Keep Your Mouth Shut
One of the first lessons I was told by the person showing me the ropes in real estate was, “Keep your Mouth Shut”. It’s a valuable lesson and I try to use it in all avenues of my life – I think it’s one of those that you are constantly trying to acheive but very few can attain the level of “I got it!”
Some people need a sensor button. A filter if you will. It’s important to be sensitive, you never know who you are talking to and what their story is. I’ve heard of this happening more than once… a conversation with someone who didn’t have any idea what was going on behind the scenes. The mouth opens and pours out words that can’t be taken back once uttered.
It’s Not Funny
There are some issues you might feel very strongly about being right or wrong in your book of ideals, but do you want to use them in a way to hurt someone? This applies to everyone – not only agent to client. Recently an agent insulted another, although they thought it was a hilarious joke.
Exaggerated examples…
“Well, SallySue’s daughter had that baby- and she is 16!”
“I just can’t get over a Purple person marrying that Kryptonite!”
“I can’t believe she can be so retarded.”
“That guy I just got off the phone with sounded like he already had a six-pack too many.”
“JimmyBillBob can play the piano – you’d think he was autistic.”
“What do you mean you can’t read it? Are you dyslexic?”
It might even be that you are trying to express a point to a client using a story, “I sold a house once they swore was haunted. I was waiting for the UFO to fly overhead.” or “I’ve had a deal with that agent before, her contracts are a mess – I think she’s dyslexic.”
Just Hush
When it’s presented as over-the-top examples as above, I’m sure you think it’s way too ridiculous to be in real life, but guess what? It happens. What could be saying in a laughing joke – could be received very personally while they have a spouse suffering from alcoholism. Or a child with a disability. Get the drift ? shhhhh.
If you can’t say something nice…. don’t say it at all.
