Leaning in Greg Crites, PLS The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 38, No. 1, 2015 2 EDITOR’S NOTE In keeping with the theme of my last editorial, I thought I’d take the liberty, or assert the right, simply because I hold the position of editor of this magazine, to delve a little deeper into the concept of what a “professional” means from the perspective of a land surveyor. We’ve all heard of the importance of giving back to our profession, commensurate with what the profession has given us! Th is is not a simple equation and means diff erent things to each of us, as many of the stories within the pages of this magazine that I’ve been soliciting from our membership will attest. I’m most interested in tickling the interests of those within our membership who may be considering volunteering some of their valuable time for the betterment of the PLSO. We need you, especially if you’re young, energetic, eager to learn and interested in leaving some kind of legacy within your profession beyond your seal and signature. One of the truisms of the operation of the PLSO is that without the hard work of a few dedicated professionals, the organization wouldn’t exist. Each and every one of those individuals, when asked, would tell you that their involvement in the PLSO has enriched their professional life (and probably their personal life) in more ways than they ever could have imagined. Having served in many “management” capacities for the organization, I can attest to the benefi ts of getting involved, not the least of which has been the enrichment of my life from getting to know many of my peers in other parts of the country. If I said that getting involved with the PLSO didn’t involve any personal time and eff ort, I’d be lying; but think about it. How much time have you spent on the telephone with potential clients from whom you’ll never get a dime? All of your professional expertise leveled at them, yet it’s as if your knowledge and skills were water off a duck’s back. To them, you’re a commodity. On the other hand, there is much greater satisfaction to be had in the company of your peers, those who’ve already stepped on the land mines laid for us in this business, who’ve already wrestled with the complexities of a boundary resolution that you may have yet to encounter or have cut their teeth on an area of professional practice where you have insuffi cient expertise (and are thereby a danger to yourself and your prospective client). With respect to that last comment, much of my understanding of my own skill sets comes from my professional involvement. My peers have given me perspective. How can you put a value on knowing with certainty when it’s time to walk away from a possible contract because you know what’s required is not your cup of tea? Some of you know that I love to read. My sister gave me a Christmas present this year that I wasn’t expecting: A small paperback written by Garth Stein entitled e Art of Racing in the Rain. He has a quote in there that really speaks to me: “Th at which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny,...” If I may paraphrase, you only get out of something what you put into it! Th e PLSO and our profession are waiting for you to put something in! I used to live next door to Mary Anne Rademacher. Another northwest author, she has written at least one book of quotes and an excerpt from one of her sayings speaks to the theme of my discussion. She calls it “leaning in to life.” I like that. Years ago, I had a passion for skiing and loved to go as oft en as time and wherewithal allowed. Aft er I was married (the fi rst time), I dragged my then wife along in hopes she would share in my joy. Her self-confi dence was her worst enemy. One day, in a not-so-honest eff ort to convince her of her abilities, my buddy and I skied ahead of our wives to the top of a “Black Diamond” run at Mt. Bachelor. Upon reaching the warning sign, we turned it around so the two ladies couldn’t see it as they approached. When they arrived within sight of us, we dropped into the fall line and slalomed down the mountain some distance below the reversed sign but still within sight of it. Making sure our wives were still in tow, we stopped for a breather. Once I had their undivided attention, I pointed up the hill at the sign and exclaimed, “Well, look at what you guys just skied down!” Th at one run made them both much better skiers. It’s not that their skills changed one iota, but their state of mind certainly did. Th is story reminds me of “leaning in.” When you’re at the top of a steep descent, your natural inclination is to lean over the edge to see what lies before you. » continues on page 5 »
PLSO Issue 1 2015 Jan_Feb
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