How to Pick the Right Exhibit Design/Build Partner
How to Pick the Right Exhibit Design/Build Partner
August 26, 2014 by Taylor Studios
When hiring an interpretive exhibit design company, aren’t the traits you look for similar to those of any partner you want at your side? What is your criteria when dating or hiring a new staff member? Don’t you want your exhibit design-build firm to have like values, attitudes, and passion for the work?
Requests for Qualifications
The typical RFQ in the museum exhibit design-build industry often includes the following criteria:
These are very good criteria. However, if you were to dig deeper, what do you want this relationship to look like and how could you try to assess that up front?
Behavioral Interviewing
If you went on a first date and the person was rude to the waitress, would that be a red flag? How about the interviewee that is condescending to your receptionist or human resources person? We are often shocked at the rude behavior we see at prebid meetings. We hear contractors tell potential clients they are wrong, ask questions which are clearly outlined in the RFP (wasting everyone’s time), and tell them what they should do before knowing all the details of the project. Is that listening and being respectful of your potential partner? As you know, past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior. Can you imagine a long-term relationship peppered with this kind of attitude? It doesn’t sound fun nor conducive to cooperative creative work.
One way to assess whether this potential partner will be a good fit for your culture and values is to utilize in your evaluation process. Add questions asking about their past behavior. Maybe something like, “Can you tell us about a time when you got in an argument with a client?” You could have each of you team members have a quick phone call asking behavioral questions. You could visit them and see how the company behaves. Are you introduced to everyone? Are they friendly? Do they appear to be passionate about their work? Take a look at their mission and . Do they match yours? Any of these can help refine your decision. Identify the and don’t want and have your team track them along the way.
Combined Vision of Success
Of course, you want a partner that produces results. Do you know what results you want? Define your desired outcomes and assess whether the potential partner can help you achieve them. A great employee or significant other will make you better than you were before. They may bring new expertise or know-how to pull the best out of you by building you up. Does the potential exhibit design partner have a track record of helping refine your and keeping them at the forefront throughout the project?
Conscientiousness is Process
Have you ever dated someone whose words did not match their actions? This is a sign of poor character. Don’t you want a partner you can trust and rely on? Take a look at their company processes. A will have well-defined processes and tools and is more likely to make that phone call they promised, to hit their dates, to manage your budget and their finances, to produce consistent creative and quality work, etc.
Fit
Another thing to consider is whether the interpretive firm is also asking you questions. . Additionally, it shows they have done their homework and care about the project. Have you ever had an interview where the person knows nothing about you? Not a good sign. Or how about the narcissistic partner? You want a partner that is concerned about your needs, wants and results.
Hiring the Best Fit
To hire the best exhibit-design partner, add these points to your selection checklist:
– Behavioral interview questions.
– Assess if you can create a shared vision.
– Analyze their process to know you can count on them.
– Determine whether their values match yours.