by Anna Michalski

I want to start my last message to you all by saying, ‘thank you’. The opportunities I’ve had over the years to serve on behalf of our chapter have been nothing short of rich and rewarding, personally as well as professionally. As I enter my last month as chapter president, I’m reflecting on all that I’ve learned over these past years as an engaged member of this chapter but also, as a fellow right of way professional. Some are fact, some are a matter of opinion based on my own personal experiences. I thought the best and most valuable thing I could leave you all with is a list of things I’ve learned from my time working in right of way and being a member of Chapter Three:

1) Trees are the most valuable piece of personal property you will ever compensate a property owner for, just ask any property owner.

2) People you compete with in business can also become some of your best friends, at the same time. Also, you can work well with people and accomplish getting projects complete without having to become best friends.

3) Always have an emergency kit in your rig when you go out in the field. Make sure that kit has toilet paper.

4) Chapter 3 luncheons are a really great way to learn who others are in our pacific northwest right of way world, as well as hear some great speakers share relevant industry news, and tips & tricks of the trade.

5) There is never a good or right time to volunteer. You will not always have enough time, enough energy, or enough care when it comes time to voluntarily work for no compensation. Volunteer anyway. The value one receives from serving others is what it teaches you about you. You can’t put a price on that.

6) Follow up to number five; How do you know if you should volunteer for something (because let’s be real, there are many reasons why adding one more thing to your list of responsibilities, is not the best idea)? If you feel the pull to serve (even if you are nervous to step out), a curiosity of sorts, go for it. It will likely stretch you in small and big ways. It’ll be worth it. If, conversely, you feel a dreaded obligation to commit. No curiosity, no spark? Maybe it’s better to pass.

7) Working relocations can be emotionally taxing but equally rewarding.

8) Contrary to what some may believe, Chapter 3 does not make money off luncheons nor is that our objective. We are an active chapter whose number one priority is to bring education to our members, provide networking opportunities, and support one another in elevating the standards of our profession.

9) If you are a right of way agent who dresses too nicely when meeting with rural property owners, you might get stared at and possibly laughed at. You’ll most assuredly get some kind of dirty.

10) No matter how much you know or how varied your project experience is, there will always be others who have different and more experience than you. Seek to learn from them, rather than compete with them.

11) The most rewarding experiences I’ve had working on projects have been with other people who think and operate differently than myself. Sometimes I learn what I want to be more of, sometimes I am reminded what not to be. I always learn something of value.

12) Chuck Taylor’s are not appropriate foot attire for trailing foresters in search of a route for an access road. Again, you might get laughed at (It was my first time out and I had no idea!).

13) The right of way world in the Pacific Northwest is relatively small. Be kind and gracious to everyone. You never know who you might be working with next!

14) If you ever have an opportunity to attend an annual international conference outside the state you live in, do it. It’s fun to see how the conference hosts tie in and share highlights of their community with the attendees. It’s also fun to meet and learn from people who do the same work we do in the states and countries they live. We all may need to accomplish similar projects, but we all have a different way of going about it.

15) Take a genuine interest in the people you meet each day.

16) The best way to commit something to memory and better understand something yourself? Teach it to someone else.

17) Communication is key. We have all heard how important it is to listen and it is. It is also important to know when to speak up.

18) When you drive out into cow pastures to travel within a transmission line easement, make sure you have the right tires… or a really good book to help pass the time when you get stuck in the mud.

19) QC your work, and if you have the luxury, have someone else do it for you. Be open to criticism, welcome it, invite it in, and ask it to be your friend.

20) There are almost no absolutes in right of way. I know, I’ve been in search of them for almost 7 years. In fact the answer to most questions regarding right of way, as far as I’ve been told is, “It depends.” That’s about as much wisdom as I can muster.

20 things in honor of 2020. A year we will all likely never forget. Be well, Chapter three!

QUOTE:
“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”
– Steven R. Covey