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These six Infrastructure and Facility Topics are from JD Solomon Solutions are surging.
These six infrastructure and facility topics are from JD Solomon Solutions are surging.

Five years of content creation related to infrastructure and facility topics provides a great foundation for what’s hot and what’s not. Google also provides a great way of tracking which of those insights see surges in their interest in any given year. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, here are the six topics trending most as we head into 2025.

 

JD Solomon Solutions Blog

We created the JD Solomon Solutions blog in 2020, when we began the business. We believe there was greater value in providing our clients with trending content than self-serving newsletters. The topics for the insights come from the hot topics we see in our consulting practice, which focuses on asset management (including reliability and risk), program development, facilitation, and the environment.

 

Why Old Stuff Starts Trending on Google

A significant increase in Google views in a blog post's second or third year can indicate new interest in the topic. However, these are various factors for new interest.

 

  1. Trending Topics

The topic of your blog post might have become more relevant or popular due to current events, trends, or changes in public interest.

 

  1. Improved SEO

Updates to your blog post or changes in Google's search algorithms might have improved your post's ranking, making it more visible to searchers.

 

  1. Backlinks

Other websites or blogs might have linked to your post, driving more traffic to it.

 

  1. Social Media Shares

Increased sharing of your post on social media platforms can lead to a surge in views.

 

  1. Content Updates

If you've updated the content to make it more relevant or comprehensive, it can attract more readers.

 

What’s Surging According to Google

According to Google, these are the top six topics we published in the last five years that are surging.

 

Too Many Variations? How to Know the Right Design-Build or EPC Firms

One of the biggest decisions an owner will make is choosing the right construction project delivery method. The decision is complicated by the number of architects, contractors, and engineers who do not wish to be squeezed out of an opportunity. Variations of delivery proliferate. Suddenly, everyone is an EPC or design-build firm.

 

Originally posted in May 2023, the surge in this post in 2024 is the result of a trending topic.

 

 

Improving System Performance Starts with a Criticality Analysis

Criticality analysis is the best way to prioritize organizational activities such as business process improvements, condition assessments, preventative maintenance program improvement, workforce development, work prioritization, inventory management & critical spares, predictive maintenance programs, health & safety improvements, design or re-designs, O&M budget development, CIP prioritization, and communications. Improving system performance starts with criticality analysis.

 

Originally posted in February 2022, this is definitively a trending topic.

 

 

Understanding Inflation and Escalation Will Make (or Break) Your Career

Current project managers and decision makers have not grown up in an era of rising construction escalation and economic inflation. The last time that happened was in the early 2000s. The fundamentals and good practices are the same, but reflection and a crash course in good practices are needed.

 

Originally published in August 2022, the increased interest in this post is a trending topic.

 

 

Why Diversifying Water Sources Provides Benefits and Challenges

Diversifying the number of sources in a public drinking water system has positives and negatives. According to one source, approximately 75% of the US public drinking water systems use only one source. However, this percentage will trend in the other direction over the next few decades as regulatory standards become more stringent.

 

Originally published in April 2023, this is definitely a trending topic based on inquiries and projects. The drivers are viable infrastructure and emerging contaminants such as PFAS.

 

 

My Top 5 Tips for Facilitating Large Groups versus Small Groups

For many facilitators, bringing large groups to solutions that are created, understood, and accepted by all can be intimidating. As always, successful facilitation starts with doing the basics well. Special attention in five areas – breakout groups, pre-session exchange, simplified exercises, activity summaries, and group interaction – with large groups.

 

Originally posted in April 2023, this post’s surge in 2024 is likely the result of shares and backlinks on other websites.

 

 

Five Ways to More Effectively Facilitate Business Cases

Building better business cases enables technical professionals and decision makers to get more of what they need. That said, the business case's ultimate power is in the alignment and culture it builds for implementation. Having everyone work through a structured process where the results are created, understood, and accepted by all participants.

 

Originally published in April 2022, the reason for this post's interest surge is unclear. It is likely a combination of a trending topic, backlinks on other websites, and shares.

 


 

JD Solomon Inc. provides solutions for program development, asset management, and facilitation at the nexus of facilities, infrastructure, and the environment. Subscribe for monthly updates related to our firm.


The FINESSE Fishbone Diagram provides a proven approach to overcoming project management communication barriers.
The FINESSE Fishbone Diagram provides a proven approach to overcoming project management communication barriers.

