Change Is Coming!

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Change Is Coming!

“Because the recession is so severe, and because of the

unique way in which it happened, we can be sure that

it will change the world in several big, long lasting ways.”

Geoff Colvin, The Upside of the Downturn

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How to Thrive Coming Out of the Recession

Ted GarrisonNew Construction Strategies

Ted@TedGarrison.comwww.TedGarrison.com

800-861-0861

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Self-Inflicted Wound

“In many industries, what some call hyper competition is a self-

inflicted wound.”Michael Porter

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The New Reality!

“For business, it’s no longer enough to create a product

that’s reasonably priced and adequately functional.”

Daniel PinkA Whole New Mind

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Too Many People In the Construction Business Are Insane!

● Albert Einstein defines insanity as: “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting to get different results.”

● What’s needed is a superior strategy!

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Blue Ocean Contracting• Blue Ocean Contracting creates a new or

redefines the construction industry• Blue Ocean Contractors &Vendors typically

redefine the market• Blue Ocean Contractors out-think the

competition• Blue Ocean Contractors create new demand

instead of fighting over existing demand• Blue Ocean Contracting is the responsible way

to maximize opportunity & minimize risk

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2 Schools of Thought• Agile• Operational – improve operations & processes• Strategic – seizing on new opportunities or markets

• Toughen up for battle• Lower costs • Build a war chest of funds to ride it out• Protect the core

• 3rd Option – Combination• Be tough without sacrificing agility• Manage the trade-offs• Think agile

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10 Critical Business Practices

1.Effective leadership2.Strategic thinking3.Value-based construction4.Continuous innovation5.360° collaboration6.Systems based7.Effective risk management8.Lean operations9.Better use of technology10.Measurement

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Avoid Subjective Decisions!Event - Project

Initial conditionsFinal

conditions

Time• The more info we have before the event,

the easier it is to predict the final outcome

• The less info we have before the event, the harder it is to predict the final outcome

• However, the lack of info will never change the final outcome

• Probability occurs when people don’t understand

• Must think proactively – not reactively

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Effective Leadership• Leadership is not about control• Leadership is about the ability to perceive, in

essence to look ahead, then allocate the resources (human & capital) in the best possible way.

• Jim Collins referred to this as “Getting the right people on the bus in the right seats.”

• “Leadership is the capacity to engage people & groups outside one’s formal control & inspire them to work toward common goals – despite differences in convictions, cultural values, and operating norms.” H. Ibarra & M. Hansen

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Strategic Thinking• Effective planning – whether a company’s

strategic plan, project planning, or solving a problem – requires Strategic Thinking

• Effective Strategic Thinking requires leadership and a process

• 5 – Step Strategic Thinking process• Get the right people involved• Define the problem• Develop possible solutions• Identify the right options• Execute the strategy

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Value-based Construction

• Upstream activities (sourcing, production, & logistics) are being commoditized, while downstream activities that reduce customer’s costs or risks are becoming the drivers of value creation & a competitive advantage

• Need to focus on pre-construction activities

• Need to focus on life-cycle costs

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Continuous Innovation• “Tomorrow’s victories will go to the masters

of innovation! Period!” Tom Peters

• What’s the purpose of outsourcing?• Innovation!

• Focus on desired outcomes – not fixing a problem

• Keys to innovation• Continuous learning • Continuous improvement• Empowering everyone

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360° Collaboration• The more complex a system the greater the

need for collaboration

• Involve the people who must do it

• IPD/Design-build works because it embraces collaboration between all supply chain members

• What’s the most important task for PM’s and superintendents?• Identifying client problems

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Questions?

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Final Thoughts• Challenge conventional wisdom• Throw away the box! Think big – not small• Stop thinking as a contractor – think like

someone out to find solutions• Accept that change is coming to the

contracting business – like it or not – or you will lose the battle!

• Is it easy? Absolutely not, but it’s better than doing the same old things!

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How to Thrive Coming Out of the Recession

Ted GarrisonNew Construction Strategies

Ted@TedGarrison.comwww.TedGarrison.com

800-861-0861