In 2002, I was president of our local Association.  The first leadership meeting with my board, I presented the following challenge & theme.  I have had so many people in these past 7 years come up & tell me how valuable that was and thanked me for my example.  I hope this will mean as much to you as it did to hundreds of our members:

"As outlined in the Realtor's Code of Ethics, we need to follow systematic guidelines that become a part of our character.  Implementing the Golden Rule as referred to in our Mission Statement, should be paramount in any and all dealings.

Let's take the High Road.

When a customer or client seems to be angry or overly concerned and wants to lash out on us, remember, "a soft answer turns away anger..."

Take the High Road.

When our day seems to have gone less than perfect and we feel like giving in or giving up, we must remind ourselves we are professionals and providers; providers for our families AND providers to the needs of our clients. We need to buck up, smile and...

Take the High Road.

When that urge to "get back" at someone who "done us wrong" overcomes us, remember revenge is not our job.

Let's take the High Road.

When someone asks us to go the mile, and we don't feel like it, remember let's go two miles and,

Take the High Road.

When we feel dragged down by someone trying to build themselves up, don't fight back.  they are obviously in need of encouragement and sometimes need more than their own vote, for "most important person" Build them up all the more...

Take the High Road.

The morning you get up & you feel your worst, dress your best... Take the High Road.

When we're asked to help out on committees or to be involved in our Association, think of this, stated by Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th US President:

"Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is trying to improve conditions within his sphere."

Take the High Road...  Get involved!

We ARE in the PEOPLE business.  There is no more precious commodity, than the people we serve.  It's not just about the numbers or "doing the deal".  It's about people!

In 2002, our NAR President, Martin Edwards, established a theme; "The Power of One", the difference one person can make.  A difference one can make in their industry, in their family, in their workplace, in their church, their community, a difference in a child or an individual they may come in contact with, even with a simple smile.

As professional real estate practitioners, I believe we need to raise our own bar in our conduct and professionalism...

Let's Take the High Road.

Taking the High Road means accepting responsibility for our actions and being accountable for the results, whether good or bad.

When we spend each day interacting with life's precious commodity; People, we can make a difference. Yes the Power of One!  The power is greater on the High Road.  The High Road is where we have better leverage to pull others up! The High Road keeps us out of the mud! The High Road offers a better view! Opportunity is on the High Road when others want to look up for help.

Words are great, but Action is where the rubber meets the.... High ROAD!"

                                                    Don Wixom 2002

Of course, we have lots of high roads on Idaho Real Estate... ;)  

Be blessed!