We’ve all had moments where our message falls flat, a misunderstanding occurs, or a simple conversation gets bogged down. It’s usually due to one of the big three barriers to effective communication: language, accessibility, and generational differences. The seven cause-and-effect factors (the “bones” of FINESSE) are designed to overcome all three barriers. However, it’s important to understand the context of each of the three barriers. Let’s look at each one.


The Language Barrier

Language is more than the words we speak. It includes jargon, slang, tone, and even cultural nuances.

Technical professionals are notorious for rattling off acronyms and industry buzzwords, adding confusion even when everyone shares the same first language. Mix in multiple languages and the hope of effective communication evaporates.


The single biggest key is simplification by being as concise as possible. Speak clearly, avoid jargon when possible, and assume everyone in the audience does not share the same first language. The goal of effective communication is to make sure the message is understood, not sound smart.


Accessibility: Making Communication Inclusive

Communication requires thoughtful adaptation for people with vision or hearing impairments. Relying on visuals without descriptions or speaking too quickly in a crowded room will alienate key decision makers.


The good news is that many of the things you can do to overcome language and generational barriers can also help you improve accessibility. All of those things are rolled up into the FINESSE fishbone diagram.


Accessibility isn’t a “bonus” feature. It is the baseline for making sure no one is left out, which in turn makes your work resonate and empowers your career growth.


Bridging Generational Gaps

Every generation brings its unique approach to communication. Baby Boomers might prefer face-to-face discussions, while Gen Z thrives on concise text messages and emojis.


Navigating generational differences starts with understanding, not judgment.


Kamber Parker’s “Yo Pro Know” is a fantastic resource for learning how to connect across age groups. The core idea is to respect preferences and adjust your style.


JD Solomon’s FINESSE Fishbone Diagram

The FINESSE fishbone diagram® is a game-changer for tackling communication issues related to big decisions. The fishbone (or cause-and-effect) diagram identifies the critical factors and categorizes relevant tips under each bone.


By dissecting problems into manageable chunks, it’s easier to pinpoint where things go wrong and implement targeted solutions. The FINESSE fishbone diagram® is a roadmap for clearer communication, whether in a boardroom or when explaining complexities and uncertainties with a team of senior managers.


Why a Formal Communication Approach Saves the Day

Trial and error is not a way to be a successful designer or analyst, and it’s not a way to be a successful communicator or facilitator.


Formal communication frameworks based on system thinking capture the delivery of inputs that produce successful outcomes. A formal approach is especially helpful when tackling barriers like language, accessibility, and generational differences.


Trusting a system also takes the pressure off memorization and perfection. When you hit the stage, just let your practice and the system take over. You don’t need to be the most articulate or attractive to win the day. Just trust the approach.


Overcoming the Three Barriers

Communication isn’t just about talking — it’s about connecting. By addressing language, accessibility, and generational gaps, you’re building trust and respect. That rapport is also essential for your work to take hold and your career to take off. Are you Communicating with FINESSE?



 

JD Solomon is the founder of JD Solomon, Inc., the creator of the FINESSE fishbone diagram®, and the co-creator of the SOAP criticality method©. He is the author of Communicating Reliability, Risk & Resiliency to Decision Makers: How to Get Your Boss’s Boss to Understand and Facilitating with FINESSE: A Guide to Successful Business Solutions.


JD Solomon joins the panel that unveils the State of Maintenance & Reliability 2025
JD Solomon joins the panel that unveils the State of Maintenance & Reliability 2025

JD Solomon joins CEO Ryan Chan, CMRP, Head of Community & Partnerships Bryan Bieschke, CMRP, and Upkeep Ambassador Robert (Bob) Latino for a special webinar unveiling the 2025 State of Maintenance Report. The event is Thursday January 16, 2025, at 2 PM EST.


Get the inside scoop on growing budgets, workforce trends, and challenges shaping maintenance and reliability in 2025. Plus, gain practical advice to help your team thrive in the year ahead.



 

JD Solomon is the founder of JD Solomon, Inc., the creator of the FINESSE fishbone diagram®, and the co-creator of the SOAP criticality method©. He is the author of Communicating Reliability, Risk & Resiliency to Decision Makers: How to Get Your Boss’s Boss to Understand and Facilitating with FINESSE: A Guide to Successful Business Solutions.

 

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