Insights from D. Brown Management
AI Definition: Prompt
Steve Jost
July 29, 2026
A prompt is the ask you type: the scope of work you hand the AI tool. The word sounds like a software skill, but this industry already writes the ask for a living - and whatever you leave out, the tool fills in with the most ordinary version of the work.
artificial-intelligence business management definitions technology
Every AI Answer Looks Perfect Under Flat Light
Steve Jost
July 29, 2026
AI output arrives finished, confident, and formatted - which makes it hard to grade. Like a drywall finish under flat light, the flaws only show when somebody who knows the work holds the light. Do the reps, set the standard, then bring in the tool.
artificial-intelligence business management Organizational Development Talent technology
Technology: The K-Shaped Accelerator
D. Brown Management
June 6, 2026
Choosing the right technology—including construction tools, equipment, materials, methods, and software systems—requires understanding the baseline capabilities of the people who will ultimately use it.
technology
The Apprentice Who Knows Everything – A Look Inside AI
Steve Jost
March 30, 2026
AI tools are powerful, but what's happening inside them? This article opens the hood on how large language models work, using construction analogies to explain why clear direction and good specs matter just as much with AI as they do on a jobsite.
artificial-intelligence problem solving technology
AI as a Tool and as an Enabler
Steve Jost
March 22, 2026
Construction was built on innovations that were met with skepticism first. From the batch plant to the pneumatic nailer, tools that became industry standards started out as unproven ideas that only a few early adopters were willing to bet on.
artificial-intelligence history team building technology
Connecting Metrics to Activities and Outcomes
D. Brown Management
March 31, 2024
Outcomes are created through doing the right activities. Data is only a proxy for that activity and a metric is a synthesis of lots of data points. Metrics are valuable, but always have a skeptical view of proxies for performance, especially with growth.
business management scoreboard technology
Technology and Results - Ensure Alignment
D. Brown Management
January 14, 2024
For some, change is exciting, and this includes technology. Technology has dramatically changed the construction industry but that does not mean all technology creates results. Are you achieving the results you want from your technology?
technology
Technology Systems – Seeing the Whole Picture
D. Brown Management
January 14, 2024
Construction technology systems from infrastructure through specialty applications are complex. Understanding all the major pieces, how they integrate, and how they help you achieve your strategy is critical for all levels of leadership.
technology
Change Management Dashboards
D. Brown Management
March 29, 2019
Summarize your detailed change tracking logs with concise dashboards that give you critical information in a format that allows you to see the big picture while still having enough information to be actionable.
business management change management process standardization project management technology
Change Tracking Log & Management
D. Brown Management
March 28, 2019
Great change management starts with a good tracking system. The far more important part of change management is the rigorous review process at least 2X monthly with your PMs that will limit your risk, increase your opportunities, and train your team.
change management financial management process standardization project management technology