tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444639642303624847.post8831765128971673492..comments2008-07-17T13:07:31.464-04:00Mel Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01885787845207354779noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444639642303624847.post-74183916249216482972008-07-17T12:41:00.000-04:002008-07-17T12:41:00.000-04:00Mel,<BR/><BR/>Great post. I have to admit, I am a bit surprised that finding quality staff was not included. Though we are in an economic downturn, staffing your firm with the right people is just as important. I think there has been a shift from we-need-bodies to we-need-top-talent.<BR/><BR/>I agree that some firms are downsizing, but unless they are going out of business, I would be shocked if they are asking the best of the best in their firm to leave. Granted some do, however, I would question why an Architecture or Engineering firm would let go of a rainmaker or seller-doer at this point in the game. <BR/><BR/>As a recruiter for the A/E industry, I find most A/E firms are looking to hire at this level right now and it is getting quite difficult to find. Not only are you talking about a type of individual who is rare in the industry, but add that to the fact that most firms are holding on to these people pretty tight. <BR/><BR/>- Justin G. RoyJustin G. Royhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446182557322272051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444639642303624847.post-37338464159910874212008-07-16T17:52:00.000-04:002008-07-16T17:52:00.000-04:00Ed,<BR/><BR/>I certainly don't disagree with your point about staffing being less a concern in our current economy. My main hypothesis (perhaps not stated clearly enough) is that perceptions about the business may have turned more dramatically than the business itself. Most of my clients continue to do quite well, but they are still anxious about the not-too-distant future. Your organization's own numbers through 2007 do not suggest a significant downturn in our business overall (at least a few months ago).<BR/><BR/>So is the apparent shift in priorities among CEOs based on market realties or market uncertainties? I suggest more of the latter. As we continue to hear more bad news about the economy, it's natural to assume it will affect our firm's business even if it hasn't yet. So some are probably sitting tight on new hires even if they're currently short-staffed.<BR/><BR/>Do recent layoffs substantially improve the availability of talent? That's debatable since firms usually don't let their better performers go until things really get bad. There are certainly more people available, but they may not assuage the long-standing concern about "finding enough good people."<BR/><BR/>Thanks for responding. I appreciate the dialogue!<BR/><BR/>MelMel Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07365741168597409377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6444639642303624847.post-13506408240638379082008-07-16T13:09:00.000-04:002008-07-16T13:09:00.000-04:00Mel,<BR/><BR/>Interesting stuff...my contention/response would be that A/E firm leaders don't have to worry about finding qualified staff right now because they know their colleagues are downsizing and putting good people on the street.<BR/><BR/>But it is good fodder for discussion. I'll be curious to see what others think.<BR/><BR/>Ed Hannan<BR/>http://psmj.blogspot.comEdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02793896443607024406noreply@blogger.com