As we celebrate the season of giving, I find myself giving thanks for all of the great people I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by. I don’t just mean my immediate friends and family, but also the people I get to work with every day, both colleagues and clients. Many of our employees and clients at Kurz Group have been with the company for decades (some nearly 30 years). We attribute this to the great group of personalities we’ve recruited, along with always striving to provide a happy, healthy, flexible and rewarding work environment.
As I had discussed in my last blog post about career strategies, the most important lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is to live by the golden rule, treating others how I would like to be treated. Especially during the holidays, I remind myself of this so-called “rule” in both my personal and professional life, using the season as a time to reflect on how I, my family and our company could help others.
For the last four years, our team has taken a trip to the North Texas Food Bank to sort meal items that help feed those in need. This year, we helped sort nearly 9,500 meals for schools with another corporate group; it was a rewarding day for all of us. But we must always ask ourselves how we could be doing better. What can we improve upon next year for ourselves, our clients, and the community as a whole?
At Kurz Group, our employees and clients have become our family. My brother Rick and I are proud of the culture and workplace we’ve built, always encouraging open communication, self-motivation, empowerment, a sense of appreciation and an honest attitude. But we are always asking ourselves: How could we be making a bigger impact? What else can we offer? What will the next year bring?
With all of the stress that can come along with the holidays, it’s important to remember what, and who, you’re really thankful for, and to let them know. Keep the golden rule in mind (make it mandatory!) and never lose perspective. Thank clients and employees, and let them know how appreciated they are.
Happy holidays!
Jeff Kurz is executive vice president and co-managing partner of Kurz Group, a national property tax consulting firm. Contact him at [email protected].
