Page 37 - February 2020

“Our [Burns & McDonnell’s] singular mission since to the local decision maker the significance

1898 has been to make our clients successful. When we of the learning opportunity afforded through
plan, design, permit, construct and manage projects Toastmasters. Demonstrate how such knowledge
worldwide, we do it like we own it. will translate into direct benefit to the decision
Our staff of 7,000-plus includes engineers, maker’s mission. That conversation with Rick

architects, construction professionals, planners, Nye, the Department Manager at Burns &
estimators, economists, technicians and scientists, McDonnell Vancouver, was very significant
representing virtually all design disciplines. We tackle for both the lead sponsor and the Department
every technical challenge, every complex detail, with Manager. The lead sponsor was able to assess

the intent and attention of an owner. It’s what brings the level of interest and commitment to this
our clients back, project after project.” initiative by Rick Nye and, in like manner, Rick
not only learned about Toastmasters, he was able
Bottom line: Burns and McDonnell is a to assess the commitment of the lead sponsor

large organization that places considerable to ensure this effort would be successful and a
emphasis on professionalism as a behavior proper use of his staff’s time and money. That
that characterizes everything they do, and conversation lasted over an hour. After observing
that includes working within project teams to one meeting, here is what Rick wrote to express

achieve predictable, quality outcomes for their his appreciation to the sponsor/mentor team for
customers. The BurnsMasters Toastmaster what Toastmasters is doing for his organization:
club was built stressing quality, attention
to detail, high performance standards, and “Marv, thanks for reaching out about the feedback
professionalism – obviously a mirror image of on the team. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed

the parent organization’s business philosophy. watching the team shine yesterday. Our employees
Thus, the rationale for taking the time to conduct when put in that situation performed above my
a stakeholder analysis and getting to know the expectations. I also did see quite a buzz of excitement
local decision maker are important steps in after the meeting including myself and can see how this

earning the trust, mutual professional respect, will help us grow as a team to improve our individual
and support of the team you are seeking to assist communication skills.
in their Toastmaster journey. I do want to reiterate that your guidance along
with Patrick, Greg and Bob [sponsor-mentor team]

Meet with and fully explain the benefit helped propel us to a position where our club can be
of Toastmasters to the resident decision successful. Our Burns & McDonnell team recognizes
maker. this is also a special opportunity to have your support.

As noted above, it is important to identify I can see that it will be a lot of work to keep the
all the key stakeholders that may have some excitement up and moving the team through their
influence on club success, but it is also critical that individual Pathways programs. I believe our team is up
the sponsor meet with and personally express to the challenge! Regarding feedback to headquarters,

VOICES! | FEBRUARY 2020 37