Late in 2020 I tasked our team with helping to identify our core values. This was about identifying the values we felt we already represented. In my mind, the qualities were there, and it was only the identification and definition of those values that was lacking.
It was simple exercise for our employees — write down the first words or phrases that come to mind when you think of Metzler Home Builders. The leading “value” that came back was some combination of these three words:
fair / honest / transparent
In true Metzler Home Builders fashion, we put our heads together and came up with one word that encompassed this value – Integrity.
What does it mean to have Integrity as a custom home builder?
I believe it means being truthful in situations even when it isn’t comfortable or convenient. It means sharing with a client when we made a mistake, sharing why and how it happened, and offering a solution that is fair to them.
It may look like giving a credit to a client when they don’t even know something they chose cost less.
It could be explaining that a product came in damaged or was mis-ordered, and now our schedule will require modification.
I understand it isn’t popular to talk about the things we may not get 100% right as a business, but I believe if we operate with Integrity in all situations, we will continue to build trust with our clients that lasts a lifetime.