ABSTRACT
The chapter opens with the ways firms keep things moving, interesting, and relevant for design technologists. Engaging and retaining Superusers really has to do with the proper care and feeding of Superusers: how do you keep them, and keep them from leaving for richer pastures? Technology specialists in AEC are a special breed, and engagement is about retaining these valued employees. The usual go-to tactics – extrinsic rewards, such as time off from work, or a gift card – just won’t cut it. Engaging and retaining Superusers involves nurturing the 12 Cs, the soft skills, mindsets, attitudes, and hard skills possessed by every Superuser. Next, this chapter looks at what happens when Superusers leave AEC for startups and other industries, why they sometimes leave startups for AEC, and how firms compete with these startups for Superusers. The chapter concludes with a look at training and upskilling of Superusers.
