As we wind down 2014, it's normal to have some floating thoughts about 2015. Some of us are busily wrapping up year-end appraisals while others have already left the office for December. But as we approach the holiday, I would like to give my commercial appraiser brethren a Christmas present. I didn't go to Amazon or wander through the malls to find this present. It comes from within.  The gift is confidence.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn of Tampa has motivating talking points he presents every chance he gets. He's very much a cheerleader for Tampa and often refers to his daughters when they graduate from college to come back to their hometown and not be lost to superior economic opportunities with competing cities like Charlotte or Austin. One of his talking points includes, "Tampa is an exciting city, rich in history with unlimited possibilities for the future." He cites success stories including hosting the 2012 Republican National Convention, NFL Super Bowls and the International Indian Film Academy Awards.  Just this week, a $1 billion redevelopment plan for downtown Tampa was revealed by Tampa Bay Lightning's owner Jeff Vinik with funding by Microsoft's Bill Gates.

The mayor points to some citizens that have low self-esteem or are overly critical when it comes to discussions of their own city. Because of this, the mayor says Tampa is missing one ingredient; it needs more "swagger." I have talked to many transplants to Tampa, especially military folks that have traveled and lived all over the world. Nine times out of ten, people that come to Tampa from other cities love their new adopted hometown. They cite excellent weather, uber friendly people, affordability, economic opportunity, beaches, various professional sports teams and lots of social activities.

Swagger can be viewed as a negative, suggesting arrogance. However, I'm not talking about being a blowhard with cockiness and conceit. I view swagger in the context of confidence with style backed-up with effort. Pompousness and self-importance are negative and unproductive traits. In our appraisal industry, we are generally independent people doing our own thing which lacks synergy. If appraisers had more swagger, they would become more integral to the commercial real estate industry.

I'm not talking about reliving glory days, but rather looking towards the future. Instead of just reacting, get into the driver's seat of your own career or firm. Having positive chutzpah to increase your appraisal quality and production next year. Having the moxie to work against the "we've always done things this way" and implement productivity at your firm. Having the gall to expect more from your support staff and appraisers. Having the audacity to be successful in 2015.

 

I think Mayor Buckhorn summarizes the mantra for the appraisal industry for 2015, "We need to push ourselves. We need to be innovators." Whatever is going on in your personal or professional life, face it with spirit and courage. Change is hard, but then again standing still ultimately is not a viable plan. Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely. Merry Christmas!