There are national media press releases we are familiar with, corporate announcements perfectly scripted for a point of emphasis, and articles of journalism that sometimes inform us on important information. Many times the most important piece or meaning can easily get lost, the story. It is how a story relates to your life at the moment and yes, the candor or the informality that can make it memorable. Here are two recent stories I have decided to share right now, which continue to be a reminder that business and emotion can go together and even be fun.

First, an informal story of a fairly important transaction I was involved in. With the pressure sometimes involved, clever relevant humor clearly became the antidote. From that past negotiation, the only thing that stands memorable today is what one of my colleagues told a ranking officer involved in the decision-making process after making a difficult presentation, “Well, I was not standing over these people with a machine gun when they were signing their contract.”

Next is a more touching story that comes directly from the words of a friend, also a gracious past client. Touching because long after a sale and a big family transition, there was kindness shared in some words of advice directly from my new friend: “You have often mentioned the word ‘perfection’ in relation to your goals in client service. I do worry that you will not allow room for mistakes. I was ‘rookie of the year’ my first year in real estate when we lived in Hawaii 30 years ago. I know what an exhausting undertaking it can be. As your new friend…let me offer a word of advice and encouragement: Give yourself some grace! Sometimes we learn some of our best lessons when we make mistakes and it allows us to grow. It is what makes us strong and free.”

My friend is also a coach, even a mentor that I didn’t know before. Sometimes the greatest motivators are those people we are fortunate enough to have the chance to work with, to make friends with, to listen carefully to and not forget their story. Thank you, Sherrie.

Posted by:Ernie Basoco