Management Accountabilities: Two Foundational Basics
D. Brown Management
August 20, 2023
Managers have two basic foundational accountabilities. The first is delivering consistent outcomes given the inconsistencies of the inputs, people, and environment. The second is developing people at all levels into their fullest potential along the way.
business management talent development
Opportunity Pipeline Target Size: The Basic Math
D. Brown Management
August 13, 2023
The biggest leading indicator for performance of a contractor is the size, quality, and trajectory of their opportunity pipeline. There are lots of nuances and complexity to evaluating your pipeline, but it all starts with the principles and basic math.
business development business management market strategy
6 Phases of the Strategy and Planning Process
D. Brown Management
August 13, 2023
The strategy and planning process for a contractor can be broken down into six phases. Each phase is integrated but has a different objective and involves different people. These phases will help you create the right process for your stage of growth.
business management business planning strategy
Levels of Strategic Decisions (The Basics)
D. Brown Management
August 13, 2023
There are many "Strategic Possibilities" developed from "Strategic Brainstorming" that must be explored to make choices that will best position a contractor to win over the long-term. These "Strategic Decisions" must be made and integrated at all levels.
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4 Different Strategic Planning Objectives
D. Brown Management
August 13, 2023
Before moving into a strategy or planning session, understand which of the four broad objectives you are working to accomplish knowing they may be different for different parts of the company.
business management business planning strategy
Management Team Development Phases Within Each Stage of Growth
D. Brown Management
July 29, 2023
The management team leading a contractor through the different stages of growth will typically navigate three phases at each stage - Emerging, Hollow, and Ready. Understanding these phases guides growth planning, recruitment, development, and succession.
leadership management Organizational Development
Headcount, Stages of Contractor Growth, and Growth Inflection Points
D. Brown Management
July 29, 2023
Every contractor will navigate very predictable stages of growth. Each of these represents about a tripling of headcount and requires different leadership focus, strategies, structures, and systems. Stress and failure points are also very predictable.
leadership management strategy
Required Leadership Focus Changes at Each Stage of Growth
D. Brown Management
July 29, 2023
At each stage of growth, the leadership focus at the top for majority Owners/CEO/President must change to continue navigating growth effectively. Concurrently, the leadership focus from the prior stage of growth must be transferred and expanded downward.
leadership Organizational Development sustainable growth
8 Indicators That You May Be at a Growth Inflection Point
D. Brown Management
July 29, 2023
While there is no "Perfect Signage" about the growth inflection points that contractors must navigate through, these eight questions can help you evaluate where you are at.
business planning Organizational Development strategy sustainable growth
Prioritized Development and Improvements
D. Brown Management
July 29, 2023
Identifying all the opportunities for development of talent and improvement of the operation for a contractor is overwhelming at best. You can't "punch list" a business like you can a project. Prioritization and sequencing are crucial for success.
change management continuous improvement opex