Assume everyone is doing the BEST they can…assume the Best.

One of my life's aha lesson came from the realization that everyone is doing the best they can. If they knew how to do better they would.

In the real estate profession, there is always an opportunity for misunderstandings. When someone does something that doesn't make sense - something that irritates, inconveniences, hurts or offends - do you automatically assume it was done intentionally? Do you naturally filter through all the possibilities of why they did "it" and latch onto the one that makes them a bad person... and conveniently places you in the self-righteous role of victim?

When disagreements occurs, try to the best of your ability to explain and resolve the problem, not cause more conflict; and give others the opportunity to do the same. Consider whether a dispute stems from different perspectives, and look for ways to reach consensus. Communications is usually the key to resolution. 

Everyone makes mistakes and we can correct them with reminders most of the time. However, when disagreements happen, it may not be that someone has ill intent. Keep a cool head, and assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different when you assume the best. When you assume negative intent, you're angry. If you take away that anger and assume positive intent, your emotional quotient goes down. You don't get defensive. You don't scream. You are trying to understand and listen. Say to yourself, "Maybe they are saying something to me that I'm not hearing. Let me really try to understand whether they're reacting because they're hurt, upset, confused, or because I didn't give them enough information."

When I started working with customers instead of employees, I came to understand that I could not hold them to the same standard of "perfection" that I had always demanded of others. First of all, they were already perfect in their own way, just because they were my customers. (They chose me, didn't they?) Second, if they did not do everything perfectly, it was not going to be their fault, it was going to be my fault (in their eyes, at least) - I didn't teach them what they needed to know. And last, if I insulted them or made them unhappy, they would go find someone who treated them better, immediately. How about treating our fellow REALTORS with the same respect and courtesy we extend to our clients...they deserve it too!