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.




Succession and Choosing 3rd Party Advisors
Most contractors have gone through the succession process zero times. Choosing the right team of advisors will help you effectively explore options and refine the details of your specific succession.
Top Performers Asking Questions
Top performers are always actively reaching out to meet new people. Top performers are constantly asking others questions. Top performers have daily habits where they work to acquire new knowledge.
Contractor Organizational Structures and Performance
Effective org structures improve project delivery, accelerate team growth, and enable smooth successions. These five diagrams and insights from our team will help you see your teams and structure differently.