I have struggled with writing a newsletter that I believe might be of interest to others.  The old “what could I possibly have to say that someone else hasn’t already said” dilemma.  So, it occurred to me (momentarily) to give ChatGPT a try.  I say momentarily because it took only a moment to remember exactly who I am and that the ethical implications of the use of ChatGPT were just a little too edgy for my taste.

You see, I believe that there really are no original ideas – rather there are new and provocative ways of evaluating, sharing, and expanding on the thoughts of those who precede us.  Therefore, from my understanding of ChatGPT, its use is simply regurgitating what has gone before – nothing new and provocative about that!

Is ChatGPT simply plagiarism?  If so, its use is not only potentially illegal, but the ethical implications cannot be ignored.

I am fond of studying ethics and integrity.  I strive to do the right thing.  Always.  As a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management – a professional Institute founded with ethics as its cornerstone – I have pledged to uphold its Code of Ethics.  Further, I facilitate the Institute’s Ethics Curriculum for IREM’s members around the United States.

With that said, I find myself questioning the use of ChaptGPT to help me write my newsletter using IREM’s 5 question method:

  1. Is it Illegal?
  2. Who is affected?
  3. What are the consequences?
  4. How do you feel?
  5. Have you examined the alternatives?

I will unpack these one by one…..

  1. Is it Illegal? No, not currently.
  2. Who is affected? Certainly, I would be affected knowing that I published something that wasn’t mine.  My readers would be affected thinking that I had written something that I had not —- would foster a sense of distrust.  The originating authors would be affected knowing I had “stolen” their thoughts.
  3. What are the consequences? As stated above, a sense of distrust.  Potentially, an accusation of plagiarism which could affect me legally AND the ability to maintain my membership in the Institute.
  4. How do I feel? I feel that the use of ChatGPT is a line that I don’t want to cross.  My “gut” says don’t do it.
  5. Have you examined the alternative? Yes, indeed.  The alternative is that – no matter how uncomfortable I may feel putting myself – my own thoughts and feelings and words – out there for the world to see —- it beats the alternative of feeling like a fraud.

Suffice it to say that whether you found this interesting or provocative, it IS my own work.  And I will continue to write and shar what I hope will be of benefit to you. To your curiosity and your growth.  And to helping you to discover your inner self and drive and supporting your bloom…..and your desire to pay it forward to help others.

 

LL

“Do the right thing, and then one more”

 

 

 

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No Limits to What we can DO

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At the IREM Global Summit in Ft. Lauderdale a few years ago, I spent some amazing quality time with other IREM members.  As we shared stories of our professional lives, I spoke of having a dream.  Yes, I developed my “I have a dream!” speech.

My dream?  To shift the profession of Property Management from a profit only centric profession to one that is equally as human centric. To develop leaders in our industry to care about our teams, our clients, and our renters and tenants as highly as our predecessors have cared about their profits and their egos.  A popular observation?  No, I am sure not.  And as we look at business from a historical perspective, not just property management, that was where the rubber met the road.

Maxwell and Teaching

Later the same year I attended a week long Leadership Development immersion with the John Maxwell Team where I earned a certification in Coaching, Speaking, and Training.  I developed a hunger for personal and leadership growth and development that excites me every single day.

To that end, I offer Master Mind Groups to emerging (and experienced!) leaders in Property Management as we study books written by John C. Maxwell.  Books such as “The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth”, “Failing Forward”, “Leadershift”, “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect”, and “Developing the Leader Within”.  My personal growth and development has made me a better leader within my organization, for IREM, and for the property management industry at large.

I currently serve in my second term as the President of the Southern California Rental Housing Association where I have been a member for more than 20 years.  I am the Immediate Past President of IREM San Diego where I served two terms as President (2019 and 2020).   I serve on the IREM Ethics Committee, as an IREM Instructor, and an Ethics Facilitator.  I have served the REstart® program since its inception in 1999 .  REstart® is a training and development program that empowers situationally disadvantaged individuals to a new start by teaching them a version of RES201 that was written for this audience by amazing individuals at IREM HQ.

I am a National Apartment Association Facilitator and teach classes for CAM®, CAPS®, and CALP®.