As TrellisWorks reached its 21st year in business in November, we took time as a team to reflect on the work we’ve delivered, the relationships we’ve built, and how the industry has evolved over the past two decades.
The result was a list of 21 lessons learned, gathered from across the team, and we posted one every day on LinkedIn as an advent calendar.
If you missed it, or you’re curious to revisit the wisdom our team has collated, then here is our list:
21 Lessons Learned
1. Listen carefully to client issues before proposing solutions. Understanding the problem is key.
2. Survey & install from a finished product perspective. Think about how it is to be maintained and serviced, not just about the set up.
3. Having a good attitude and a smile can really inspire people to be helpful.
4. Do it right first time, every time. A little longer initially often saves countless hours in the future.
5. Complacency and dependency are the twin precursors to failure and decline.
6. Always look to understand the “why” not just the “how”.
7. Network design starts with understanding how the client actually uses the space, not just the specs.
8. Know when to walk away. Not all business is good business, so don’t promise what you know you can’t deliver.
9. Always check existing infrastructure before proposing upgrades. Understanding what’s already installed prevents mistakes.
10. It is best to have those difficult conversations earlier, whether it’s internal or with a customer. Don’t leave it too late to deal with a problem.
11. Perfection should never be attainable, but mediocrity should never be accepted. Progress is a direction, not a destination.
12. Choose equipment based on performance and reliability, not just cost.
13. Temporary deployments require different solutions than permanent ones. Always match the technology to the use case.
14. Never rely solely on manufacturer datasheets. Real-world testing and experience matter.
15. Adaptability is crucial as technology and methods change constantly.
16. Training and knowledge sharing within the team is critical for consistent results.
17. Our journey to achieving multiple ISO certifications showed us how important processes are and how they can be genuinely beneficial within an organisation.
18. Collaboration across teams and with suppliers helps solve problems faster and builds trust.
19. It’s good to have a plan and a process to help with the status of credit lines. Building relationships helps with getting the cash in.
20. Aesthetics are the first thing to be noticed and often the last thing to be thought about during any planning/design process. This needs to change.
21. Never underestimate the importance of admin. What seems invisible day to day is often essential in a crisis.
Although we’ve certainly learned a great deal over the past 21 years, this is a fast moving industry and there is no time to stand still. We’re now looking ahead to the next 21 years to ensure that we keep offering our customers the technical expertise and excellent customer service that we’ve become known for.
If you’re planning work in the year ahead, we’d love to discuss it with you. Drop us a message and one of the team will be in touch.
