Integrity is the foundation we need

By Gerry Martin

Can you remember when the signature of a craftsman was the quality of his work? Do you remember when business deals were consummated with a handshake? If you answered, "Yes," you remember when the integrity of an organization’s products, services and relationships was the cornerstone of its success.

ASA has accomplished much during the 11 years that I have been a member. ASA’s current list of programs and advocacy efforts shows me that there will be much more accomplished in the coming months and years. While accomplishments are wonderful, they are certainly tainted if we fail to do business with honor and integrity the goodwill of any organization.

What message do we send when we passionately oppose the poor payment practices that plague the construction industry yet fail to pay our own subcontractors and suppliers on time? How seriously should owners and general contractors take our demands for retainage reform if we fail to complete punch-list items at the end of our jobs? If we fail to take responsibility for injuries or property damage we cause on our projects, will the rest of the industry get behind ASA’s efforts to reform risk-management issues? It cannot be an option to have double standards. Guard your principles.

Integrity is more than ethics. Integrity goes beyond a belief in moral principles to guide all aspects of personal and organizational performance. Integrity means adherence to a set of values that incorporates honesty and freedom from deception. But it is more than honesty. It means doing the right thing regardless of circumstances or benefits to you or your organization. This means that you must be trustworthy and principled. When you treat others with respect, they will treat you with respect as well.

Double standard isn’t an option

I am a work in process. I am currently teaching my oldest daughter to drive. Of course, I am stressing the importance of observing and obeying the traffic laws and signs. On a recent trip, while I was driving, my daughter politely explained from the back seat, "Dad, the speed limit is 35 miles per hour and you are doing 50 miles per hour." Even though I am sure I obey the traffic laws at least 90 percent of the time, there simply was not anything I could say but, "You’re right." And I slowed down. Having a double standard was not an option. We cannot maintain our integrity 90 percent of the time and be leaders. It has to be 100 percent.

Every organization is influenced by its leaders. A decision to enhance integrity must begin at the top. Are you doing what you said you would do? Are you providing what you said you would provide? There is no right way to do something wrong.

I desire to see our association full of members who are a step above in the eyes of owners and general contractors. I desire to see a day when general contractors and owners unquestionably view ASA members as principled and trustworthy. Those of us who care must begin to stand up for integrity in the construction industry. We must insist on responsible behavior and accountability for ourselves, for those we manage, and for those with whom we do business. The alternative is a very ugly marketplace.

Gerry Martin is director of contracts administration of Ceco Concrete Construction LLC, Kansas City, Mo., and 2001-2002 ASA national president. For more information about the American Subcontractors Association, call the Greater Milwaukee Chapter at 414-276-1743.

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