Humans. As I write this NZ mourns one of our darkest days. The world mourns a terror attack in our own back yard. This touching image of the Opera House yet another symbol of solidarity and respect as we stand together.
Our little corner of the world will never be the same. This is not who we are.
We often discuss the exponential pace at which our world is changing. Should we be delving deeper into some parameters around what we are creating and ways we are changing society and all the diverse elements within it?
The devastating events have really resonated with me on so many levels, it’s heart-breaking. In Strata we encounter this every day, and needless to say over the years I have experienced racism, personal attacks and insult at various times, but I am truly horrified there was this level of hate and anger in our little slice of paradise.
Life is blisteringly fast compared to the past. Urgency, expectations and accessibility are unprecedented and interactions, culture and the mindfulness of humanity must be prioritised by all.
Michael Bess nailed it when he said ‘The more you live through screens, the more you’re living in a narrow bandwidth, an abstract world that’s increasingly artificial. And that virtual world is safe and controllable, but it’s not rich and unpredictable in the way the real world is. … what will happen if we lose our connection to reality altogether.’
If leveraged correctly, technology has the ability to positively influence and support our lives both professionally and personally; exponentially.
Technology in an organization today must enable people to be more productive, efficient and innovative; stay connected and feel safe, secure and cared for. It should facilitate the comfortable flow of people & ideas, while remaining respectful, manageable and appropriate.
We established SCA(NZ) to form a united voice and champion the Strata industry in New Zealand. As human beings we are a social species that rely on interaction to survive and thrive. Much like Society, our industry can support evolution by promoting interconnections between previously segregated areas.
Through tragedy comes change. Every level of society, including commercial industry, needs to band together against any form of prejudice, abuse (emotional, written, verbal or physical) including bullying & harassment, & to better understand mental health, diversity & the extreme pressures we all experience from time to time.
Encourage the positive and constructive use of technology and remind those in your lives to share. Everyone has a story, and as they say… a problem shared…
On top of that, remember to smile. Let those around you know they are surrounded by friends and ally’s, and please know the same from our team.
Recently I was privileged to hear Sarab Singh from Illuminate Group present at the excellent Queensland Conference, and he shared the 5-3-1 Practice, originally developed in partnership with clinical Psychologist Shilagh Mirgain & well-being workplace facilitator Jill McDermott.
5…
Meditate 5 minutes per day. For many people, focusing on the breath or taking a break from your to-do list helps de-stress and calm the mind. Follow the guided meditation in the video at the end of this list.
3…
Write down 3 good things that happened today. Previous research in individuals suggests a positive relationship between gratitude and higher levels of well-being.
1…
Do 1 act of kindness. Whether it’s holding the door for the person behind you or paying someone a heartfelt compliment, generous behaviour is not only good for the person receiving it, but also for the giver.
I urge you to try it yourself.
Please know that the team at Property 101 Group stands united with all communities & everyone affected by this tragedy, across both New Zealand and our very small world. If you wish to talk to someone at this time, we encourage you to reach out to us or contact Victim Support or text or call 1737.
Kia Kaha
Joanne Barreto,
Property 101 Group Managing Director and SCA(NZ) President
