We’re All Leaders and Must Challenge the Status Quo
Mark Palace
As told by Mark Palace
The unprecedented times we now live in – times marked by economic uncertainty, global unrest and breakthrough technology advancements – have ushered in major changes to the way we live and work. To thrive in the future, smart leaders will take a step back, explore ways to empower others and open doors to new ideas and perspectives. In essence, that’s the thrust of an unusual, ground-breaking book called Tribes by authorSeth Godin. The book, first published in 2008, proclaims that all of us are leaders in some way, shape or form. We are leaders in our personal life, within our immediate community, and at the place we work. Today, more than ever, we need to recognize the fact we are leaders of our various “tribes;” we need to step far outside the box and mount challenges to the way things get done. Become “heretics,” Godin states, raise questions and drive the competitive thought needed to change history for the better.
The messages and insights elaborated within Tribes were discussed by my work group at the April session held in Chicago for the 2010 members of the NAR Leadership Academy. The April session is the fourth in the five-part Academy program, and exercises and discussion focused on “Leading to Face Industry Challenges.” Some in our group were not totally convinced by Godin’s message or the book itself, which is pretty unconventional for a non-fiction work because it lacks a table of contents and established chapters. The text is structured in a free-flowing style, more like a blog.
Prior to reading Tribes, I must admit I supported the status quo. I was reluctant to deviate from what was considered “normal.” In fact, I was turned off by the title of the book, and I could not comprehend how the word “tribe” could relate to leadership and positive change.
I set my agenda aside, read the book and embraced the message delivered from Tribes. Three specific elements stood out:
1. To be a true leader, you need the moral courage and intestinal fortitude to stand up for what you believe in. Leaders go against the grain, rather than respond and react.
2. In today’s society, we’ve become like sheep. We accept things the way they are, follow the same schedule and are reluctant to initiate change. True leaders are curious; they do not accept the norm.
3. True leaders put technology to use. They employ social networking sites like Facebook and others to communicate with their tribes and spearhead change.
In my own brokerage firm, I encourage my colleagues to speak openly and freely regarding ways to build our business. Suggestions that are viable and can be developed will be embraced and implemented with full force. Godin certainly inspired me to re-evaluate my perspectives on leadership and change; but he may have been inspired by an unconventional guy who was responsible for some pretty significant changes to our world. This quote sums it up:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi.
Client Testimoials
Mark Palace located a house for my husband and me within a few days of my initial email. Mark did all the legwork for us before we relocated to Melbourne. The day we arrived, Mark met us and drove us to see several properties he had preselected. Thanks to Mark, we were signing lease papers on a Sunday night just one day after we arrived. He is a fixture of the community, and the many contacts he's built over the years have been invaluable in getting us settled. Whether we need help finding office space or just a good restaurant, Mark's guidance has been priceless. You can really depend on him.
Melissa Herron-Goldman, Director, Hego Hypnosis, LLC, Melbourne, FL, November 2008
Mark Palace is an extremely professional Real Estate Broker who provides the highest level of service to his customers. Not only is Mark contentious and diligent but an expert within the local area. If you truly want royalty treatment Mark Palace should be your Real Estate Expert. Paula Cavan, Mercedes Homes, Montecito Town Homes, Satellite Beach, FL Melbourne, Florida, USA. November 2008
Working with Mark was such a pleasure! He is always willing to resolve any issues and continue to have open communication with us. After working with other area Realtors, deciding to do business with Palace Properties International was an easy and smart choice! Thanks again Mark for making moving and renting an enjoyable experience!
Melissa Haynes. Melbourne, Florida, USA. August 2008
Mark is a genuine friend! He remembered our anniversary and invites Dave to go surfing and play poker! He helped us narrow down our selection based on exactly what we were looking for and wasn't pushing us to a specific house or area. He worked really well with the other Realtor and we were both very impressed at how friendly he was with everyone we came in contact with during the whole process! We got our dream house and we have Mark to thank for that! We will absolutely go to Mark for any other real estate needs that we have! We absolutely recommend him to any family and friends that need to buy or sell!
