Are you a fire put-er out-er, or a fire eliminator? Colleen and I team up very well in regards to fire prevention, er, I mean damage control. We have been self-employed for all of our 25 years of marriage and we have learned to recognize a fire before it starts, as well as extinguish them while just a small flame.
Eliminating The Problem BEFORE It's A Problem
The best approach to eliminating a potential problem is recognizing the possibility of a conflict. Some tips on eliminating the fire before it starts...
- Often times, recognizing the problem is simply a matter of time management. By allocating enough time for your client will in of itself expose the potential for recognizing a problem.
- Partner with other professionals. Walking side-by-side and/or teaming up with a mentor, another real estate agent, sub-contractor, etc., the 'team' will flush out potential problems for you.
- Discuss business with your significant other. For Colleen and I, on many occasions one of us recognized the potential conflict before the other did resulting in eliminating the fire before it stated.
- Be patient! Time in the saddle will develop a keen sense for recognizing potential fires before they break.
Putting Out The Fire BEFORE It Burns The House Down
We all get into problem solving and conflict resolution many times during the course of our business life. Some tips on putting out the fire...
- For starters, some fires are not preventable. Understand this as an opportunity to grow your business, your reputation, and strengthen your character. In moments like these, reputations are borne.
- Do not play the blame game. In other words, do not blame anyone, nor use language that evokes defensive behavior. Avoid, "YOU, did this..." type of communication.
- Be very judicious in the parties you involve in the crisis management. For instance, when replying to an email to put out the fire, consider carefully who you will include in the sending of the email.
- Stay on top of the fire and do not let the fire get out of control. At all cost, keep everyone on your side. When someone or something creates a distance, then the person or thing will start opposing you!
Last but not least, care about your client and the business at hand. The simple act of changing your character from one that strives to close the deal, to one that desires the best and finest representation for your client will lead to solving problems before problems become just that, a problem. The act of caring for you client may very well be a maturity thing. Personally, I remember 20 years ago when my focus was one of earning money to support the family. Not bad, but nowadays, I strive to serve. My character is much stronger, and my children's strong characters are largely a result of me (and Colleen) being other-focused.
Think about putting fires our before they begin, eh! :)
Related Articles For Further Reading:
- Stop Just Putting Out Fires, Start Really Working
- How To Go From Putting Out Fires To Solving Interesting Problems
- CNN: Putting Out Fires At Work
- Putting Out Fires
As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344
1st Photo Credit: Flickr
2nd Photo Credit: Flickr
3rd Photo Credit: Flickr
Critical thinking is necessary in all aspects of life!!
Great advice. Keep those fires from flaming up to begin with.
By the way, you both don't look old enough to have been married 25 years.
@Jason,
Yup, and our oldest is graduating college in a few months! :)
that is a GREAT quote....I am SO gulity of putting fires out and NOT eliminating them!!!!
I need to work in this in order to grow my business!!!
"...clear and frequent communication..."
Very good advice Lisa! :)
I just listened to a speaker talk about the same thing. It is certainly great advice. Thanks !
Just updated the blog with these resources:
Stop Just Putting Out Fires, Start Really Working
How To Go From Putting Out Fires To Solving Interesting Problems
CNN: Putting Out Fires At Work
Putting Out Fires