Lessons Learned
From the Desk of the 2021 ASHI President

As I approach the end of my term as your ASHI President, I find myself thinking about what I have learned. I hope that future leaders find these thoughts helpful, whether in ASHI or in home inspection businesses. I don’t claim these thoughts are original, which leads to the first thought: be humble.
Strive for Constant Improvement
Complacency breeds stagnation. Stagnation kills businesses slowly. Businesses must adapt and improve to remain relevant and to prosper. Improvement usually requires changing old habits, which leads to the next thought.
Embrace Change
Change can be frightening, especially when it appears that old habits are working. Good leaders look at the present. They see when old habits are not working. Great leaders look to the future. They anticipate changes before others see that old habits are unlikely to work moving forward.
The Wants of the Many Outweigh the Wants of the Few
This restatement of Vulcan (earth utilitarian) philosophy makes it more applicable to business. There are usually people who resist improvement and change. Sometimes these people have valid reasons for their resistance, so leaders should listen to those reasons. Ultimately, however, the best course is usually to place the wants of the (often silent) majority ahead of the wants of the (often vocal) minority.
Qualified and Engaged People are Essential for Success
Success is difficult without having qualified people in the positions that are necessary for success. Set goals for people. Make sure they buy into those goals. Establish systems to help them achieve their goals. This includes systems to monitor their progress and to help them if they falter. Create a work environment that motivates them to achieve their potential. This includes reducing distractions that inhibit motivation and productivity.
Hold People Accountable
There is a place for volunteers in organizations. Volunteers can do much good. The trick is to know how and when to use them.
If a project is important, it should be assigned to someone who can be held accountable for performance. Accountability is difficult with volunteers because they have many other commitments in their lives. Staff members and others who are engaged in specific projects have an incentive to complete the project. Mission-critical projects, therefore, should be assigned to people who are paid for performance and who are held accountable.
Pick Your Battles Carefully
Cooperation is best. Peaceful coexistence is good. Conflict is hell, and it is usually difficult to control conflict once it starts.
If you must engage in conflict, begin without emotion and with valid reasons. Define what success looks like before you begin, and begin only with a reasonable chance of success.
Don’t Let Great be the Enemy of Good
Leaders tend to be perfectionists. They often set high standards for themselves.
High standards can be a great thing, but the market usually does not care about the leader’s high standards. The market may not want great. The market may be satisfied with good because the market may only be willing to pay for good.
What you offer the market should be better than the competition, but it may not need to be great. The issue, however, is to know when the market wants great, and is willing to pay for it.
Spend Money as Though It Is Yours
It is easy to spend other people’s money. Before you do so, ask yourself if you would make the same decision if it were your money.Then ask whether those for whom you are spending the money want you to do so. A lot less spending would occur, on many levels, with honest answers to these questions.
Plan, Focus, Do
I started my presidency with these words, and I have tried to practice them. Plan by setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-constrained goals. Focus on achieving your goals, but be flexible to embrace opportunities as they arise. Do what needs to be done to achieve your goals.
Thank You
It is my honor and privilege to serve as your 2021 ASHI President. Your officers, board, and staff are working hard to continue making ASHI the best professional society for home inspectors. This is a lofty goal, but with your support, we are changing and constantly improving.
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