While scuba diving may seem worlds away from the desk of a project controls analyst, the two aren’t that different in many aspects. Manny and Pamela’s underwater expertise has informed the way MRC approaches training and mentorship at the consultancy. Here they share how project controls and scuba mirror each other in three key areas: training, preparing for a new project, and ongoing project controls work.
Read MoreEmpowered individuals on a team who are excited to do the work create a strong team. Counterintuitively, you strengthen the whole unit by focusing on the singular. As always, the most important tip for both empowering individuals and building a strong team is communication. Communicate well, and often.
Read MoreConsultants in a variety of industries often work in an “agency” type setting, where the business overall has multiple clients, but individual consultants only work on a few (or single) accounts. In addition to the main account contact a client may be in communication with the agency owner or another senior leader depending on the size of the agency. Typically, a client contracting the services of a consultant or agency doesn’t have-or expect-access to the entire team. Agency Consultants aren’t expected to know the ins and outs of every client the firm serves. When you work with Manta Ray Consulting things are a bit different.
Read MoreNo matter the background they came from, folks in the project controls world are usually known for being analytical, quick on their feet, and right at home in overwhelming amounts of numbers. You might picture someone with a headset, hard at work in front of an intimidating desktop set up, completely tuning out the world and parsing through the data. Sometimes project controls work does look like that! However, those who excel in the industry also have strong soft skills and don’t see data and people skills as being at odds. Both are critical – and holding space for both can take some practice.
Read MoreMoving from rigid job descriptions and ideas of what makes a “role” for an employee can open you to a wealth of opportunity. Being willing to flex and adapt positions to your employees’ passions will present more opportunities for creative thinking and innovation. Consider people over jobs and you’ll build a stronger, more enthusiastic team.
Read MoreProject controls is a unique field. In a specialized arena in the project management world, project controls analysts require an ever-evolving set of skills. While nearly anyone from any background can jump into this field and excel with proper training, there are certain skills and knowledge bases that can make the journey easier.
Read MoreWhere possible, we recommend moving from using a specific job description or outline as a “checklist” for candidates, to instead focusing on the potential a job applicant holds. Here are three ways to do so.
Read MoreAt MRC, we firmly believe that training can make or break a new hire’s experience, and ultimately the team and project. Though the status quo has told us otherwise, investing in long term training for your team is key to success. Here’s our recommended approach.
Hire people, not roles
Read More