honesty
Building Character: The Path to a Good Life
Brought to you by The Daily Collective – buy the book here.
Success isn’t about glory or accomplishments. True success is about character.
Our character defines our lives.
Creating a good life means cultivating justice, honesty, kindness, and resilience.
Focus on who you are, not what you achieve.
In the end, it’s the quality of your character that matters most.
"Character shapes destiny more than achievements ever will." – Mike Brewer Share on XThe Power of Anonymous Feedback in Team Dynamics
Feedback is a gift.
Anonymity ensures honesty.
When team members know their input is anonymous, they share more freely.
Transparency in sharing results fosters trust and accountability.
Acting on feedback closes the loop, showing you value every voice.
"True team growth starts with honest, anonymous feedback and ends with decisive action." – Mike Brewer Share on XTrust But Verify: The Strategy for Personal and Professional Growth
I’ve always believed in the wisdom of “trust but verify.”
It’s a principle that resonates deeply.
Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, personal or professional.
Yet, verification is the key to maintaining that trust over time.
Embedded in this philosophy is transparency and accountability.
It’s a powerful tool for navigating life.
Verification doesn’t mean doubt; it signifies prudence.
"Trust is given, verify ensures its preservation." -Mike Brewer Share on XExercise the principle in every area of your life, from vetting news sources to evaluating promises made by those around you.
In a digital age, applying this principle becomes even more critical.
Trust but verify is a mindset that empowers us to build stronger, more resilient connections.
All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten
Photo by Randalyn Hill on Unsplash
“All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten” is a famous quote by Robert Fulghum, and it’s a reminder of the simple yet profound lessons that we learn in our early years. Though these lessons may seem small and insignificant at the time, they shape who we are and how we interact with the world around us.
One of the most important lessons that we learn in Kindergarten is the importance of sharing. Sharing is not just about giving something to someone else; it’s about understanding that we are all connected and that by helping others, we are helping ourselves. Whether it’s sharing a toy, a snack, or a kind word, we learn that we can create a better and more harmonious world by being generous and thoughtful.
Another important lesson that we learn in Kindergarten is the importance of kindness. Kindness is a simple yet powerful act that can change the world. Small acts of kindness make the most significant impact, like holding the door open for someone or saying please and thank you. When we are kind to others, we create a sense of community and belonging and make the world a better place for everyone.
We also learn the importance of being honest and truthful. Honesty is fundamental to building trust and respect in our relationships. When we know to be honest, we learn that the truth can be hard to hear, but it’s always better than a lie. We also understand that being honest with ourselves is just as important as being honest with others.
Lastly, we learn the importance of play and imagination. Play is not just a way to pass the time; it’s a way to learn, grow, and create. Through play, we learn to explore, experiment, and take risks. We know that it’s okay to make mistakes and to have fun. Play also helps us develop our imagination, an essential tool for creativity and innovation.
Multifamily Monday: Integrity
Remember the scene from Almost Famous where Penny and William talk about how old they are? It went like this:
Penny Lane: How old are you?
William Miller: Eighteen.
Penny Lane: Me too! How old are we really?
William Miller: Seventeen.
Penny Lane: Me too!
William Miller: Actually, Im sixteen.
Penny Lane: Me too. Isnt it funny?
The truth just sounds different.
William Miller: Im fifteen.
Truth Just Sounds Different
Here's a real-life example from a commercial eviction case in St. Louis: Our client had racked up $8,000 in legal fees without realizing it, focusing on the eviction rather than the cost. This is a reminder to keep track of expenses, especially when using someone else's money for legal action. It can be difficult, but honesty and transparency are crucial for finding the most liberating solution."
Moment of Truth
I received an invoice in the mail reading $5,000+/- so I picked up the phone and called our attorney. I think the conversation started with a loud "$5,000+/-??!! - Can you tell me how we racked up this much?" or, something to that effect. "Well, Mike, I hope you are setting down because the real number is $8,000, you just have part of the picture." Enter - fear and moment of truth. I had to tell my owner that I dropped $8k and after further discussion with my attorney - we had little to no chance of winning.
It Does Sound Different
Fear in tow, I entered his office and asked for a minute of his time. Clear throat - I dropped $8k on an attorney and we have no chance of winning the case. Long pause - (I was taught to never fill the silence with noise). He got up asked me to bring the whole package into the conference room. I did and he entered the room to review.
Fast forward, the owner says, "Consider this an $8,000 education for both you and me." I went silent and reflected for a minute - thinking I had maybe misquoted the amount lost. I was expecting much more of a tongue lashing (professional, of course) but much more intense. But, to him, it really was an education. And, for me in that moment - the truth just sounded different.
Never Hesitate
Honesty and Integrity - if we are all truthful with ourselves - is the hardest character related trait we will contend with. It's easy to misrepresent. It's easy to deflect. It's easy to avoid. Both Honesty and Integrity are hard work but they are the best work you will ever do. Do both today...
Your believing that the truth just sounds different multifamily maniac,
M
