As May the Fourth approaches, I reflect on the Jedi Masters who influence me and those who bring the Force to the Lettings Industry?
Many years ago in a Galaxy far far away… that’s an homage to Star Wars of course, something I could not resist. What I meant to say, was many years ago, my goddaughter sent me a book – “Outliers” written by Malcolm Gladwell. She sent it to me because we had been discussing how anyone becomes an expert or a specialist at what they do – was it Nurture V Nature? Could anyone, regardless of background or education hone in their ability and develop a skill to an extremely high level? Gladwell focused mainly on basketball, yet 10,000 hours or 417 days could be applied to anything. The discussion with my goddaughter featured around the fact that we were both born into families where English was not the first language in the home, so we developed a skill set where we became fluent in three foreign languages. We were not taught the other languages by our parents, although we already had an aptitude and “ear” for language that helped us develop a skill set. But we also had to “work” at maintaining a certain level of language because as the saying goes “if you don’t use it, you lose it”.
Post-Lockdown - Covid 19 Contingency Planning
The last 6 weeks have been incredibly challenging for everyone and whilst it seems that the whole world is standing still, there are so many people working to keep the “cogs” turning. Working in the property sector, specifically Lettings & Property Management I observe & listen - that’s why this “people focused” industry fascinates and drives me, because fundamentally whilst it may be a property centric industry, it really is about relationships.
Apart from when I couldn’t work, myself and my team have spent every day speaking to our clients - Lauren and I spent 3 days calling everyone just to check in on them, sharing experiences & stories about lockdown.
The Age of Contagion and its Impact on Climate Change
The world was coming to terms with Climate Change. Some were believers, others were sceptics, but the balance, with some notable exceptions had shifted in favour of the view that the human race was a catalyst in the deterioration of the global environment. The science was becoming clear and beginning to win the day. COP21, The Paris Agreement, had set wheels in motion that would see Nations setting goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. These were to be further refined at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2020.
What have the last 5 weeks taught Us?
When there’s not a lot to do, apart from rest (talking about myself), the mind goes into overdrive and Covid-19 has given us a huge amount to think about. When the good times are in abundance, no one really gives it a second thought but it’s crisis, tragedy, anguish, pain that truly bring us together. We have nothing to compare this situation, all we can do is refer back to historical events. I read somewhere at the beginning of the pandemic that the virus does not discriminate. However, bear in mind that not everyone is in a position of privilege, and some have been more affected than others.