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Conference call: Michael Planer President of PES Structural Engineers (Best Firm #10 Structural for 2018), a 57-person firm based in Atlanta.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
“L eadership development,” Planer says, referring to his No. 1 responsibility. “We work hard to ensure that we have the next person for any role in the company identified and trained well ahead of the need for the transition. This philosophy applies from entry-level positions to my role and everything in between.” A CONVERSATION WITH MICHAEL PLANER. The Zweig Letter: When did you have the most fun run- ning your firm, and what were the hallmarks of that time in your professional life? Michael Planer: I always find challenges as opportunities to grow and find those times the most fun. Some of the more recent challenges have been transitioning between the founders of the firm and the next generation of own- ers. The founders realized early on that this transition pro- cess should start well in advance of their departures so that the accompanying strains on the firm would be minimized. It was enjoyable to use this time to develop the future lead- ers into their new roles.
TZL: How do you promote young and new leaders as the firm grows? MP: We have developed well defined position descriptions and a skills matrix and share those along with potential ca- reer path opportunities when folks join the firm. As young- er team members start to approach their next career step, we begin to review the growth opportunities earlier rather than later so that they are aware of what skills they need to build on for these new roles. TZL: What happens to the firm if you leave tomorrow? MP: We’re always looking ahead to who will fill needed “We work hard to ensure that we have the next person for any role in the company identified and trained well ahead of the need for the transition.”
THE ZWEIG LETTER Febr
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