Premature Optimization

Construction technology innovation has exploded and is continuing to accelerate.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

The quantity of experienced talent is at a low point and will continue to decline throughout the next 10+ years.

Leadership Tools: Deming Cycle, Plan, Do, Check, Adjust. Quote: Premature Optimization is the roof of all evil. Donald Knuth. Quote: If something is truly worth doing then it's worth getting started now even if it isn't perfect then iteratively improving. David Brown.

There are probably more unknowns than knowns:

  • What is the best software or technology for ________?
  • Will this company provide the support we need or even be in business in 3 years? 
  • What exactly is the best process for managing the preconstruction process?
  • What is the best training program to accelerate the development of ________ ?
  • If I invest in training _______ will they even stay with the company?
  • How specifically do I measure the return on all these investments?  

The truth is that there is no perfect answer to any of these questions.  

If you never take a step forward then you will never “waste” a step.  You will also never move any further down the road - and you can bet that at least one of your competitors is.  

This is why they call it a “Strategic Direction” rather than “Exact Instructions.”  

What is more important is that you start moving forward and put a great PDCA process in place.  Be focused on rigorously adjusting but don’t stop moving forward. 

Learn more:


An unbiased 3rd party can be invaluable in helping you evaluate unknowns.

Not because they have all the answers but because they will bring different perspectives, methods to evaluate the decision and continuous improvement tools.




Noel Tichy and the 3 Zones of Learning
When it comes to developing talent in yourself and in others, it is important to know the boundaries of the learning zone as defined by Noel Tichy in his 3 Zones of Learning model.
Cash Flow and the 5Cs of Credit - Capital
The 2nd of the 5Cs of Credit is how much capital you are putting at risk, along with your financial partner. Contractors should design and follow their own capital management policies appropriate for their business.
Creating Potential and Delivered Value for Contractors
We are contractors and the contract is a tangible representation of potential value. That value is delivered when the right information, materials, and equipment come together at the right time in the hands of the right craftsperson for installation.