The classes have not really started for the general attendees, but there are many things going on today.
There was the ADN Conference and ATC Summit and the Design Computation Symposium plus the Design Technology Management Conference (really sad I missed this one.)
I spent most of my day in AUGI matters. Meeting with others about CAD Camps to discuss the 2010 events. Following that was the AUGI Leadedrship Conference where Local Chapter leaders discussed the upcoming AUGI website changes. AUGI had a meeting with HP and discussed their line of workstations tuned to design work. After lunch the AUGI Board had a meeting to discuss progress in several areas. Right after that we done we greeted some AUGI volunteers that we at the event and showed them the new website progress.
Off to the Blogger Social event at the House of Blues – great seeing other bloggers and media types and catch up on things.
Tomorrow is going to be another crowded day. I teach two classes and host an unplugged session. Check back tomorrow for the debrief.
Autodesk University is kicking off in Las Vegas on Tuesday,but there are some things going on before then.
I arrived today (Sunday) around noon Vegas time (I thought there was no time in Vegas). Checked into the hotel and went directly to the Speaker Ready Room. I had to record my first class for AU Virtual; CAD Leadership. It will be broadcast as follow:
CM214-1V: CAD Leadership 2010: Beyond CAD Management
Class Date: 11/30/2010
Class Start Time: 7:00 AM PST USA
Class End Time: 8:00 AM
CM224-2V: CAD Leadership 2010: Beyond CAD Management
Class Date: 11/30/2010
Class Start Time: 12:00 PM PST USA
Class End Time: 1:00 PM
Recording a class was an experience. The crew was efficient and helped get me going. While waiting for the class to start, I ran into others that were recording at the same time. They included Joseph Joseph, Kate Morrical and Bob Bell. AU Virtual is going to have some great content. Are you attending AU Virtual is you are not in Vegas?
I meet tonight with the AUGI Board for dinner. A little face time with them will be great.
So far I have run into many from the years before and look forward to making some new contacts.
Check in was efficient for AU2010. I remember last year when I checked in the computers were acting up and it took a while. No lines so far today, but I checked in fairly early.
When you start the Strategic Planning process, look first to the past. This will frame your thinking when planning for the future.
If you do not keep in mind what has gone before you may be trapped by mistakes or misjudgments based on inaccurate understanding of what has transpired before.
What is the CAD history at your firm?
Where you there as part of the creation of the CAD environment? If not, then you need to know what happened before you arrived. Was the last overseer a good manager? Did they set the right perspectives on CAD? Do you need to reshape the thinking of most staffers?
From a historical perspective, how quickly does the firm embrace new technology?
Are they early adopters? Laggards? You need to know what has happened in the past so that you don’t move too quickly or too slowly when introducing new technology.
In the past, what challenges did your firm face with technology and how did it handle those challenges? Was it rife with frustration? Did people want to go back to the old way. Has it abandoned efforts in the face of struggles? Was it fierce in its moving forward with adaptation to new methods?
What have you learned through past changes?
If you have been at the firm for some time, then the history of transition is part of your history. What have you learned from it? Where there landmines that you stepped on? What would you do to avoid them the next time? What worked and what failed? Who could you enlist from the past that might help you in the next phase of your planning and progress.
By taking a short or long look back you can avoid the pitfalls of misalignment in your firms Strategic Planning.
None – not one technology is changing everything… at least right now
How can I say that? Because I think nothing changes everything overnight. Yes, there are many technologies and software tools and hardware triumphs that are beginning to make major strides in change, but they are not changing everything.
Why? Because changes are always slower than people think they will be. we thought that CAD would change everything and it did, but not overnight. How long did it take? Where you there at the time? Did it all change overnight? No, it started slow and built toward change. Some of the adventurous changed at first, then others joined them, but it took some time.
Also, the economic impacts are slowing everything down. Nothing is changing as fast as people thought it would several years ago. At a time when a jump in technology and software was touted as “changing everything” there was an underlying economic squeeze just starting.
Don’t get me wrong – things are going to change – just not as fast as everyone thinks.
So with all the 3D software coming along, will 2D CAD be gone soon?
You can see an influence toward 3D with the current crop of movies that Hollywood is putting out… many of them in 3D. And there are 3D TV’s. But has everyone tossed in the towel on older movies? Have they refused to watch a “traditional” movie for their cinema dollars? Is everyone rushing to swap out their old TV for one that displays in 3D?
So what about 2D CAD? Are the days numbered for this technology?
Not unless Autodesk is totally wrong. They have invested much in the 2D world of CAD. Here are a few areas that have just made some tech jumps based on mostly 2D software…
- AutoCAD 2011 New Features – yes there are 3D enhancements,but the bulk of the upgrade is 2D based. Focusing large amounts of energy on 2D enhancement, Autodesk has defined the future (at least for now) as including 2D.
- AutoCAD to the Mac – Porting over the AutoCAD development was a huge effort requiring rewriting old code to a new platform. Would they do this if they thought there would not be a market for it? ok – you can argue both sides of this, but they did it. Someone at the top wanted it done.
