The road to commercial success will certainly be paved with conflict when you’re making sales. That’s inevitable. As with most conflict, money – or the loss of it – will be at the root of the problem. The real trick is to keep the disagreement from becoming personalbecause that’s when the stakes escalate. So draw another deep breath and be willing to find a way to compromise. You’ll be better for it.
The inept architect. Even talented, well-trained architects make mistakes. In one memorable case, James, the architect, inadvertently selected an Axminster carpet with a long delivery time for a high-profile fast track project. When this was gently called to his attention, he angrily responded, “You’re just trying to change the spec.” Yes, he was right, but I had the best of reasons: a delivery time inconsistent with the short duration delivery date. Having the lobby space completed on time was a lot more importantto the owner than having an Axminster. A custom pattern, running line tufted carpet was substituted.