I worked for a manufacturers’ rep when I was first learning about hydronics. A guy I worked with was 15 years older than me. He knew that I had absolutely no training as an engineer so he took a different tack with my education.

Over the last year, during several webinars and in-person events, I've spoken about the idea of systems-based thinking, which incorporates the ideas of strategic thought in the form of focus (“saying no”) and identifying and executing on coherent actions. In many ways, systems thinking (a.k.a. strategy) incorporates pattern identification. 

What does the CSO role look like at smaller companies, such as an engineering firm? 

Of all the topics I’ve covered in my column, strategy is the one to which I keep coming back. Astute readers might be asking at this point, “Why?” Especially when we hear so often that “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” and other axioms that denigrate strategy. Why does Christoph keep on writing about this “outdated” topic more than others?

Last year, during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wrote a couple of articles that touched on the subject of organizations coming up with solutions during chaotic situations. 

In my last column, we discussed #growthmindset and how it is necessary to take intentional steps during your career (and life) to improve. 

“You may be whatever you resolve to be.”

In the United States, we are very goal oriented. We have annual goals. 

So far, we have discussed why organizations need sourcing plans, and covered the planning and process of sourcing. This month we’ll continue the conversation and dive in deep into the interview process itself.

In December, we spoke about why organizations need sourcing plans.