It's that time of the year for "The Award of Excellence." Everyone is busy filling out applications, and the award police are auditing forms. Soon we will know not only who is excellent, but just how excellent they are as distinguished by the precious metal with which they will be honored.
For many years now I feel like the guy at the football stadium who stands up with hands held high to start the wave and no one joins in. So, I stand up once again to ask why as members of the Sumner County Association do we continue with this annual event. Let me give a few reasons why I think " The Award of Excellence" should go!
The Association of Realtors has a goal to promote the memberships as respected professionals, somehow elevating us in the public eye above used car salespeople. Don't take offence if you are in the used car business. One of the most professional sales people I have ever know was the late Austin Chambers who sold me 3 cars while representing the best in customer service, honesty, and professionalism. I am only speaking of public perception.
But, what other professionals do you know that give self congratulatory awards based on dollar amount of production? Clearly you do not judge the excellence of your doctor by the income his practice takes in, or the excellence of your attorney by the numbers of hours he or she bills. Measuring excellence by the volume of sales sends the wrong message to the public.
At least we no longer call the award "Million Dollar Sales Club." The public thought we made millions and had the perception that we were glorified chauffeurs who made too much money for the work we do.
Also using dollar amounts for determination of excellence has little to do with the meaning of the word. Is the realtor who sells nine $100,000 homes to first time buyers less excellent than the realtor who might sell one million dollar home?
More progressive associations have dropped these awards, however we not only promote them, but spend countless hours documenting then auditing applications. I think the associations could find better ways to use their time and resources. Doesn't the term Realtor imply honesty? Just ask the realtor which award they observe and give it to them.
So, another year passes, and since I once again did not fill out the application, I will not be among the excellent. That's OK since I think excellence should be judged by the clients we serve.
Well enough of my ranting. Next week I will blog about puppies and kittens, but until then is there anyone who would like to stand up with hands held high and start a wave.
Great post.
ReplyDeleteThe superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Confucius