The recipe for a job you'll love
As a home inspector, I often receive heartwarming compliments from customers. Yesterday, one customer told me, “You’re really the right person for this job.”
It’s something I hear quite frequently, and while I appreciate the recognition, I know it’s not solely due to my technical expertise.
In my line of work, no two inspections are alike. I’ve found that the most meaningful interactions stem from three simple qualities:
- Attentiveness
- Interest
- Curiosity
I always try to sense and listen to understand the person in front of me. Because all people are different, I try to adapt to each situation.
What does the person hope to gain from my visit? Is it a new homeowner who’s grateful for any possible tips? Are they stressed and therefore likely prefer a shorter walkthrough?
You don’t need to be an expert to answer these questions — even without asking them.
When it comes to being curious, I’m genuinely interested in the homes I visit and the people who live in them. I often point out beautiful details, ask questions about parts of the interior, or express curiosity about the background of a piece of art. Simply because I find it fun and interesting.
For example, the other day I saw a beautiful old sideboard, hand-painted in an East Asian style, and asked the owner about the history of it. It turned out that his grandfather was a renowned lecturer in China about 100 years ago.
None of what I’ve mentioned requires any special training or skills. These are innate human abilities that most people possess. And when these three — attentiveness, interest, and curiosity — work together, the bonus effect is a given: a job you love!