What Value Relationships?

How do we measure value? Is it strictly based on dollars spent? Do we ever take into account the not-so-obvious things that we gain?

I had a thought-provoking conversation this past week with someone from a community college who asked these questions and brought up some very interesting points that I had never thought much about. The gist of the conversation was that the strict rules we have in place when it comes to purchasing don’t always look at the big picture and are oftentimes in direct opposition to the directives given by the leadership regarding community engagement and the formation of partnerships — a different kind of capital.

The conversation we had was not about spending more, nor was it about life-cycle costing. It was about valuing the often hidden gains that come from developing partnerships and supporting the local community and businesses — the people that come to your sporting events, take classes on your campus, pay local taxes and donate money to sponsor your events. His point was that too many of us have let the idea of saving 10 cents on a single transaction trump the benefits that can be gained from developing meaningful relationships.

Transaction vs. Relationship. I am not so fond of the “What can you do for me this time?” mentality many of us have developed in recent years. Transactions are singularly focused — price on the consumer side, making the sale on the business side. The idea is that consumers win… or do they? Relationships are more my style — focusing on longer-term needs, understanding my goals and helping me solve the problems that are sure to arise. It is not an “I win” mentality, it’s a “we win!”

While a transaction mentality may save me 10 cents on a purchase, a relationship/partnership that has been nurtured and developed over years is priceless.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Image courtesy of Armstrong International

    The Modern Hot Water System Approach to Keep Higher Education Buildings Safe and Operational

    Higher education campuses face unique structural and operational demands. With a range of old and new buildings, a variety of facility types, and ambitious sustainability goals, it's essential that no aspect of infrastructural performance is overlooked. Facility managers must be equipped to provide a safe, reliable and efficient space for students, faculty and guests.

  • University of West Florida Opens New Laboratory Facility

    The University of West Florida recently announced that renovation work is complete on a new lab building for its campus in Pensacola, Fla., according to university news. Building 80 will serve as the home to the university’s civil engineering program and the Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program.

  • Lewis C. Cassidy Elementary School

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Lewis C. Cassidy Elementary School has been recognized with an EDS 2025 Grand Prize award in the category of New Construction.

  • Enjoy Tax and Energy Savings with the Right Ceiling Solutions

    Thanks to recent innovations pairing mineral fiber ceiling panels with phase change material technology (PCM), architects, designers, facility managers, and other key players in construction and renovation projects are re-thinking the role ceilings play in supporting environmental objectives—especially energy savings.

Digital Edition