The Shredder!

I have a soft spot in my heart for absent-minded people since I'm one of them.  I'd like to blame it on my age, but I've been like this my whole life.

Many is the time I've popped up from my desk and strode across the office only to stand there trying to remember why it was I came. I know if I don't write it down it won't happen.  Sometimes I'll say, "Hey Siri, email me," and when she says, "What's the subject of the email?" I've already forgotten.

Reminds me of a conversation between two absent-minded engineers:

"My memory is so bad!" says the first one. 

"How bad is it?" says the other.  

"How bad is what?"

Nothing Would Make You Happier

I can relate to this guy.

My wife is the Santa in our house.  She buys dozens and dozens of thoughtful, carefully selected, and beautifully wrapped presents and personalized messages for dozens of people every Christmas.  

I only have to buy for her.  You'd think it would be easy.  

I know a guy who bought his wife a new hunting rifle.  She didn't hunt so she gave it back to him.  Genius move on his part!

Gonna Have to Send You Home

You can't be too careful these days, what with this dangerous pandemic and all.  Maybe pop-up COVID indicators could be an alternative to vaccines or wearing those #@&! masks?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Five-Year Plan

Seems like we're running short on just about everything these days...and if you can get it, it's taking longer to arrive. I know--there are supply chain issues and labor shortages and high demand and all, but this is starting to get old.  At least there's no shortage of hand sani or toilet paper now, so I guess that's a start. 

Are These Free-Range?

Is it just me, or is all this food labeling getting out of control?  

I know, some people have genuine allergy issues and need to make life-and-death decisions, but do we really need a box of cashews to say, "May Contain Nuts"?  Or a carton of orange juice to say "Gluten Free"?  Or "No Cholesterol" on a bag of carrots?  Is it ok to snack on gummy bears when you're trying to slim down because they're "100% Fat Free"?  And wouldn't it be a shorter list to only label what is NOT known to the State of California to cause cancer?

Not Working From Home...

Many who work from home report working longer hours than they would if they were in the office.  Other workers can't seem to unplug, and they often bring work home.  With the 24-7 connection enabled by technology, the line between work time and personal time is easily blurred.  Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a constant challenge, and what works for one person may be completely wrong for another.  

Reminds me of two engineers talking over the cubicle wall.  One says to the other, "I just read that, on average, architects are working a 60-hour week!"  The other engineer looks up and says, "Those lazy bums!  What are they doing with the rest of their time?"

Poor Communication Skills

 

It doesn't matter how smart you are if you don't communicate well.  This also includes simply being accessible and responsive to clients and co-workers.

This guy at his next job interview: 

        HR:  I see you majored in communication. 

 
        This guy: No, miscommunication.  

        HR:  But it says on your resume, "Communication".  

        This guy:  See?

Introvert's Misery

We introverts need to stick together (separately)!

Sure, we may avoid social situations, but we're not all nerds.  Most of us function just fine socially, though it takes effort and leaves us feeling exhausted.  We're often quiet, reserved, thoughtful.  We don't seek attention.  We're not shy, we just need a reason to interact.  We're not rude, we'd just rather get to the point.  Without us, the world would have fewer scientists, engineers, musicians, artists, poets, doctors, philosophers, and writers.

And, we're more than two thirds of the population, so we're far from alone.  

If you are not an introvert, don't feel bad.  Nobody's perfect.

The Unsung Hero

Here's to all the unsung heroes who keep this great country going - the farmers, ranchers, truckers, delivery drivers, fast food workers, grocery store clerks, warehouse workers, and many, many more.

(...and, of course, here's to the builders, developers, bankers, building officials, inspectors, architects, engineers and many others who do their part to make our cities and buildings safe and beautiful.)

[Credit for this idea goes to Scott Jones who runs our Irvine office]

Ask The Experts: Social Distancing Tip #45

I think there's some truth to the stereotype of the glasses-wearing engineer.  Research shows that the number of years of study is more important than genetics in determining whether or not a person becomes nearsighted.  If that's the case, then it stands to reason that the harder the study, the thicker the glasses.

My eyes were fine right after college, so perhaps it's not the studies but engineering work that damages your eyes.  After just a few years staring all day at a computer screen in the office, boom - I needed glasses.

While this stereotype may be based in some truth, I've not seen any research yet that correlates years of study to the increased chance of being a nerd.

[Credit for this one goes to David Winn.  His email to me said, "I was on the phone with a client yesterday and he commented that we should put out a list of social distancing tips from engineers since we are so good at it."  He then gave me a list of brilliant cartoon ideas that I've attempted to recreate here.]

Ask The Experts: Social Distancing Tip #43

Hey, every engineer slaps on a big factor of safety to cover his rear, right?  It's not uncommon to hear an "armchair" engineer confidently ask, "So... how much factor of safety did you add?" as if it's the world's most obvious fact that all engineers throw in a bunch of fat and over-design the heck out of everything. 

