The Zebra Manifesto

January 8, 2008 |

Manifesto (n.)– A public declaration of principles, policies, or intentions, especially of a political nature. (via American Heritage Dictionary and Dictionary.com)

Stick with me here, I’m going to conflate a few ideas. Don’t worry, it will all make sense in the end. . .

Before I decided to redesign and re-purpose RealEstateZebra.com, I decided that I needed a manifesto. I decided that I needed a way to tell people what I am about, and to tell people what RealEstateZebra.com is about. The Zebra Manifesto is that declaration.

When I originally started this blog, I knew that I wanted to draw on my experience as a basketball referee. That experience helped me develop the manifesto. In particular I was drawn to the mantra that drives all top-notch officials, “Be a lead.” You see, all officials on a staff are not equal, even though they may be uniform. Every staff, in fact every game crew, has a “lead official.” The qualities that make a lead official are the qualities that I strive to exhibit every day, in basketball, business, and life. It is these qualities that lay the foundation for the Zebra Manifesto.

To me, leadership is every bit as important to real estate as it is to officiating. People are drawn to leadership, whether those people are practitioners or customers. Leadership is also the engine that will drive change in the real estate industry, changes that the industry desperately needs. Practitioners know this. Ines obviously knows this. She sent out a challenge yesterday to the industry. Today, I give you a reason to rise to the challenge.

I’ve written out the Zebra Manifesto below, but I urge you to check it out in mp3 form on the homepage.

I urge you to download it, share it, learn it, love it, live it.

I urge you to be a lead.

I urge you to be a Zebra.

The Zebra Manifesto:

When someone says, “REALTOR.” Few pretty images or positive adjectives come to mind.

This must change.

It cannot change, however, without the collective effort of those who bear the title. The reputation that has become popular is one that has been earned. If it is to be changed, the responsibility falls upon you, and it falls upon me.

I am Daniel Rothamel, I am a REALTOR, and I am a Real Estate Zebra.

What is a Zebra?

A Zebra is a leader.
A Zebra knows that leadership is neither pre-determined nor self-ordained.Leadership is forged in the fire of trial, failure, and success.
A Zebra knows the responsibility that comes with leadership, and a Zebra accepts that responsibility not as a burden, but as a gift.
The responsibility bourn by leadership is, in the words of the poet, “to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” This responsibility means that a Zebra has a duty to strive for perfection through a never ending quest for self-improvement, regardless of where it might be found.
A Zebra knows that the never ending quest for self-improvement is the surest path to success.
A Zebra is mindful of this responsibility not only for his own benefit, but for the benefit of those who follow.

A Zebra knows that the responsibility of leadership requires actions that may not be popular, and may even be controversial. A Zebra knows this, and does not flinch when such action is required.

A Zebra shows respect for all those who show a commitment to honesty, equity, and virtue. A Zebra seeks partnerships with such people, so that together they may share, learn and grow. As a group, their actions will serve as a paragon for the ethical, and their success will serve as a harbinger of destruction for the corrupt.

I am Daniel Rothamel. I am a Real Estate Zebra.

Are you?

Posted by Daniel Rothamel | Filed Under Blog, General Info, Industry Issues 

Comments

5 Responses to “The Zebra Manifesto”

  1. Ines on January 8th, 2008 11:11 pm

    Daniel, your manifesto ROCKS!! ……and although I consider myself more of a lion than a Zebra, I promise to keep Zebras on my friendly side…..I like Zebras.

    Can I call myself a Lion with Zebra qualities?? : )

    Now to the serious part - there are many of us out there willing to make a difference and striving for perfection - the best part of it is that blogging is giving us the medium to find each other and we all know there’s power in numbers.

    I thank you for taking on the challenge!

    [Reply]

  2. Lisa Sanderson on January 9th, 2008 1:42 am

    Way to go, Daniel & Ines! We shall overcome!! L

    [Reply]

  3. Matt Collinge - the 604homesguy on January 10th, 2008 8:15 am

    I AM A ZEBRA!

    [Reply]

  4. Arlington Virginia Condos -- Jay on January 11th, 2008 3:37 am

    Since my name is Jay I guess I’m obligated to be a jaybird. But I’m definitely the best pecker out there. :)

    [Reply]

  5. Larry Yatkowsky on January 13th, 2008 11:42 am

    Jay,

    Zebra’s go BIG or go home.

    As for what you are “best” at - a name change to Woody would be more in keeping. :)

    [Reply]

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