With the craziness of what is going in the world (Middle East, Wisconsin, New Zealand) I realized that both good and bad are evident in how we treat each other. - 'People First'...
A very good book I often refer to states, "No greater love has this, than a man lay down his life for his friends." Now I'm not going out and looking for those opportunities to 'lay down my life' for anyone today but this got me to thinking.
What if we all took that attitude? Seriously. If we viewed every opportunity, every interaction, every dialogue, every negotiation through that lens. 'People first', not "how much is this going to cost me in time or $$?" but "How can I help?" Rather than look for the most 'profitable' solution, how about looking for the most 'beneficial' solution - for all parties. Putting our agendas aside and seriously looking to solve the problem. With our office, that means doing things like we do now. Looking at all aspects of a 'problem' and seeing it as an opportunity to 'fix it'. Going the extra mile to see the problem from a client's perspective, making the sometimes difficult call and telling customers, "I'm sorry you want more but this is what the market will bear now." What if the folks in the Middle East stopped throwing rocks and had a conversation like, "We want reform, we need to breathe the air of freedom." What if the folks in Wisconsin started asking, "What is going to be the best for the state and for the educational system?" instead of "How much is this going to cost me?" What if more folks demonstrated 'People First' as we have witnessed in New Zealand and ran into the 'crumbling buildings' to rescue their fellow man? Isn't that the greatest demonstration of 'People first'?
Deep down inside we want to build something that will last. A relationship - an experience that says "I know you and your know me". You even know my imperfections - but you also know that I care for your well-being - I want to see the best for you and your family.
Everyday I see our agents and associates go the extra mile for those around us - puring themselves into schools, churches, community organizations and I am so humbled and proud to be a part.
"PEOPLE FIRST" - maybe that's the best mission statement for any organization.