I actually don't know any structural engineer that does that, though there's probably a Schmoe or two out there.  Safety factors that have been refined over decades of practice and experience are already built into the Building Code, so there's no need for a good engineer to slap on an additional "factor of ignorance".

I have my theory about the origins of this misconception.  Most people have at least a "feel" for the weight of things, but they have little concept of the magnitude of design wind or earthquake forces.  That's partly because lateral loads are more complicated and harder to visualize, and partly because design wind and earthquake loads occur so infrequently they may never happen in a person's lifetime.

Now, when it comes to the minimum separation for proper social distancing, that's a different story. 

[Credit for this one goes to David Winn.  His email to me said, "I was on the phone with a client yesterday and he commented that we should put out a list of social distancing tips from engineers since we are so good at it."  He then gave me a list of brilliant cartoon ideas that I've attempted to recreate here.]

Ask the Experts: Social Distancing Tip #42

No doubt more than one basement-bound 30-something nerd is pointing to the COVID-19 Stay at Home order as another excuse to extend his stay in his parent's basement.  I know - there are legitimate reasons why some adults live with their parents.  But this guy's an engineer, so a lack of sufficient income is probably not the reason.  Maybe it's the fully stocked fridge, his mom's home cooking, or the free unlimited high-speed internet for his video games?  I recommend his mom swaps those fluffy slippers for some steel-toed shoes and gives him the boot.

[Credit for this one goes to David Winn.  His email to me said, "I was on the phone with a client yesterday and he commented that we should put out a list of social distancing tips from engineers since we are so good at it."  He then gave me a list of brilliant cartoon ideas that I've attempted to recreate here.]

Ask the Experts: Social Distancing Tip #41

Wright Engineers has had more than one engineer over the years who has had a full-on Star Wars shrine at his cubical.  Amazing technology, lasers, spaceships, average guy saves the beautiful princess, epic battles between good and evil - no wonder engineers love this stuff!

[Credit for this one goes to David Winn.  His email to me said, "I was on the phone with a client yesterday and he commented that we should put out a list of social distancing tips from engineers since we are so good at it."  He then gave me a list of brilliant cartoon ideas that I've attempted to create here.]

Social Distancing

The COVID-19 pandemic is no laughing matter, and we're taking it very seriously - as we all should.  But in the midst of the resulting stress and worry, some of our engineers have been unable to resist making wise cracks about our social distancing policy, like"It's an engineer's dream!" or "What's the big deal?  I've been doing this my whole life."  We can take the current pandemic very seriously, but it's still okay to laugh a little.  Smile and be safe.

Your Call is Very Important to Us

"I just love your automated phone answering system!", said no one ever.

Long menus that don't have an option that matches your problem, put on hold forever, being asked for the same information over and over, and dropped calls before you ever speak to an actual human...everyone hates them.

I know - businesses use it to save money.  But unless people have no other option, I wonder how many frustrated, angry, lost potential customers it takes to more than pay for the cost of a receptionist.

If You Work Hard, Then One Day...

This boss seems to recognize that his success is a direct result of the hard work of his team.  What he doesn't understand is that his team members' hard work needs to be recognized--and rewarded.  The best companies I know create an environment where their people feel energized and valued.  Pay, benefits, profit sharing, and perks are important, but so is recognition and appreciation, freedom, trust, and opportunities for growth.  If these elements are missing, the best people will leave.

To paraphrase the famous quote by Richard Branson, if you put your people first, they'll take care of your clients and your business and make you successful.

Your Plan Wasn't Aggressive Enough!

Some people just can't be pleased. I say, that's their problem, not yours.  This guy seems like the type that appreciates nothing and complains about everything.  If you base your happiness on him and his actions, you'll never be happy.  Don't leave your happiness in his hands.

If you want to be the best, then aim high, conquer your fear, be bold.  In the words of Theodore Roosevelt:  "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly,…"

Built It Anyway...

I know that sometimes it really is easier to ask forgiveness than permission, but it can also come back to bite you.  In the case of building without a permit and hoping to ask forgiveness later, it's not uncommon for people to spend many times more to correct an un-permitted project once they get caught than it would have cost them had they just gotten a permit from the start.

I Used to Be Indecisive...

The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision.  On some projects, it's the design schedule that's "squished" by the inability of the owner to make a critical decision--regardless of when the owner finally makes up their mind so the design can move forward, the submittal deadline doesn't change.

...seems like I should write more, but I can't decide what.

I'll Change Your Title

Do employees need job titles?  Are titles outdated?  Do titles encourage internal competition and stifle cooperation?  Do they disrupt productivity and innovation?  Are they limiting or confining, or do they help clarify roles and responsibilities?  A hundred people would probably have a hundred different opinions.  There are countless articles on this topic by seemingly well-informed writers–some in favor and some strongly opposed.  With all the conflicting advice, how to decide what to do? 

What I do know is this guy probably should re-think his strategy for asking for a raise.