‘I told these guys that if it’s close, I am diving across the line.’
On my morning run, I thought of this picture, and the idea of lunging across the finish line. Me, at my 10:00/mi pace, throwing my 225 lbs. around…probably be more of a “no-foot lean-to-fall” combo. Wincing, thinking of the vision, then smiling knowing I didn’t have to finish like that. Laughing at the thought of me (not) having to do it everyday. Wondering, “why didn’t he just train harder?”
I’m relieved because I don’t train nor race, but I do work. And it got me thinking, “What am I doing to keep from having to dive at the last second?” We all have our daily routines and administrative requirements: a basic rhythm of bare minimums. But tasked with a project, such as a bid, it might get a bit more complicated. You might ask yourself, “How much time do I have to devote to the estimate this week…and then the bid is due on Thursday…” Nonetheless, you have a basic process that can get you through the week and ensure some level of success on your projects along with keeping all four wheels attached.
On a project or institutional level, we develop processes and metrics to monitor and manage the process, so that a project outcome can be forecasted more accurately. Those processes can vary in complexity and documentation, but the concept is to encourage predictability.
As a business owner, I’ve been on the gig side of the economy for over 15 years now. Earlier though, there was very little predictability. Hence, we developed HITO and grew it to build a more stable base than what I could expect working direct for a company. Even though we can only expect so much stability in construction, the idea was to minimize the disruptions.
Short of starting your own HITO, how can you minimize the risk, the disruptions in your career? For me, it’s been all about training. Learn more in hopes you can use it in the future. And, as a professional consultant, I have looked toward any and all sources available out there. But the ones that mean the most to me, are the accreditation’s earned through the professional organizations. Every profession and trade have an organization they can look toward for training, further education opportunities, and accreditation/certification.
At HITO, we encourage accreditation through the AACEi, and we have a pending PSP test result. I’m due to re-certify my PSP as well. We also continue investing in software capability, investigating the latest offerings, such as SYNCHRO, detailed in the last newsletter. We are building HITO to be an industry leader.
I think back to the idea of lunging at the finish line-I’d rather lead. Before you’re left lunging, investigate and support some of these organizations. Prepare yourself to lead.
- ABC: Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.
“Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 75 chapters representing 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms with nearly two million employees. ABC’s membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry.” - AGC: Associated General Contractors of America
“Located in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area, The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry. Operating in partnership with its nationwide network of Chapters, AGC provides a full range of services satisfying the needs and concerns of its members, thereby improving the quality of construction and protecting the public interest.” - AIC: American Institute of Constructors
“AIC is the organization that seeks to give Constructors the professional status they deserve. The Institute is the constructor’s counterpart of professional organizations found in architecture, engineering, law and other fields. As such, the Institute serves as the national qualifying body of professional constructor. AIC membership identifies the individual as a true professional.” - ASA: American Subcontractors Association, Inc.
“The American Subcontractors Association is recognized as the united voice dedicated to improving the business environment in the construction industry. The [ASA] amplifies the voice of and leads trade contractors to improve the business environment for the construction industry and to serve as a steward for the community. The ideals and beliefs of ASA are ethical and equitable business practices, quality construction, a safe and healthy work environment, integrity and membership diversity.” - ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
“ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 51,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.” - CMAA: Construction Management Association of America
“The Construction Management Association of America is North America’s only organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of professional Construction and Program Management.” - MCAA: Mechanical Contractors Association of America
“The Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Inc. (MCAA) is a vibrant, growing association of approximately 2,300 mechanical, plumbing, and service contractors. Members enjoy MCAA’s outstanding education programs, an expanding catalog of resources to help them manage and grow their businesses, periodicals and a website to keep them informed and connected, and business services to save them money.” - National Institute of Building Sciences
“The National Institute of Building Sciences is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that successfully brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests, and regulatory agencies to focus on the identification and resolution of problems and potential problems that hamper the construction of safe, affordable structures for housing, commerce and industry throughout the United States.” - NAWIC: National Association of Women in Construction
“The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) originally began as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas. It was founded in 1953 by 16 women working in the construction industry…it gained its national charter in 1955 and became the National Association of Women in Construction…In NAWIC’s 58 years of service to its membership, the Association has advanced the causes of all women in construction, from tradeswomen to business owners.” - NECA: National Electrical Contractors Association
“NECA has provided over a century of service to the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA’s national and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development.” - NUCA: National Utility Contractors Association, Inc.
“NUCA is the only organization successfully working to protect and defend your profession in the courts, legislative arena, and government agencies. NUCA understands the importance of safety training and works hard to give the latest in safety education for all underground utility construction professionals. NUCA unites our industry so that together we can more effectively address common problems and strengthen construction markets and profitability for all.” - U.S. Green Building Council
“The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.”