Remember the days that the summer was sort of a slow
time in the commercial real estate industry?
I know there are a number of you who have grown up in the industry never
having experienced that. Technology has definitely
been something to do with business communication being conducted the way it is
today – nonstop!
This reminds me - In the mid-90’s when I was the first
head of institutional third-party business for a shopping center leasing,
redevelopment and management firm. I had
my first ‘cell’ phone and on Wednesday’s, when my girlfriend was off, we went
to the beach – and I was able to stay in touch with the office and handle
business – all the while laying there watching the waves roll in (Psst..Please
don’t tell my former employer!).
Look how far we’ve come? Is it ‘far’ in a positive way? I’m not so sure.
Now we are capable of being totally and completely
connected, 24/7 as it were. It takes
discipline to ‘unplug’ – even on a real vacation – some say it’s not possible
for them to do that – except when “I’ll be away and will have limited access to
email…” or ‘I’ll be on vacation and will not have any Internet access…” is the
case. (Although there are Internet cafes in many places in the world – even in
Monrovia, Liberia, which I’ve visited twice).
“Tell us Steve, how can we unplug with so much going
on?” My answer: (a) some stuff can wait; (b) some stuff
others can handle for you (yes, believe it or not, you’re not indispensible!).
“What do I do, asked me one attorney, when a client
texts or emails me over the weekend?”
“Don’t reply.” Once you reply,
they’ve got you. They know you’re online
and they won’t let you go – there goes your Sunday!
Don’t you agree that there are very few truly URGENT
matters – yes there are some but have we slipped into a MO (Modus Operand)
where we believe that everything is urgent and must be handled
immediately? I fear so.
Some time back I learned these concepts I pass along
to you – about ‘there’s always tomorrow,’ don’t rush through yellow lights,
listen and don’t finish people’s sentences, slow down and appreciate life.
Sure, it's not easy – no change in behavior is – there
‘s the theory I’ve mentioned here before (I think) that replacing a habit you
want to get rid of with a healthier one takes 21 days. You know, I just realized that even though
I’ve read that several times I’ve never actually tried it. Hey, there’s no better time than now. I’ll just need to identify the one of my
crappy habits I’d like to replace and focus on it. Let’s see – how about I start with listening
more and not interrupting or finishing other people’s sentences? Yes, that’s the ticket. Stay tuned!
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| The Chrysler Building, NYC on a beautiful summer day. My dentist's office was in the top section where the little windows are. In her waiting room you could sit and have an incredible view of The Empire State Building down to the tip of Manhattan |
