Emphasis on service brings different disciplines together

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The national economy has continued to bolster the housing market. A lower rate of unemployment, a strong job market and the low inflation rate have resulted in higher purchasing power for consumers. |ret||ret||tab|

Housing purchases and new construction have remained steady as consumers take advantage of their purchasing power.|ret||ret||tab|

According to information from Southwest Missouri State University's Small Business Development Center and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, our local housing industry is showing greater opportunities than the national average. Springfield, the third largest metropolitan area in Missouri, has experienced the highest growth since 1990 with a 6.6 percent increase in population.|ret||ret||tab|

With more people migrating to southwest Missouri, adequate housing must be provided. |ret||ret||tab|

This new hous-ing reflects two major market segments: first-time buyers and buyers who are moving up. |ret||ret||tab|

Other segments include the growing number of "empty nesters," who are retired or close to retirement, and want to find smaller units.|ret||ret||tab|

All these demands result in opportunities for those associated with the building industry. It is important that the various groups cooperate in order to respond appropriately to these demands and enjoy the full benefits these opportunities provide. |ret||ret||tab|

The Ozarks has an abundance of talent and resources to successfully respond to the housing demands. |ret||ret||tab|

Builders, suppliers, architects, consultants, etc. may not always agree on the precise makeup of qualifications necessary to respond to these opportunities. Each has personal goals and objectives; but there is one common aspect we must never overlook, and that is service. |ret||ret||tab|

The way we serve can make a significant difference in our lives. |ret||ret||tab|

As professionals in serving fields, we have the education and skills that provide us with the tools necessary to perform our actual trade service to our clients.|ret||ret||tab|

Our "professionalism" lies not in our mastery of skills, information, creativity or communication, but in the degree of service we provide. |ret||ret||tab|

True collaboration among the many disciplines, needed to fulfill the housing demand, will rest in our mutual commitment to service. |ret||ret||tab|

Too often we become caught up in the game of importance and our "ranking order." |ret||ret||tab|

We actually think that our status is dependent upon our intelligence, education, skills, aesthetic sense, our ability to make money or in leadership of others, etc. |ret||ret||tab|

Most of us continue to process our decisions through our own minds and egos. |ret||ret||tab|

We often think that if we share "our" information, give "our" opinion, or provide "our" service, we are making a difference. |ret||ret||tab|

Then, when we present "our" case, we are amazed that we do not receive universal acceptance. |ret||ret||tab|

We often believe that we are the creators of our skills, and we continue in the game of rank and status. |ret||ret||tab|

With this type of thinking, no one is served and we eventually become frustrated.|ret||ret||tab|

However, when we enter the client relationship with the intent of serving the client, we have a win-win situation. |ret||ret||tab|

By understanding that other players have a valuable contribution and that together we can provide superior solutions to problems, we begin to give of ourselves and choose to share. The acronym TEAM together everyone achieves more describes this approach. |ret||ret||tab|

Our mutual service should always provide for and protect the interests of our clients. |ret||ret||tab|

By cooperation and combining the best of our talents and skills all the players win and the client receives the grand prize.|ret||ret||tab|

Clients who feel they've been listened to, that their needs are valued and important and who feel they've been well served are likely to think of their experience with us as positive. |ret||ret||tab|

Happy, satisfied clients can only benefit all of us in the serving professions by providing referrals and retaining our work in the future. |ret||ret||tab|

"What we sow, we will reap." It has also been said that the "bread we cast upon the waters will someday return to feed us."|ret||ret||tab|

With this in mind, we should never lose sight of, nor forget, our primary calling and duty, that of service.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|(Donald G. Briggs, AIA, is president of Briggs Architecture + Design in Springfield.)[[In-content Ad]]