- CAD into the Cloud – AutoCAD WS – Moving AutoCAD to the web in this innovative technology jump is going to change everything – but it will take time.
So… Are things changing? YES – but not overnight.
In the book “The Truth about Leadership” by James M. Kouzes and
Barry Z. Posner, they state several “truths’ that they uncovered about leaders.
Based on about 30 years of research, with an overwhelming amount of input via surveys and leadership assessments their book explores the basic truths of leadership that remain the same regardless of context or circumstance.
They present 10 “Truths” and here is some comments on their #5 truth… “You Can’t do it Alone”
Leaders by themselves do not make anything happen. They need followers. It is a shared responsibility that needs others and the others need a leader. Leaders and Followers. It takes both.
Since it takes at least tow and often many to make this relationship work, it is up tot he leader to nurture that relationship. Leaders have to initiate relationships and they need to move them forward. Leaders need to be sensitive to others. They need to build and sustain a good positive relationship. They need to seek to understand the needs and perspectives of others.
How do they do this?
- They ask questions
- They listen to others perspectives
- They provide support for other people goals
- They develop skills in others
- They ask for help from others
- They align people in a common cause or goal
- They make people feel that the goals are achievable
- They empower people
- They encourage others and enable them to be even better than they already are
Are you connecting with others?
I had a chance to review a video tutorial from InfiniteSkills.com based in Ontario, Canada . They have just created a beginners 10 hour video tutorial on AutoCAD 2011 and will also release a follow-up AutoCAD 2011 Advanced, both these titles have been authored by CAD expert and owner of Cad-a-Blog, Brian Benton.
I found their easy to use viewer had sharp and crisp video and audio that was easy to navigate – see screen cap below. Mr. Benton has a pleasant voice that uses inflections for emphasis and changes in tone so as not to become monotonous. He explains the basics and does not assume that you know anything. It is not boring for high end users either.
He starts with the installation of the software – you can skip it if you have done this already. Then he moves from the beginning with the users interface, new user setup and what to choose, and then makes a quick run through the opening, picking and clicking that may stump a new user.
Moving to new features Brian provides an overview of what you might miss if you just jump into the program. Isolate Objects is one of the new features that is buried under your Right Click Menu. It is not Layer Isolate, but it shows you only the specific objects you have selected by hiding the display of the other objects that you did not select. Good to know.
The training marches through so many features that they are too expansive to mention, but some highlights are Boundary Hatch Previews, Hatch to Layer, XREF Manager updates, 3D Modeling Tools, Rendering and Materials and much much more.
At the end of a section there is a Chapter Project. The author leads you through a project that uses some of the provided data files. These are a form of review as well and a unification of the tools and principles that were presented in the proceeding chapter.
No one should miss the Accuracy chapter of the video training. It includes OSNAP, ORTHO and GRIPS. The trilogy of CAD accuracy are critical to the creation of good data. Sprinkled throughout this sessions, and all sessions for that matter, are tips and trick and keyboard shortcuts. This keeps the training lively and interesting.
Some facts about the video:
The video resolution is designed to allow the application to be used in conjunction with the training, people with huge monitors often forget that some users don’t have the screen real estate to run a app like AutoCAD and a view a movie in a viewable size at the same time, they try to offer a size that suits all.
While AutoCAD is mainly a PC App (A Mac version is out now also) so the training works on PC or Mac.
A custom made player is included, but users with older machines or who wish to use a more simplistic approach can use our Compatibility player that uses basic HTML technology. The training can be paused, rewound or fast forwarded at any point.
Working files are included for users to follow along with the lessons.
A multi-user version is also available, allowing the training to be installed on a local server and delivered via a local network.
They allow users to view the first 3 chapters online for free, so you can make a good evaluation of the title before purchasing. They also offer a 30 day money back guarantee. The product is available either on DVD or via Instant Download.
Take a look for yourself… http://www.infiniteskills.com/training/autocad-2011-fundamentals.html
Sometimes the spark just isn’t there. Hopefully you are not saying that about your love life. Rekindling the dying embers of a relationship can be tough. What if those dying embers are related to your career? What if you have lost the vigor that you once brought to your work life?
Before you try to cash in on your insight by starting the next million dollar blog or invent that next great gadget that everyone must have, take some time to re-energize your existing career.
Here are a few things to try when you just have no more enjoyment at work:
Examine your perspective. What makes you happy? Not just work related but your whole life. Leave out things like entertainment. SO don’t think about movies or sports or dining out. Think about what really gives you personal satisfaction. Helping others? Fixing broken things? Organizing chaos? Leading change? Making thing simple to use? List out some times when you felt real satisfaction and write them down. Now add “why” you felt such satisfaction. In another column list out the things that sap your joy. It may be cleaning up after others or talking on the phone. Add why that sucks the life out of you also.
Examine your job. Find out what you like about your job. There must be something you like about it. Write it down. List the things that really make you feel good like accomplishing this or that, creating this or that, fixing this or that. You get the idea. Now list what you don’t like. Or better yet – what you hate. Check the list to see what is on it and now add “why” you do or do not like it.
