David Cutbirth
CEO, DC Engineering, Inc.
What business advice do you have for those aspiring to become a Chief Executive Officer of a successful company?
Know yourself, your organization, and never stop learning. We live in an amazing age that presents us with many opportunities. Never stop asking questions, but know when to ask such questions. Search out individuals and other areas to learn how and where you may hone your skills as not just as an employee, but a crucial member of a vibrant organization. Also, remember that perfection can be the enemy of progress. Nothing is ever perfect, but keep moving forward!
Desire for the success of others. One of the crucial abilities of any leader is to first have a very good grasp of the organization’s aspirations, but also how to support those that are reporting or following that leader’s direction. Be passionate about others and their success, while understanding and appreciating the core of the organization’s success factors as well.
What traits are most important to you when hiring for, or promoting individuals within, your company?
Skills can be learned, but individuals have unique talents and attributes that are more innate. I’ve always remembered what Steven Covey said, ‘first seek to understand, then be understood’. A company must first understand what traits are important to the organization when either hiring or promoting. Beyond that, as the Cheshire Cat said when asked by Alice, which way she should go, he replied “If you don’t know where you are going, it doesn’t matter much which way you go.” Give people the best opportunity for success by stating not only what traits are most important, but also acknowledge the unknowns in any given situation as well. When you paint a more complete picture of the situation for a person (the good, the bad, and the ugly), that provides an opportunity for individuals to rise to the challenge.
As Idaho’s population continues to grow, what suggestions do you have to help maintain all that makes Idaho special?
Celebrating our heritage is very important. It helps us understand how we fit into our current circumstances and how we got to this point. It gives us a reference point for where we are today, and helps with creating a realistic vision for the future. However, holding onto the core and not becoming something else is always elusive. Idaho was established as a state in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln and the State motto is “Estos Perpetua” or “May it endure forever”. The Mountain Blue Bird and the Syringa flower were established as symbols in 1931, and the Peregrine Falcon in 2004. Idaho has tremendous natural resources. An ever-increasing population is also a resource. As Idaho’s population continues to grow, people that appreciate what makes Idaho special will be more and more important as they live out the values and the heritage that has brought us to where we are today.
More About: DC Engineering, Inc. is a multi-discipline engineering consulting firm that expertly serves clients across the country in the industrial, commercial, and retail market sectors.