I think I have “purple cows” (aka, a book on being remarkable, by Seth Godin) on my mind a lot lately, and what comes to mind for this week’s post is a subject I’ve been wanting to amplify for a while now: our Windermere Standards of Practice. As an Owner & Designated Broker of Seattle offices, this is one (of many) spaces I am focused on in 2025. And with that, I’ll be sharing & celebrating when we see SOP in action – the good news type reporting. Often we get caught up in when things go wrong or are hard. What about when things go right, even very right – might I even say, remarkable?

Let’s begin with a reminder of our Standards of Practice(s). Here is a video (rumor has it is being updated soon – yet still does a remarkable job in the inner workings of SOP).

In written form, here is the mission:

The Windermere Standards of Practice embody our commitment to the highest standard of service to our clients while providing a framework for our professional agents. Standards of Practice are not laws, rules, or mandates. Rather, they are guidelines and expectations for making good decisions. They are about personal responsibility, respect, trust, and clarity, and that’s what makes them wise and timeless. They have been a guiding light for Windermere since our earliest days as a company. They make us, us.

And as we navigate the year ahead, I have a favor to ask each of you. When you witness a broker, a manager, or a designated broker in alignment & in action with our SOP – a dynamic example – a remarkable story, please share it with me. I will ask this favor often throughout the year as we navigate the 2025 market together. I am certain there is plenty of “good news” to report that does not get seen or amplified at the level it deserves.

How do I share a remarkable SOP story?

Please send stories of good, remarkable, exemplary in our Standards of Practice to high5@windermere.com.

And, while it would be dreamy to report only good news – I would be remiss not to include our collective efforts towards the devastation in California. It is unimaginable devastation and certainly has had me pondering “home”…

Donate (&/or share efforts) to LA Fire Relief

The devastating LA fires have left countless individuals in need, leaving communities surrounding the area facing unimaginable challenges. Please join us in raising funds to benefit the American Red Cross Southern California and World Central Kitchen. Every donation helps provide shelter, meals, and support for those affected. (HUB post)

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/southerncawildfirerelief/

📷 Note: The photo used in this post was taken by Windermere Director of Education Todd Steinberg‘s son, Michael, a wildland fire photographer currently in LA, photographing the devastation caused by the fires. A special thank you to Todd and Michael for allowing us to use this photo. Follow Michael’s work on IG @norcalstormchasing

Coming together in moments like this is also what makes us, us. Windermere’s FB, Instagram, and LinkedIn have posted their Qgiv efforts for ease of reshare – that too is a way of giving.

To collective generosity, “Remarkable” Standards (of Practice) & a favor (throughout the year) from me to all of you today…

Thank you, Laura