Shifting Attitudes MnDOT/ACEC Conference March 2, 2010

Shifting – Verb or Adjective? Verb – Word indicating action Adjective – Word describing noun Well try to do a little of both in this session

My Observations MnDOT An Incredible Machine Managing and Operating the System Managing and Developing Projects Great People! Consultants Incredible Experience and Expertise Running a Business Partnering With MnDOT - Service Managing and Developing Projects Great 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 dont get the job done without them

McHuseBrideby and Associates Dispensing wisdom since forever Here 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 overhead Experience shows that consultants make a very small percentage of actual profit on our projects.

Myth #4 – Consultant plans arent 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? Whos our project manager? And of course sometimes that myth is actually right….

Myth #5 – The client is always right! Does this guy look like hes 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 Were 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 – Lets Ask Doug! Doug and Doug getting advice from the commissioner.