What do Abraham Lincoln, Martha Stewart, Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Jordan, Walt Disney, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, Nelson Mandela, and Susan B. Anthony have in common?
They’re all middle children!
Birth order can play an important role in an individuals’ personality and aspirations. So, to celebrate National Middle Child Day, we chatted with some of our incredible committee chairs about how being a middle child has helped them throughout their life – and career!
Budd Batterson
Chair of Professional Development
“I am a middle child. My oldest brother is super smart and was the top of his class. My youngest brother is very independent and strong willed. As the middle child, I learned how to read my brothers. I learned how to talk with them in a way that would get my desired results and inspire them to want to collaborate with me on projects and ideas of things to do. I also learned how to make a position for myself to be a part of their ideas and contribute to make them better. As the middle child, I learned that I had the benefit of flexibility - to be able to align myself with one brother or the other.
Now that we are grown, my role with my brothers is often that of a mediator. They often have difficulty hearing and often interrupt each other. Their approach to the world and tasks is extremely different. I am the buffer in between. My role is to compromise and find common ground so we can accomplish the task at hand.”
Laurie Cottingham
Chair of Professional Development
“I think being a middle child helped contribute to my success by first watching my older brothers and modeling them, then turning around and trying to help my two younger brothers in the same way my older brothers helped me. It wasn’t all fun and games when I was younger. My brothers thought I was spoiled because I didn’t play with their hand me downs – so I got new toys. I think holding my own with all of them helped mold me into who I am today. Being a middle child makes you strong and empathetic as you see both sides clearer as you are in the middle (literally) of everything. The fights, the fun - all of it!”
Geri Theis
Chair of RPAC Trustees
“I would say I’m more driven because I’m a middle child. Growing up with two older siblings and 3 younger, you learned that if you wanted something you had to ask. You learn to speak up and tell people what you want. As a real estate agent, it’s important to speak up and ask when you want something. Whether it’s to secure a listing or to get an offer accepted, you need to be willing to say it. On the other hand, I’m also more analytical. I tend to watch and see how people react first. You learn from watching older siblings make mistakes and then see the consequences of their actions. In real estate it’s important to listen first, so this skill has really helped me. I think that many agents tend to assume they know what their clients want. Making a decision for your clients without first hearing it from them is a mistake. When I know what my client needs, as well as the other party, I am able to bring them together on the important things and get them to a successful closing.
I also think as a middle child I’m more patient. As a middle child you often had to wait for your older siblings, so you learned patience. In real estate I think it’s important to be patient, do it well, and do it right. Rushing leaves room for mistakes. I loved watching over my younger siblings growing up, which developed my caring skills, which I think is one of my greatest strengths. It’s important for my clients to know that I care about them and that their needs are important to me. Each closing represents another relationship I can appreciate.”
