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Dear
%%NAME%%
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January
2007 Newsletter
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Competence: The enthusiasm that a person has when he or she enters a new field of endeavor can quickly turn to discouragement if that person does not become competent at their craft quickly. However, a novice must realize that anyone who is new rarely possesses the competencies needed to do a job consistently well, and it will take time to attain competence. It is not to say that people are not capable of learning, but your success will largely depend upon who is there to assist you on the road to mastery. Mastering your craft, no matter what it is, will require effort, determination, and a willingness to listen and learn from your mentor. I remember my first job as a strawberry-picker when I was in the seventh grade. I thought picking strawberries would be such an easy job. You’re out in the field, in the sun with lots of strawberries to eat—and you get paid for it. Needless to say, reality came very quickly to my young life. Yes, I could pick fast and eat just as fast, but I was incompetent as all get out. The berries that I picked were bruised, and, as a result, every one of the boxes that I picked was rejected as unsuitable for the stand. My feelings were hurt. This was such a simple job, so how could I possibly have screwed it up? After all, they were only strawberries. I lasted for less than two hours on my first real job. I hadn’t paid attention to the instructions. I did it my way, instead. I had forgotten, that, without a quality product, I could not be in the strawberry-picking business. But, the next year I went back. This time, I listened to what the foreman said and did things her way. This time, I lasted the entire picking season and in the end, earned a cash bonus and six extra boxes of strawberries to take home. What made the difference? It was my attitude, and my openness and willingness to learn from the person who was experienced. Following instructions did not stifle my creativity or subjugate my spirit. Rather, it made my job easier and more productive. I became competent as a strawberry-picker and got a bonus for work well done. The price we pay for failure to master our craft is far greater than the time and effort expended to master it well in the first place, and reap the rewards. In my opinion, the greatest real estate trainer and mentor is Floyd Wickman. He constantly reminded all who took his “Sweathog Training” that, “Education without application, is worse than worthless.” He insisted that his students become competent, confident and natural at what they do, so they would be prepared to handle any situation with professionalism and a high level of skill. Pay the price, master your craft, listen to those who know and become a person whom others seek out because of the your competence.
Dale
and Ben Midgley |
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