-Robin and David, Viera, Florida, USA. May 2008
Hei, hei og takk for sist! Da vil vi få lov å takke for alt du har gjort for oss Mark. Du har sannelig brukt mye av din tid på oss, noe vi setter stor pris på. Nå gleder vi oss bare til å komme tilbake til Florida og ta i bruk vår nye leilighet. Det var veldig betryggende for oss å kunne ha en kontakt som bor i nærheten og som kjenner til systemet i USA når det gjelder investering i bolig etc. Vi satte også stor pris på at du tok oss med og viste oss parker og nærmiljøet slik at vi lettere kan se hva vi går til. Håper vi også kan få ta kontakt med deg når vi kommer neste gang. Ønsker deg en god tur til Norge og riktig god sommer!!
-Grethe og Bernt, Stavanger, Norway. Mai 2008
Etter mye surfing på internett og flere kontakter med andre eiendomsmeglere, fikk vi kontakt med Mark og her fikk vi en stor positiv overraskelse. Mark engasjerte med engang og fulgte oss opp hele veien. Han var oppriktig interessert i oss og vår behov. Etter mange e-mail, telefoner, med hurtige svar på alle våre spørsmål, fikk oss til Floridas Space Coast og ble bare overbevist om at her skulle vi kjøpe. Etter 2 dager på visning fant vi vårt drømmehus, takket være Mark. Han hørte hele tiden på oss, jobbede med oss som vi var de eneste i denne verden der skulle kjøpe bolig. Etter vi fant vårt hus, stod han der stadig med utstrakt hånd og hjalp oss gjennom alt det praktiske. For en person du er Mark, pålidelig, engasjerende, en fantastisk megler, som alle vil få stor glede av. Vi kan på det varmeste anbefale Mark til alle de som ønsker seg bolig på Floridas Space Coast og andre steder i Florida. Takk Mark !
-Rolf Helge Christensen & Susanne Soelling, Kristiansand, Norway. Mai 2008
Mark, you truly are the Somerset Oceanfront Specialist. I really appreciate the way you have worked with me as an owner of two units. I know listing with you is the right choice as you are well connected both in the local community and to the international buyers. Each time I talk to you, it seems you have my best interest in mind. Thank you!” S. Veal, MD 03/22/08
- Dr. Steven Veal, Medical Doctor and Real Estate Investor 3/23/08
I met Mark Palace at the Curves Vibrant Womens Conference and decided to have Palace Properties help me find a place to rent or buy. He had a place within an hour and I could see it that evening after work. Mark works hard for his clients and always kept in contact with me by e-mails and phone calls when I needed to talk to him. Never had to wait long for a call back. He is very professional, courteous and respectful. There are some realtors out there that should take lessons from Mark Palace, Palace Properties.
- Patricia Kane, BRPH Architects/Engineers, Inc 7/24/07
We contacted Mark on a Friday, saw houses on a Sunday, and had a new address on Monday. Mark is very dedicated to continuously searching for appropriate properties, while keeping us updated with each new finding. His efforts significantly helped us with a stressful search for a new home.
- Sam Goldman, United States Air Force 7/12/07
Mark, Good morning…It has been a sincere pleasure working with you and I greatly appreciate your business. It is so refreshing to meet someone that treats their customers with respect and puts their customer’s interests FIRST! Your work ethic and high regard for your customers are in line with mine and I look forward to a long working relationship with you…this is why I feel confident recommending you to MY customers who have homes to sell. I know that they will be in good hands with you and you will do everything to move their home quickly so they can close…Thanks again for being my #1 choice for Realtors and for truly treating your customers like Royalty!
- Darlene Salmon, Mercedes Homes 2/18/07
In March 2006, we were scheduled to move out of our hurricane-damaged home into a rental house. We had looked at the house and had discussed all the terms and conditions with the landlord. However, since the landlord had to leave to out of country, they left the leasing in the hands on a local rental lease company. The local rental lease company had standard lease agreements which includes terms which we had not agreed to with the landlord, however since the landlord was unable to be reached, our lease fell through the day we had the movers packing us. Panicking, we asked the movers to take a long lunch break and we went on line looking for a new place to rent. We came across a condo on the beach and in a matter of a day we had a new place to move into. That is thanks to Mark Palace of Palace Properties for his professional, friendly and fast service in getting all the terms worked out and helping us with our last minute need to move. We have never rented any place before (well, besides college dorms), and we are happy to have had our leasing transaction with Mark since he made it a great experience. We highly recommend Mark as a Realtor and as a leasing agent.
- Moji and Jordan Thompson, Harris Corporation 1/15/07