The Four Oxen and the Lion

by Charlie Scott, Woodland, O’Brien & Scott

In the last issue of Builder Design Center Magazine I wrote a column using a fable as the basis for a lesson.  That fable approach generated more positive comments than I have received from any column in recent memory….so, let another fable begin…

In the days before civilization there lived four oxen on the prairie of Africa.  These four oxen had unknowingly learned, over time, that they were safer as a group than they were as individuals.  These four oxen had often seen individual oxen enjoying the many succulent prairie grasses but only for short periods of time.  The four oxen always assumed that the individual oxen had moved on to “greener pastures”, which was perplexing given the prairie had more food types to offer than could be consumed by a thousand oxen. 

Naturally, these four oxen were constantly on the lookout for the perils of the prairie, specifically lions.  A frequent threat was a local lion (let’s name it Marty) which had been hanging around this prairie for many years.  On one occasion Marty had stalked these four oxen only to learn that as a group these four oxen were a formidable force and invincible. On that lone stalking occasion, a twitch of an ox’s ear was the signal for all the oxen to band together and assume their defensive positions.  Their defense was quite elementary.  The four oxen would back their tails together with each oxen facing outward; this may have been the first recorded “I’ve got your back” teamwork.  Their configuration allowed the oxen to see in all directions neutralizing Marty’s element of surprise and foiling any attack.  Marty never stalked them again.  

One fateful day, the oxen disagreed as to where on of the prairie to graze.  They all seemed to have their own opinion and preferences.  Soon angry grunts were exchanged driving a wedge among the four oxen.  They decided to disband and go out in pursuit of their individual desires; they were each convinced they knew where the best grazing was.  The oxen came to enjoy their independence, and so did Marty the lion.  Marty the lion had no trouble stalking a lone ox and doing what lions do (how’s that for saying it nicely).  Soon, the four oxen were no more.

This fable is a perfect analogy for homebuilders.  You see, homebuilding is equally a team activity requiring coordinated efforts from the: Sales, Design Studio, Field and Internal Operations Teams.  By working together as a team you do more than just protect yourselves against potential threats (i.e. an upset customer). You can also confer on resolution strategies using the two (or four) heads are better than one philosophy to enhance solutions and all be on the same page.  How’s that for revolutionary concept?   In addition, the homebuilding team can emotionally support each other in the event of an error (hey, everybody makes misteaks, right?).  Most importantly a homebuilding “team” sends a loud and clear message to the client that the team is well informed, talk & care about the customer, and are professional and supportive of one another.  You see, teamwork is as obvious to a customer as it was to Marty the lion. Our Woodland, O’Brien & Scott customer research shows that a builder’s teamwork rating is very strongly correlated to their customer’s enthusiasm and propensity to refer the builder to family members and friends.  So, being a team is easier, more enjoyable, more productive, and better serves the customer.  Unfortunately, all it takes is one team member to wander off (or criticize another member) and the strength of the bond weakens.

The moral of the story:  A team mindset has countless benefits for the team and ultimately better serves the client.  Or, as the saying goes, “united we stand; divided we fall”. 

__

Charlie Scott worked for a national award winning builder for 19 years. He is now a partner at Woodland O’Brien & Scott, joining fellow ex-homebuilders John Woodward and Keith O’Brien. Woodland O’Brien and Scott specializes in helping homebuilding operations enhance customer (and employee) satisfaction and increase referral sales. He is also an author, columnist and frequent speaker at industry events.