Beyond the Build

Management

Finding the Right Path

We work in an industry where many perform a similar service, getting a customer from Point A to Point B. Generally speaking, the path may be the similar, but not exactly the same. To me, what sets the good apart from the great is the perspective and creativity that can be brought to the table. You can really see the problem solvers and idea people in action.

Whenever I have a “big idea,” I have learned to slow down just a bit and ask a larger question: Is this what I want, or is this what’s best for the customer? A few questions that help me along this path:

What is the next logical step for the process, and is the timing right?

Is there a way to beta test without totally jumping into the “North Sea,” so to speak.

If the answer to either question is a “no” or “not now,” it’s probably best to table the idea, at least the short term.

Merrill Stewart Jr.

Merrill Stewart is Founder and CEO of The Stewart/Perry Company, a commercial building contractor based in Birmingham.