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....

Last Planner System (LPS) Overview: Should > Can > Will > Did > Improve
The Last Planner System (LPS) developed by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI) is the codification of the practices used by the best project teams. There are elements that EVERY contractor can use to improve performance of their projects and business.
Mental Models and Building Strong Businesses
The best builders develop a complex 5D mental model of the project, keeping it constantly updated. Through thousands of interactions with hundreds of people over years they “nudge” the project from concept through construction completion.
Work Conversion Cycle and Backlog Run-Off
PARADOX: A contractor can’t focus on the bigger strategic issues until they have a predictable backlog of work. If a contractor doesn’t have a solid market strategy and organizational structure in place it’s very difficult to build a consistent backlog.