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So, what’s next for our industry after the bombshell New York Times article dropped this weekend? Hopefully, it’s a reckoning. Twenty-nine brave women stepped forward after their numerous complaints were ignored. The article’s comment section was closed after 343 public comments, where even more women and men confirmed that the culture at NAR is broken and toxic.
Update: Following publication of the NYT story on Saturday morning, NAR President Kenny Parcell resigned before the end of the day on Monday. Find out more: NAR President Kenny Parcell resigns after NYT exposé
The biggest thing that stood out to me is the timeline of events; there was ample opportunity to avoid this “negative” piece against the National Association of Realtors (NAR), as CEO Bob Goldberg referred to Saturday’s tell-all, no holding back article about what it was/is like for women at NAR working with President Kenny Parcell. It’s time to end the toxic workplace, board and elected behavior. It starts with you, the member, and making grassroots changes in your daily life.
Kenny’s Code
If NAR had followed its code of conduct, I would argue that Parcell wouldn’t have lasted two weeks in his current position. But here is the problem, and it’s a big one: This over-the-top, loud fraternity/I’m an influential businessman culture has been an acceptable part of our industry since before women could get a mortgage.
What’s worse is a “father knows best” attitude continues as most upper-level leaders bring it with them up the ranks, and in return, it doesn’t make for well-rounded leaders; instead, it makes…