pool, I think all of us should be asking ourselves, “Would I work for myself as an employee?” Stop lamenting the labor shortage and start doing what you should to find and keep the very best people in spite of it.
If that isn’t your culture, watch out. There are firms out there where it is, and they are going to be able to hire your best away from you. Here are 16 things you can do that will make your firm the place that eventually attracts all of the best people in their respective fields: 1) Commit to growth. Growth is essential because if you aren’t growing, you are shrinking. Growth is the best way to ensure there will constantly be new challenges and roles for your people. That’s “If that isn’t your culture, watch out. There are firms out there where it is, and they are going to be able to hire your best away from you.”
If you are truly honest with yourself, many of you would say, “No, but I’m different from most people who work for me.” If you know me at all, you would know that I wouldn’t think that is a very good answer. You may, in fact, BE special. But you know what? Everyone not only THINKS they are, but everyone else probably IS special, too. So, what are you doing to show your people – the team you depend on every day to deliver the speed and quality of work that makes your very good clients keep coming back with more work – that you really UNDERSTAND them and appreciate their uniqueness? And how about you understand and appreciate them to the point that they feel like they are each partners in the enterprise and “in on something” good by working there?
Mark Zweig
See MARK ZWEIG, page 12
THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 26, 2021, ISSUE 1401
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