The man (or woman) in the arena: The importance of understanding the details

In 1910, Teddy Roosevelt recited a speech disparaging the critic, the one that points at another's flaws or claims they "could have done it better." The President goes on to mention that the credit belongs to the person in the arena, whose face is "marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly." Now the context of this speech was to state that a country's strength rested not so much in the intelligence of the citizens, but on disciplined work and character. The same holds true for those in our game: the real estate business. And in our arena: New York. More often than not, many of us encounter the "arm-chair quarterback." The one who shouts at the screen, criticizing the plays, and due to the comfortable distance from the field, avoids the tackles. The broker is asked why they haven't sold or leased a unit for weeks on end. The contractor is held responsible for the unforeseen conditions in the dirt that have delayed foundations. The developer is screamed at by capital partners for missing a schedule milestone which push back the building opening. The architect is ridiculed for drafting the wrong apartment layout, forcing concessions on pricing. Forgotten are the weekends committed by the broker showing apartments; the contractor's constant field meetings and testing trying to anticipate the unexpected; the developer's commitment to his project and desire to see it completed; the architect's 99 various iterations before printing the final layout. It's easy to blame and to point out problems without offering a solution. Perhaps your involvement could have prevented the problem? It's time to get back in the weeds, sharpen our pencils, roll up our sleeves, and dive in the trenches. Too often we find ourselves criticizing. In our business it's important to understand the details, and the only way to appreciate them is be involved. Involvement is part of a sound work ethic. But devotion to the task and reaching the highest caliber of success requires the risk of losing it all, failing and becoming victim to the critic. However, battling criticism is part of growth and remembering that everyone was once the target of that criticism will prevent its immortal existence. Putting your best foot forward is a win, and it is essential to remember that assembling a group of people who strive for triumph, victory and are not afraid to meet you in the trenches will create team camaraderie and help facilitate overall success. You're only as strong as your team. Aligning ourselves with the MVP's of our industry is just as important as giving back to hungry young professionals that want to learn the business, and the best way to teach them is to get dirty too. I was lucky to have incredible mentors which helped pave the way to get me where I am today. As a young developer the thought of looking to the future at where members of my team will be is one that brings me great satisfaction and helps me drive forward. Just remember Roosevelt's words, if you fail while daring greatly, your place "shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Joshua Schuster is a principal at DHA Capital, New York, N.Y.