Improve Your People’s Quality of Life

Improve Your People’s Quality of Life

As we approach the final entry in highlighting leadership from the perspective of Captain Michael Abrashoff and the US Navy’s USS Benfold, we look at what we do to improve the lives of others and leave a legacy.  What do we do today that might have a positive impact tomorrow?

The challenge with today’s world and society is that we are wired for a potential nervous breakdown.  Have you thought about that?  With technology surrounding us, our world has changed. The sense of urgency is heightened.  Some things are great…some not.

First, let’s celebrate one great thing about technology…for me.  I’ve never been good at math. Seriously, if you want me to have a major meltdown, traumatic experience…give me a word problem.  And I vividly remember a teacher saying to me, “You must learn this, you will never have a calculator at your fingertips.”  Well, thank you Apple, I guess we showed her, didn’t we!!

Now, let’s consider what is not great.  As previously discussed, the onset of such a high-tech world has taken the high-touch away.  Most had rather text than talk and we’ve potentially raised a generation of screenagers that don’t understand meaningful eye to eye contact, how to read body language or how to socially engage with others.   Let that sink in for a moment. Do you agree?

So, let’s consider applying what Captain Abrashoff found useful and successful in improving the quality of life of his sailors and consider applying to our industry.

Fun with Friends Makes a Happy Ship

As mentioned in previous blogs, real estate is a tough business. Those who win, play hard to do so.  Those who are full-time professionals, play wholeheartedly and too often get their hearts broken.  Therefore, your office and brand should be their refuge.

• Your “ship” should provide a haven of safety and comfort
• Celebrate victories publically and loudly
• Provide opportunity to fail forward, learn, grow, and be successful
• Seek to catch professionals doing things right and celebrate their activity

The First Priority: Good Food

If you’ve ever been in a workshop with me, you know I believe in food, fun and recognition.  I’ve seldom met a REALTOR® who was not an excellent cook; if not, they know the best eating establishments in the area.  Good food is the key to celebration of what went well and to heal what did not.

As a professional REALTOR®, this is also true for your sphere and all you serve.  Good food and recognition is a great way to show gratitude and appreciation.  As you build your budget, it is critical to acknowledge people with acts of kindness and if they are tasty, the experience is all the sweeter.  Pop-bys might include everything from a simple snack to something of meaning that speaks to your model and personality.  Some brilliant examples I’ve experienced with my Coaching Clients include:

• Agent appreciation activities such as:
  • Bowling night with beer and brats
  • Family picnics
  • Ball games
  • Wine tasting events
• Pop-bys have included:
  • Pecans with an amazing recipe for a pecan pie
  • Champagne or Cider (allowing them to choose either or both!)
  • Seasonal gifts with food themes

Entertaining your way to retention is the secret sauce of most. Watch your budget and allow sponsorship (as a Broker and an Agent) and celebrate and show gratitude.  A great way to give back!

Add to Your Crew’s Bottom Line

We believe the most effective way to do this is to provide consistent and effective training, coaching and education.  As the landscape shifts again and again, professionals are often concerned with “what’s coming next.” As a leader, we need to be serving as the “spotter” for what is coming their way.

Being overwhelmed is almost always a result of being underprepared. That is every professional REALTOR®’s fear. The fear is that the market will leave them behind.  To add to the bottom line of your agents, customers, and clients, know what is next.

In Heavy Times, Lighten Up

In addition to providing a safe haven, often we serve and provide strong shoulders.  Coaching and leading is about compassion, empathy, thinking fast on your feet, being prepared and most important, listening.  Listening aggressively.  Living in curiosity–not judgement.  We all stumble, many fall.  As a leader, you should be the safety net. And a strong shoulder. When times are hard and heavy, lighten things up as a trusted advisor, navigator and friend.  It’s a huge part of true, authentic leadership.  Recognize, you may be the only encouragement and support they have.

The Secret of Good Work? Good Play

My bet is that if you read the profile of a most successful REALTOR®, you see things like “work hard, play hard”, “play to win”, etc.  Success in this industry is extremely competitive. Day after day you work to put yourself out of business.

Pause and think about that for a moment. A successful sales person works relentlessly to close the deal and essentially put themselves out of business, get up the next day and hunt for the next opportunity to serve.  Hmmmm…..

If that is the description and definition of good work or a good day or a successful day, doesn’t it make sense that good play is essential?

Most professionals thrive and jump with joy for the opportunity to be recognized, celebrated, and acknowledged by their peers.  It is the responsibility of the leader to provide the opportunity.  Be creative and schedule events that allow everyone to shine.  Everyone.

The Captain of the USS Benfold celebrated his sailors as often as possible.  He worked diligently to catch others doing things well for the opportunity to congratulate, brag, and highlight their efforts and results.  We recommend you do the same.

To build and improve the lives of others, be a resource not a sales pitch.