Back to Basics

Back to Basics

Today, I had the pleasure of talking to someone who has more than 45 years of life experience on me. He reached out because he wanted to be on our podcast to talk about a system he has developed so construction companies can "Stop lying to each other," as he so eloquently puts it.

While he walked me through the process, I waited for him to say something like, "All you have to do is install this app and share it with each member of your team."

That never happened.

Instead, he reached for a stack of post-it notes and proceeded to tell me how each person on the team got to write down their own goals for the week. After they wrote them down, they put them up on a wall for all to see, so each member of the team had an intimate knowledge of what the other was doing.

Accountability

If you're not pulling your weight, everyone knows. Also, you have to stand there and tell the entire team why you're not meeting your deadlines.

Communication

The team interacts with each other face to face, unlike what happens when you're using an app. If there's a misunderstanding, you work through it. You don't let it sit un-read in your email inbox.

Honesty

This is a chain reaction from the first two things. So the lying stops.

“Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people." Spencer Johnson


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I was stunned by the simplicity and elegance of it. After our call, this thought struck me -

We're always looking forward to what's next. We get caught up in the marketing storm of the next app, tool, or widget that's postured as being the solution to all of our organization and team problems. We make things so hard on ourselves because we want to try the new shiny thing. We're so focused on these apps that we forget the simple stuff that's right in front of us that will do a much better job.

New is not always better, and I think we all know this. Get back to the basics.

Here's the challenge — Look back at what you used to do. Is there something back there you need to revive that you've sacrificed to use the new shiny thing?

Joe W.

Software Sales Manager, BIM Enthusiast, Construction Technology Evangelist, Podcast Co-Host

4 年

This is so true. Especially in a world cluttered with new technology. It wasn't that long ago that construction was the last bastion of anti tech. Now everyone and their mom has an app that solves a problem that was never really a problem. If it isnt making you more efficient, more insightful, reducing risk, or connecting teams it's likely a deterrent.

Michael P.

CAD Automation Practitioner

5 年

Great article. Frequently - not always – bleeding edge solutions are more about selling the new solution or service – rather than truly solving the problem – which often creates new problems. 0.o

Emmanuel Garcia

CADDGuru at CADDGuru.com

5 年

New is indeed not necessarily better. This is an important message to broadcast in High Tech circles. The fundamentals like honesty, aptitude, conscientiousness, and others, never change. Great post, Tyler. Thank you!

Ed Anderson

Fine Art Photography

5 年

Tyler, thanks for the complement. Looking forward to our next conversation.

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