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<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\nBe an amazing leader.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Returning home after a trip, I saw the stack on the counter. Five days\u2019 worth of printed newspapers. While news continues to migrate to the convenience and lower cost of digital sources, there\u2019s something about seeing the words on newsprint. For me, it puts a personal face on the hardworking reporters and journalists who provide daily content, always striving for the story that will buzz.<\/p>\n Finding the time to thoroughly read a newspaper is a pipe dream. So, I challenge myself to quickly scan each page for the nuggets I don\u2019t catch from my phone, laptop, or the ubiquitous screens in airports, hotel lobbies, and elevators. Sometimes I chuckle at what pops out at me from the page. Other times I wonder why someone found a story important enough to include.<\/p>\n This stack also included a glossy magazine publishing the results of the local paper\u2019s \u201cTop Places to Work 2017\u201d competition. I\u2019ve served as a judge for several Top Places programs and assembled or reviewed Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards and Fortune<\/em> \u201c100 Best Companies to Work For\u201d applications, so I always find it interesting to read how firms try to attract and retain talent while managing financial, operational, quality, and growth expectations.<\/p>\n A quick perusal of the pages showed there were less than a handful of A\/E\/C firms included. Why are there not more of us?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n As our conversation about the role of marketing and business development professionals in our firms continues, we must find greater opportunities to effect change in all areas of our firms. We, of all people, know what it means to differentiate!<\/p>\n Laura Jacobus served as the paper\u2019s Top 100 editor. Her letter had two sentences that stood out to me.<\/p>\n Some companies go above and beyond, telling us all about themselves. Others fill out the mandatory categories and hit \u201csend.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n I decided to give out some unofficial editor\u2019s awards this year to the companies that made reading their entries fun \u2014 and rewarding.<\/em><\/p>\n Whether we\u2019re developing business relationships, preparing RFP responses, assembling an interview presentation\u2014or acquiring staff, requesting business funding, delivering for our clients\u2014we need to stand out from the crowd. Imagine the difference your leadership could make by disrupting the norm. Wow, I didn\u2019t expect that! Whew, what a refreshing approach! <\/em><\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t matter what industry you serve, or what role you hold. Being memorable (in a good way!) opens the door to success. You can lead change.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Make the end of 2017 a good one, and start 2018 with a bright outlook. Create the company your clients\u2014and your team\u2014want to work with. Be a different kind of leader. Be amazing!<\/p>\n