Upholding six virtues could get brokers back on track
Dale Vermillion, CEO, Vermillion Consulting Inc.
As published in Scotsman Guide's Residential Edition, February 2009.
Many characters within the mortgage, real estate and investment communities recently combined to create the worst mortgage market in history. Generally, their lack of personal and business ethics stands at the root of almost all that has transpired.
Fortunately, many of the most-guilty parties have exited the industry. Everyone who remains might be wise to take some time to consider how they can help rebuild the industry and the mortgage profession.
When it comes to helping restore our industry, it’s all about ethics. Or to put it another way, it’s all about E.T.H.I.C.S. -- exemplary behavior, trustworthiness, honesty, integrity, commitment and sincerity.
Exemplary behavior
One of the best ways to prove your commitment to ethics is to act ethically. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. How we act in serving our customers speaks volumes about us, our company and our industry.
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Being an example means many things. It includes the way we behave, dress and communicate. We should:
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Always behave in a manner that exudes integrity and professionalism;
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Always project a positive and enthusiastic demeanor;
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Always dress in a way that communicates dignity and excellence;
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Communicate in a way that conveys concern for our customers’ situations ahead of our own;
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Be encouraging and positive in all of our communications;
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Never use profane, abusive or demeaning words; and
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Live our lives in a way that displays integrity and genuine care for the world at large.
Mortgage brokers who care for their communities often find themselves involved in charitable endeavors and altruistic pursuits. They don’t do this because it will be good for business. They do it because they feel called to contribute. In addition, they set an example and standard for the type of caring people our industry includes.
Trustworthiness
Those with whom we come in contact should consider us trustworthy. We can build this by respecting customer confidentiality.
Remember that our customers provide us with a virtual boatload of personal information. They must know that the person with whom they share that information will take strides to protect it.
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