Leadership Reflections

In the December issue of Design-Build Dateline, you heard from immediate past chair Tom Porter and current board chair John Young about new strategic planning initiatives aimed at positioning DBIA and our members for long-term success. By updating our vision, mission and values statement, DBIA has reaffirmed our commitment to promoting design-build as the optimal integrated project delivery method and to meeting the need for objective evaluation of other forms of integrated project delivery.

With these core statements and beliefs neatly documented and widely distributed, what’s next? How does DBIA make good on the claim that “integration is our foundation?” How do we champion the merits of integrated delivery, while simultaneously delivering effective products and services to the industry? How do we energize, engage and effectively serve DBIA’s diverse membership?

We will do this — and more — by using our new strategic direction as a decision-making tool that connects operations with goals. DBIA’s national staff is energized and focused on effectively implementing the strategic goals outlined during the planning process and we will begin 2010 with an operational plan aimed at establishing the proper foundation and infrastructure for long-term success.

Successfully executing a strategy requires change at all levels of the organization. The success of DBIA — past, present and future — lies in the synergy that exists between national, our 16 regions and the industry experts committed to DBIA committees. Although varying players inevitably hold different perspectives on key issues, similarities permeate all levels. Areas of commonality inspire the initiatives we undertake in 2010. These include:

• Outsourcing of the DBIA™ Certification exam to provide on-demand access and greater convenience to candidates seeking this valuable credential;
• The introduction of online learning programs that provide timely and relevant education to members while alleviating the need for extensive travel and time away from the office;
• A new platform for real-time information exchange and communication between national staff and leaders, regions, chapters, committees and industry experts.

We are mindful that we operate in an ever-changing and dynamic environment. Obstacles are inevitable, but they will be acknowledged, communicated and promptly addressed. In moments of crisis or uncertainty, staff will collaborate with our board of directors, regions and members to develop creative and innovative solutions, keeping us on a forward trajectory towards our common vision. In other words, we will bring the same integrated approach to our project that you bring to yours.

I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2010, and look forward to working collaboratively to further the mission of this great organization.