This is the view as I see it, outside my hotel window at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas on the night of September 15, 2022. I am mesmerized by the lights, architecture, and the history of Texas real estate from where it began and where we are today.
Being in the real estate industry is one of the most fascinating subjects to talk about. Everyone is talking about it. Here at the 2022 Shaping Texas REALTORS® Conference, I am in awe by leaders who helped shaped others and myself into the professionals we are today. Learning is continuous. Education never ends. I am here because I am a member of the Texas REALTORS® Professional Development Committee, and one of thousands of volunteers who signed up to serve over the years.
Being an advocate for the TEXAS Realtors® Professional Development Committee is something I don't take lightly. To serve is an honor and a privilege. Day is done. I'm alone with this beautiful view thinking about what my years in the business has taught me and what I feel compelled to share.
The 21st anniversary of September 11th has come and gone. Back then, I wasn't even thinking about becoming a REALTOR®. My trajectory was on Corporate America, and I was in the home stretch of completing my MBA at the University of Dallas. But on the evening of 9/11, my Professor said, Everything I taught you about leadership; everything every President, Commander in the Air Forces, Army, and Military Branch learned about leadership is no longer applicable. We must never stop learning. Problem solving is continuous. Books and teachers don't teach us everything. We must learn to adapt to change without changing our core values. Think critically. Discover truth from fabrication. The most important lesson I learned was to always be ready, prepared, willing and able to learn when the path you are on opens up a strategic shift.
Fast forward to September 15, 2022. Our world is still changing. I clearly remember the professor's words. Close your books and open your mind. Answers to your questions have not been published. Become involved, is what he said. And get to know the people around you but don't believe everything you hear. Be an advocate for the truth. Serve others well, to the best of your abilities, even if that means referring others to people with better expertise and experiences. This begs the question --- can we trust what we Google?
This beautiful view outside my window resonates the truth. Even when things look the same as they did years ago, many changes have occurred; and no matter what lessons we learned; the world is still changing. It is still in leadership crisis in practically every area of our life. Strong leaders are in high demand. The rules, policies, procedures, and courses have changed a lot, but the premise is the same. People still need REALTORS® to be their beacon of light when it comes to buying, selling, or investing in Real Estate. And yes. People need people. Humans. Technology and artificial intelligence are interesting and fun! But does it touch your human spirit the same way people connect with real people?
Even REALTORS® need other REALTORS®. As the world turns and challenges are many, REALTORS® from out of state depend on REALTORS® who are local at the state, city, county, and national level when it comes to ethics, knowledge, and expertise to serve people moving into Texas. My last three local listings attracted Buyer's Agents from the States of Washington, Oregon, and California. Local skills are necessary. Trust matters. Seasoned Agents are interested in providing their clients with the best REALTORS® when making referrals.
I cannot deny, leadership becomes of paramount importance to all people, especially to those buying or selling real estate. Leadership is not one-dimensional. It requires deep thinking, understanding, and most of all listening to what others hope to achieve. Being involved in Leadership is eye-opening and being all ears to the ground is just the beginning --- Patricia Feager
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