Well said, Armando. Change costs time and money, so a competitive marketplace requires a receptive environment for change. The story of Malcolm McLean creator of the modern shipping container (told in the book, "The Box") is one of a change maker who repeatedly disrupted the transportation industry and made and lost multiple fortunes because he changed faster than market forces tolerated. Such stories abound. The spark of change makers is essential to improved practices and products but, as noted here by others, the environment, timing, and financial resources must be right for even the best changes to profit the makers of change.
------------------------------
William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., D.CE, D.NE, F.ASCE
ENGINEER
Columbus MS
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 01-23-2023 08:04 AM
From: Armando Esquivel
Subject: Can You Find Change Makers?
In addition to what has been said already, it should also be noted that often times changes may come with sacrifice, which may be frown upon by conservative engineers/managers. I believe that the opportunity of hiring "change-makers" should also come with the opportunity to review and revise processes, products, and people where change makers are sought.
------------------------------
Armando Esquivel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
Saint Louis MO
Original Message:
Sent: 01-11-2023 08:33 AM
From: William McAnally
Subject: Can You Find Change Makers?
Every organization needs creative energizers -- change makers -- who show the organization how to improve. ASCE's Source (at this link) reviews a book that tells how to identify such change makers from their personal characteristics and in interviews. The concept raises some questions:
Does your organization actively recruit change makers as they are described in the book review? How?
Does your organization provide an environment where change makers will flourish? How?
------------------------------
William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., D.CE, D.NE, F.ASCE
ENGINEER
Columbus MS
------------------------------