Shifting Attitudes

MnDOT/ACEC Conference

March 2, 2010

Shifting – Verb or Adjective?

Verb – Word indicating actionAdjective – Word describing noun

We’ll try to do a little of both in this session

My Observations

MnDOT An Incredible Machine

Managing and Operating the SystemManaging and Developing ProjectsGreat People!

Consultants Incredible Experience and Expertise

Running a BusinessPartnering With MnDOT - ServiceManaging and Developing ProjectsGreat People!

My Observations

An Experiment Metro Projects in the last 25 years Outstate Projects in the last 25 years

Consultants have always been there! We don’t get the job done without them

McHuseBrideby and Associates

Dispensing wisdom since foreverHere to dispel myths (and create new ones)

Myth #1 – Consultants cost too much!

Are we comparing apples and oranges? Project management Two way communication – early and ongoing

Myth #2 – It takes too long to get a consultant under contract!

Consultants are hungry. Always!Will turn around proposals, scopes and contracts as quickly as you want them.A fair selection process

Myth #3 – Consultants are getting rich off of us!

Most fee is in salary and overheadExperience shows that consultants make a very small percentage of actual profit on our projects.

Myth #4 – Consultant plans aren’t as good!

Did we specify what we want?Did we provide enough time and $$?Did we provide the right direction? And in a timely manner?Who’s our project manager?And of course sometimes that myth is actually right….

Myth #5 – The client is always right!

• Does this guy look like he’s always right?

Myth #5 – The client is always right!

• The client is paying for service – better know what the service expectations are!

• The client should expect and welcome honest give and take.

• Anticipate and avoid surprises!

Conclusion / Bottom Line

We’re more alike than we are different! Want a successful project Want the public to like us Want to be on schedule and within budget Want the boss to like us!!

Thank you!

Consultant Teaming – Let’s Ask Doug!

• Doug and Doug getting advice from the commissioner.