Compare the lists. Match up the things on the personal list to the work list. Are their similarities? Do the things at work that you have to do match the things that you enjoy doing? Let’s take an example. If I like fixing things and my job includes working with files or processes or equipment that is broken and I have to fix it, then I will enjoy that aspect of the job. If I hate talking on the phone and my job requires that I be on the phone for a good deal of time, then my job will be a drain.
This sounds pretty basic but it will frame your next step…
Change your job or change your attitude. If you cannot find anything redeeming in your work – then start looking for something else to do. But if there are redeeming qualities in your work, then make a commitment to refocusing your thoughts on the positives. Without settling into psychological melodrama it really can be a choice that you make. If your job is truly intolerable, it won’t work, but most of us have tolerable jobs and we like most of what we do. So make up your mind to like it more.
Focus on the positive aspects of the job and tolerate the negative aspects. Look at your “happy list” and make sure that each day has some time doing those kinds of things. It is not like you can eliminate all of the negatives, but you can focus on the positives and make the day a little brighter. Even if you have to squeeze some functions into your lunch hour it may make the day go a little easier. Set your mind to dwell on the best in your job and not the worst.
By focusing your mind on the good things in your job, you can begin to outweigh the bad things. If this effort does not work, then maybe it is time to polish up your resume.
CAD Managers who are eager to challenge themselves or prove their worth may take on additional responsibilities outside of their traditional roles. It is not always the best thing if your employer thinks that these tasks place your CAD duties at the back of the line. When you step outside your job description you take a chance that others may think you are ducking your job duties or stepping into other peoples areas.
If you stay within the defined areas of your oversight you may lose opportunities to prove your value. You may miss showing others that you can and should take on additional functions. I encourage you to move beyond your formal boundaries but to do so with caution.
Is your CAD Manager position becoming old hat to you? Have you grown tired of doing the same things over and over? Do you desire new assignments that will stretch you in new directions?
Before you step beyond your job description, take some time to think about why you want to do this.
Are you trying to add other things on to invigorate you career? Do the things you are tasked with doing no longer excite you? If that is the case then it might be time to ask for more duties. You may need to pass on some tasks to others. There are others in your firm that might enjoy some of the stuff that you do. Be careful though. Once you give something away you may not get it back.
Will it change the company’s view of your value – positive or negative? Your firm hired you to do a job and they want that job done to the best of your ability. If you add on other tasks will it water down your effectiveness? Will they think that you are not as valuable? It might actually increase your value to the firm. Moving beyond the job description may show others that you can do much more than just oversee CAD or BIM.
Do you want to add to your role or change it? Are you looking to add responsibilities on to your existing role or are you really looking to change your role? If you add things on to enhance your enjoyment or challenge then the lesser valued tasks will be pushed aside. If you are looking for a change, then adding on will overwhelm you and may not satisfy what you really are seeking. If you want a total change, then don’t settle for just adding on a few things. Work toward a total change.
Do you know what you want to do? You need to know where you want to go with your career. Don’t let you career wander around. Make a plan and move toward fulfilling your plan. Make adjustments along the road as circumstances change, but keep moving forward. First – make sure you know where you are headed.
Can CAD move forward without you? If you decide to add on responsibilities or change your role completely you need to make sure that the CAD environment can continue without you, especially if you are staying with the company. Start arranging your workload and delegate tasks that others can do. Then move toward your next assignment with gusto.
Can you handle not knowing everything? Taking on a new role means that you will not be the expert that you have become in the CAD arena. New roles mean new information to absorb. You may not know it all at the beginning. It will take work to get up to speed in another area. Some people do not like saying “I don’t know”. Are you one of them? This could be disheartening because you are starting over.
Are you happiest doing CAD? If you are a happy person, then why change? If you really enjoy your work, love the responsibilities and are stretched to learn and grow at your present functions then there may be no need to make a drastic change. Just invigorate your existing situation, love what you do and make the company value what you have to offer.
Are you bored?
In a 2008 book published in Germany titled “Diagnosis BoreOut” by Peter Werder and Philippe Rothlin they define a BoreOut as a blight that affects modern organizations, especially office environments for white collar workers. They say that lack of work, boredom and the resulting lack of satisfaction in the work environment cause workers to have a BoreOut. They continue to develop the idea that the absence of meaningful tasks as opposed to stress causes dissatisfaction with their jobs.
Rather than Burnout, they think that BoreOut causes more lost productivity. The authors research uncovered workers who blame either bosses who do not delegate well or over achiever coworkers who take all the good work. The authors even go so far as to say that some workers waste over two hours a day on useless tasks. Many sited a lack of assigned tasks. They said they just had nothing to do.
The book sites a few coping techniques that we have all heard about or even used in the past. One is the “stretch your work” strategy in which you draw out the time it takes to get a task done. Another is what they call the “pseudo-commitment” strategy in which the worker comes in early and stays late to make it seem like they are dedicated. Or looking busy by scattering papers on their desk.
With all that said, are you bored at work? Do you want more challenging tasks and assignments? CAD Managers can experience this because the job it somewhat monotonous. Before you get bored out of your job. Think about what motivates you and what bores you. Are you getting bored?
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