As a construction industry firm setting our sights to improve our services in 2005 we have to reflect upon the lessons learned from the previous 12 months. This can be done with job team meetings with detailed agendas and / or company retreats to reflect and contemplate our previous experiences. Doing both is good. It lets us step back from the daily pace long enough to strategize our proper future direction.

Apart from these worthwhile efforts we should also try to temper our self-perception that we have all the right answers. We should also try to listen more carefully to new ideas and even, (get ready) opposing points of view.

As we work with architects, subcontractors, owners' consultants and other team members this year, we should learn from 2004. Lets be a firm that solves problems, not creates them. When necessary, standing our ground is important; but do it with an ear for your challengers issues while respecting their position. We should not be as sure of ourselves as we negotiate our way through our complex construction project. We were hired because of our experience; don't be afraid to let it be known that you are also treating the project as a continuing educational experience. Ask questions as you debate and stand ready and willing to change your opinion. Hopefully, the experiment will be liberating and the discovery of the truth even more exhilarating.

Gerald Herbert