> Firm leaders talk about how they communicate with employees - for better or for worse.

Managing an A/E firm either comes naturally or takes years of experience to develop, with a hefty helping of mistakes along the way. But don't fret- a life in business is a long journey of learning and changing and, with the plethora of business management books on the shelves, finding literature to help you on your quest will be a cinch.

Tailor your style to fit each employee

"I over-communicate," says Pat Murphy, principal at 230-person consulting engineering firm Richard D. Kimball Company, Inc. (RDK Engineers) (Boston, MA), "You simply can't afford in our industry to assume that your team is on the same page without constant communication."

Murphy believes that one of the most critical things to recognize about communication is that everyone communicates differently- some people work well through e-mail, while others need one-on-one discussion. Managers need to understand this and employ a variety of tactics in order to communicate effectively with all members of the team.

"The management style that I have grown into was trial-and-error and based on the great mentors and managers that I had worked under in the past," he says. "Whatever style you have, you must understand that every one of your employees needs to be managed differently to bring the best out of them."

Tell the truth

Murphy's advice for managing folks is to be fair and honest. He has seen managers who don't want to confront issues and instead shift responsibilities from a team member who is not performing to someone else, rather than addressing the issue head-on. This adds extra work to a team member who already has a full plate, and allows the person who was not performing to continue on the same path.

"Everyone at the end of the day wants to do their best and be part of a winning team," he says. "Bottom line, you need to provide feedback all the time, both good and bad, so the team can always improve and be successful."

Know thyself

Gayle Roberts, president of 1,700-person engineering and architecture firm Stanley Consultants, Inc. (Muscatine, IA), says that, when considering a management style, you must know yourself first.

"What is your style of decision-making? How do you build support for change?" Roberts says. "I don't believe you can, nor should you try, to completely change yourself and adopt a management style that is not in line with your personality. Instead, focus on your strengths and be aware of your weaknesses. Continue to learn and grow with the organization."

Roberts also says that it is important to be aware of the culture of your company. Your personal values must be aligned with your company's values to be successful, she says.

Roberts' first management experience was a department manager position that required a high level of technical skills.

She took MBA classes during that time and found that the network of leaders and managers she met through her classes provided valuable, real-life experiences.

"I read leadership books and articles, but I believe there is no step-by-step approach that can be employed," she says. "Every leader's situation is different and management often requires relying on intuition. My management style has evolved with experience."

Roberts' management style:

* Be honest. Effective communication is built on trust; be trustworthy in action and word.

* Listen. By seeking feedback and truly listening, decision-making and change becomes much easier.

* Connect employees with the company's "vision," and show how everyone can make a difference.

* Be accessible and share information.

Roberts' advice for managing employees? Follow the Golden Rule.

"Treat your employees the way you would like to be treated," she says. "Value their opinions and ideas and provide opportunities that motivate success."- RACHEL TELEHANY (rtelehany@zweigwhite.com)

For more information on A/E management practices, order a copy of ZweigWhite's The New Management Ideas That Work! Volumes 1-4. Call (800) 466-6275 or visit www.zweigwhite.com/bookstore.

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