THE COMPLIMENT

“You took an office full of individuals… and made us a family.”

It is a curious thing as one retires, to consider the legacy left behind.  Gone are the days of the gold watch expectations.  We desire more.  With these sentiments in mind, it was with a great deal of sadness that I heard my colleague Mark Best was to step down from his management position at our Coldwell Banker Office in San Francisco.

A bit of background.  Day to day we work in a fast-paced real estate environment.  We live and breath contracts, deadlines, intrigue, negotiation, and a thousand market maneuvers in the course of our business.  In fact, as salespeople, we sort of enjoy the process.  This said, however, we are a wild bunch.  For someone to take the reins of this group and keep them on track is like controlling a herd of mustangs.  To be the manager of this is not an enviable position and one that requires an immense understanding of personalities, social tact, and congeniality in the face of extreme pressure.  How then did Mark pull this off for so long and leave with his reputation intact at the highest level?  What can we learn from Mark’s example?

The first thing you learn in Real Estate School is about the value of land, the historical context for ownership, and how to consider the highest and best use for each parcel.  I think Mark used this analogy to focus on the innate abilities of every person he managed.  What is the highest and best use of each individual?  What could he do to support that in their professional and personal lives?  He looked beyond the facade that you pass in the office canteen.

Lead By Example

Mark was initially elevated to his position on a short-term basis, however, remained because of his work ethic.  He offered a path of leadership that was non-judgemental and solution based.  We could always secure some time with him as needed.  We respected his time as much as he respected ours.  Mark was authentic, genuine, and had an interesting life outside of the office which gave him balance, and made him all that more interesting to be around.  He was a force dedicated to bringing people together in an arena filled with large and independent personalities.

Giving Back

How does someone manage to attend so many social events, fundraisers, training events, management and board meetings as such, without burning out?  The desire to give back in this individual was a source of pride and pleasure.  It was an important priority in Mark’s life that we all felt and were a part of directly or indirectly.  Many of these events must have come at great inconvenience, yet you would never know by seeing the smile on his face, or willingness to jump into the work of delivering basics to a new agent, supporting a Salvation Army event, or just picking up a hammer and helping a community cause.

Lifelong Learning

It has always been my observation, somewhat to my surprise at times, to see top agents attend what could be perceived as routine training.  They do this to be refreshed on the basics because they know there is an eternal quality in simple things.  Great leaders like Mark have an innate curiosity and they encourage that in others.  Learning new skills throughout life was an important theme.

When it came time for Mark to move on, he was able to do it on his own terms.  How rare is that?  He has left us a living legacy to emulate and honor.  Now, he is off to other pursuits for his own highest and best use.  Our hats and hearts are off to him for this new journey he embarks upon.

Finally, in the end, our office decided to throw Mark a surprise party honoring his contributions.  To a person, we wished to express our gratitude.  He jokingly said, “you’re all fired!”  Despite all of the wonderful accolades, THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT by far for the evening was summed up by Robert Kinoshita Jr.

“Mark, you took an office full of individuals… and made us a family.”