Gratitude

By Corinne Mossman

We find ourselves in an uncertain market where the variables seem to change daily. Real estate has always been a topsy-turvy industry, and the latest market moves are sure to test the nerves of even the most seasoned professionals.  But as we know is the case for many of you, we find that focusing our daily activities on building and strengthening relationships and looking inward to build each other up helps to smooth out the ride. After all the uncertainty we’ve experienced over the last few years there is a newfound appreciation for being intentional about reflecting and finding gratitude in every day, whether it’s something big like celebrating a new job with a great company or something basic like a favorite song playing on the radio. Efforts like those will prove rewarding regardless of external factors the world throws at us all. When you approach your interactions with a mindset of gratitude, you create a more positive and productive environment that benefits everyone involved. We’ve all been in situations where we make small talk, but connecting on a deeper level, being intentional, and finding gratitude in connections is a powerful way to cultivate meaningful relationships.

I recently had the opportunity to connect with many of my colleagues on a deeper level at a conference and came home full of appreciation for the interactions I had. Here are some of my favorite ways to practice intentionality and gratitude when connecting with others:

• Focus on building relationships, not just transactional exchanges: Take the time to get to know people, understand their values, and build a rapport with them.
• Express appreciation and gratitude: Showing gratitude and appreciation can go a long way in building a positive relationship. You can do this by thanking people for their time, their expertise, or any other contributions they have made.
• Be intentional about how you communicate: Make sure you’re communicating effectively and respectfully with your connections. This means active listening, and responding thoughtfully.
• Give back: Offering to help in any way you can is a great way to show gratitude and build a deeper connection. This could mean introducing someone to other people in your network, sharing resources, or providing support that is meaningful.
• Maintain consistency: This means being reliable and being present when your connections need you.

On another note, at this recent conference I was truly honored to represent John L. Scott and accept recognition for the Supplier Diversity Award by SIRVA Relocation. This award recognizes suppliers that demonstrate sound diversity and inclusion practices and further influence the practices of others. John L. Scott has made these efforts a core focus for many years, and to be acknowledged like this is extremely rewarding. We are humbled to be among such outstanding professionals who share our values and dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.

The sun is starting to peek out from behind the long winter’s clouds in the Pacific Northwest, and we look forward to working with all of you in the sunny days and weeks ahead. #gratitude