It is said that the Chinese symbol for crisis contains elements of both danger and opportunity. Over the past couple of years, we've all borne witness to a real estate market gone awry.
Nothing in my experience could have prepared me for the dramatic market downturn or the escalation in crisis sales which resulted at one point in one out of every ten homes in my county being at risk for foreclosure.
Yet, as I look back over this period, I'm struck by the fact that so many other worthwhile things may not have taken place or had the same impact in my life as they did precisely because of the moment of crisis.
For instance, over three years ago, I started blogging...almost by accident. That first keystroke opened up my world of experience to include friends from across the nation and educational opportunities which have enhanced my professional skills.
This afternoon, I attended a Board of Directors meeting for our local board. During the meeting we were shown a video clip highlighting the new programs and opportunities that have emerged within the past year. It was remarkable to reflect on how much has been accomplished inspite of very challenging odds. It's definitely not been easy, but I can't help but think that there would have been far less impetus to move forward in many critical areas apart from the stark realities which invaded our professional lives.
Now, change has not come without cost. The membership of our Board decreased significantly as many agents found they could no longer make a living from selling homes. Home listings soared even as home prices dipped to record low levels. Agents discovered that amassing new skill sets (i.e. short sales) sometimes meant working harder for less pay.
While doing some research about the Chinese word for crisis, I was surprised to find out the the widespread meaning of the term is actually incorrect/incomplete. There are many nuances which are lost in translation. But one element which did provide additional insight for me is the concept of the symbol encompassing the idea of an incipient moment or a crucial point which can turn out for good or ill.
We're not completely out of the woods yet. Although there are signs of some light at the end of this tunnel, this moment does have within it the potential for good or ill. In our market, there seems to be a stabilization and for the first time in a long while, house prices actually went up a tiny bit. But...we're at a crossroads, a moment in time in which we hold in our hands the awesome responsibility of determining exactly how we will choose to move forward into the future. Our capacity to exercise responsible leadership with integrity will make a crucial difference.
At the end of the day, we're in this thing together and the responsibility of making things work is not ultimately at the mercy of circumstances and situations. That power resides within us and how we choose to respond to crisis, even when it requires us to snatch opportunity from the jaws of defeat.
picture is courtesy of respres on flickr.
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