Real estate agents in my area were once again reminded this weekend in a very unfortunate way about  dangers that lurk in this business.  We found out this weekend the terrible news that one of our colleagues in another company was assaulted while showing vacant property.  She was also stabbed multiple times and left for dead.  The assailant was captured.  The agent is recovering.  But the consequences will remain for some time.

During my old naval-air days we used to engage in something called a "safety standown."  It was something group commanders directed that all commanding officers under their charge should perform within their units in the days immediately following a major mishap. In many groups, a safety standown day was mandated quarterly -- mishap or no.

The idea was for everybody to stop for a moment, if even for a day, to discuss safety issues. The purpose wasn't to "monday morning quarterback" the  unfortunate crew members who were involved in the mishap.  Rather, the purpose was for the benefit of other members in the unit. 

The unit "stood down" from all scheduled activities.  Training flights and training missions were cancelled.  They were cancelled in favor of a day long series of safety review meetings, lectures, education programs.  The purpose of which was to remind everyone what the safety protocols are and why the safety procedures exist.  The hope was to prevent similar events from happening in the immediate future.  

My colleagues and I will undoubtedly be looking for ways in the coming days to participate in office collections and other professional support we can give our local colleague who suffered this tragic event.   But, beyond that, I can't help but ask if there's anything more we can each do that's more proactive and forward looking to prevent such events?

So, it's in that spirit that I'm compelled to write this post.  I'd like to respectfully put a bug in the ear of all the managers and managing brokers who stumble upon this article and consider this:  you're the group commander for your troops.  When was the last time you conducted a "safety standown?" 

I realize it's unrealistic to expect your agents to afford to stop all sales activities for an entire day.  But then again, "safety standown" wasn't about stopping for a day.  It was about stopping, for any period of time that was enough to be noticeable, to discuss and think about safety.

In our fast-paced industry, I think even 10-15 minutes at the next office meeting -- or the next several office meetings -- could be that ounce of prevention. Supplement it with videos, handouts, or testimonials from the agents themselves.  it might even be effective to have the newer agents in your office conduct a small safety presentation.  (As a trainer, I can recommend such an activity as a highly effective learning exercise.)

If you need a few items to handout, remember the NAR resources available to you.  Here are a few to get you started:

• Personal Safety: To Meet or Not to Meet? (Barbara Peterson)
• Safety Tips for Real Estate Agents
• Field Guide to Realtor Safety.

Good luck, Commander!  As they say, "when placed in command, take charge."  It's your office, your meeting, your troops.  Think safety.