What makes a Chief Appraiser great?
Mastery and success don’t come from the monumental moments but from the diligent, everyday tasks.
The path to greatness is paved by consistent effort, patience and commitment.
Joshua Medcalf’s Chop Wood Carry Water highlights the goal of how to fall in love with the process of becoming great. The book is about a contemporary journey of one man wanting to become a samurai with his sensei offering sage life advice along the way.
- Trust the Process: Mastery isn’t an overnight feat. Whether it’s understanding a new market dynamic or perfecting an appraisal process, it takes time. Just as the samurai learns patience through daily chores, the Chief Appraiser can learn to trust the evolution of their skills and knowledge. It’s a reminder that it’s not about reaching the destination, but embracing the journey.
- Focus on Consistency: Consistency is the backbone of success. In the same way that chopping wood and carrying water require daily dedication, consistently delivering high-quality appraisals and maintaining ethical standards will set you apart as a chief appraiser.
- Finding Joy in Daily Tasks: Just as a samurai-in-training chops wood and carries water daily, a Chief Appraiser encounters myriad of valuations, market analyses and quality checks. While these tasks might seem mundane, there’s an art to each one.
- Seek Authentic Growth: A Chief Appraiser can work on developing their analytical skills, staying updated with market trends and enhancing interpersonal communications. This authentic growth will not only make them better at their job but will also enrich their life outside of work.
- Build and Maintain Relationships: Just as the samurai has mentors, peers and proteges on his path to mastery, a Chief Appraiser is surrounded by a web of relationships. These range from vendor panel, to their staff they mentor to risk management team they collaborate with. Nurturing these relationships can lead to both personal and professional enrichment.
The “Chop Wood, Carry Water” philosophy holds timeless lessons that can significantly enhance the life of a chief appraiser. By embracing the journey, mastering the basics, staying humble, focusing on consistency, appreciating the present and cultivating resilience, you’ll not only improve your professional skills but also enrich your personal well-being.
True growth and success are found in the everyday actions we take.
Stay consistent.
Fall in love with the process.
