Pondering during my gym workout, which is a great pondering time, I was thinking about how much most people like to help others. And, how closed many people are to receiving help. Odd. In my real estate office we recently had a woman doing holiday coverage. She was extremely competent, but also a wee bit nervous and not afraid to ask opinions or for help with a question. The result was that she was adored across the board and the Realtors couldn't do enough to help her.
Why is it some of us feel we need to single-handedly have everything under control? Is it the gold stars we got in grade school for knowing the right answer? Are we afraid that others won't view us as competent unless we know it all in our fields?
I think education should focus on stimulating curiosity and questions! Lots of questions! But that's another blog!
Back to what I see as the smartest way to operate in any area one has expertise: with great humility and the awareness that there is SO much more to learn.
One thing that always impressed me about the best horse people I've known is that the great ones are always aware of how much they DON'T know...and they're life long learners interested in what other riders and trainers are doing. They never feel they've arrived and that all horses are the same. They always know that each situation is different and merits respect and attention.
So too with the best Realtors. They are never afraid to ask questions and consider options. A home sale is never "same old, same old." Great Realtors don't begrudge going to educational and motivational seminars; they crave them.
While experts in any field carry a wealth of knowledge and experience perhaps their greatest asset is their continued desire to learn from others. One of the things I love about the real estate office where I work is that there are no "stupid" questions -- either from clients or from colleagues. And often you'll hear conversation about "how to" between Realtors. I mean, it's a no-brainer to realize that 15 brains are better than one!
Onward and outward! Collaboration is the word of the day.
Why is it some of us feel we need to single-handedly have everything under control? Is it the gold stars we got in grade school for knowing the right answer? Are we afraid that others won't view us as competent unless we know it all in our fields?
I think education should focus on stimulating curiosity and questions! Lots of questions! But that's another blog!
Back to what I see as the smartest way to operate in any area one has expertise: with great humility and the awareness that there is SO much more to learn.
One thing that always impressed me about the best horse people I've known is that the great ones are always aware of how much they DON'T know...and they're life long learners interested in what other riders and trainers are doing. They never feel they've arrived and that all horses are the same. They always know that each situation is different and merits respect and attention.
So too with the best Realtors. They are never afraid to ask questions and consider options. A home sale is never "same old, same old." Great Realtors don't begrudge going to educational and motivational seminars; they crave them.
While experts in any field carry a wealth of knowledge and experience perhaps their greatest asset is their continued desire to learn from others. One of the things I love about the real estate office where I work is that there are no "stupid" questions -- either from clients or from colleagues. And often you'll hear conversation about "how to" between Realtors. I mean, it's a no-brainer to realize that 15 brains are better than one!
Onward and outward! Collaboration is the word of the day.
3 comments:
Well said! I am one of those people who find it hard to ask for help, and often turn it down when offered. Something I need to work on I guess, right?
Once again I agree completely!
Even after 23 (or is it 24) years of mortgage lending I still can learn something new from those around me! FYI - there are some huge changes predicted in the mortgage industry that will affect realtors should they come to pass...would love to talk to you guys about it so you are informed and prepared...Happy Blogging!
Dena...I tend to err on not wanting to ask for help. Was tickled pink the other day when a fellow who often walks past pulled the cord on my lawn mower to start it after I kept failing!
Chris, would like to catch up on the changes on the horizon for sure.
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