{"id":191,"date":"2018-02-27T13:54:17","date_gmt":"2018-02-27T17:54:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kbconsultingsolutions.net\/?p=191"},"modified":"2018-04-23T14:01:42","modified_gmt":"2018-04-23T18:01:42","slug":"build-your-people-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kbconsultingsolutions.net\/?p=191","title":{"rendered":"Build Your People Up"},"content":{"rendered":"

In his book, It\u2019s Your Ship, Captain Michael Abrashoff states that in his opinion, leadership is somewhat easy.\u00a0 It\u2019s mastering the art of doing simple things very well.\u00a0 Okay, sit with that for a moment.<\/p>\n

Leadership is mastering that art of doing simple things well.\u00a0 May we add consistently and transparently?\u00a0 When we do so authentically, we are strengthening our position by allowing and empowering others to do their job well. Once that occurs, not only does production improve, yet so does morale and energy.<\/p>\n

As simple is not always easy, let\u2019s highlight what it takes to lift people and truly build them up.<\/p>\n

Little Things Make Big Successes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maya Angelou once said, \u201cI\u2019ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.\u201d\u00a0 This is what the Captain practiced each day and what we encourage you to incorporate into your daily mantra.\u00a0 It\u2019s the small things that have the greatest impact.\u00a0 Hand-written notes, a handshake, taking one moment out of your busy schedule to be wholly present for those around you.\u00a0 Imagine how that might significantly change and intensify each relationship that you have.<\/p>\n

With technology pressing us to have less one-on-one time and more \u201cinstant\u201d everything that is a text or a swipe, the art of heart to heart communication is at risk.\u00a0 We challenge you to do one small act of kindness each day and be aware of the difference it makes.<\/p>\n

Trust People. They Will Usually Prove You Are Right.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Like combat, business success is often about readiness. As discussed in previous Blogs, readiness is about listening more than commanding.\u00a0 When you listen and trust people to do their job, their performance, ownership and overall command of your business might surprise you.\u00a0 Allow competent people to do their job.\u00a0 Encourage failing forward.\u00a0 Encourage going out on a limb. Trust.<\/p>\n

Newbies are Important. Treat Them Well.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The greatest gift we can give those new to the industry is the greatest path to success. We do that by not allowing assumptions and notions to rule. We do that by providing a solid, detailed learning path to provide a solid foundation of fundamental business and sales practices.\u00a0 When we couple a solid learning path with accountability, we empower others to reach their goals.\u00a0 I am personally convinced that the reason our churn rate is so high in real estate is not the fault of the apprentice\u2026it\u2019s the negligence of the Broker\/Brokerage.\u00a0\u00a0 Too many talented individuals joined the right industry with the wrong company.<\/p>\n

Be the Rising Tide That Lifts All Boats<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honestly, real estate can be a hard business. I know many (including myself) who have been battered and bruised not only by the state of the market, yet by those who surround us in what should be a non-hostile environment.\u00a0 There is nothing worse than being blindsided by \u201cfriendly fire\u201d within your own office or brand.\u00a0 As a leader, the antidote for \u201cfriendly fire\u201d lies in making each person you contact feel valued and appreciated. Even if you have to fake it.\u00a0 Do it.\u00a0 You just don\u2019t know what the other individual may be going through.\u00a0 Your positive attitude may indeed serve as the \u201crising tide\u201d to lift their spirits and your reputation of service.<\/p>\n

Expect the Best from Your Crew. You Will Get It.<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the principles I try to lead by is #5 of Steven Covey\u2019s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.\u00a0 \u201cSeek first to understand, then be understood.\u201d\u00a0 Encouraging people to participate at an open, meaningful level (and this includes co-workers, buyers, sellers, church members, students, family and friends) is to understand and appreciate them as individuals.\u00a0 Transparently.<\/p>\n

As a Coach, nothing is more moving and inspirational than helping someone to identify and own their big \u201cWhy.\u201d\u00a0 To discover not only the motivation, yet who will be and how they will be impacted by the success of the professional is no less than amazing.\u00a0 Dig deep.\u00a0 Allow others to set incredible expectations and plan to celebrate when success is achieved.<\/p>\n

Build A Strong, Deep Bench<\/strong><\/p>\n

We must consistently work to serve the next generation.\u00a0 Whether it be the next generation of buyers and sellers, Realtors\u00ae, leaders or staff.<\/p>\n

In real estate, it is wise to constantly build the team and keep your sales force strong by nurturing your next generation of stars.\u00a0 Train them up and hold them accountable.\u00a0 Instill courage and confidence.\u00a0 No one did this better than Dean Smith of University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill (sorry, got to let a little of my light blue pride leak out) as Coach of the Tarheels.<\/p>\n

Coach Smith was famously known for his \u201cBlue Team,\u201d which was his second string.\u00a0 He would masterfully take his entire first string off the court and reload with his bench.\u00a0 Sometimes it was an act of discipline (which was never pretty), yet more often, it was to simply park the first string to provide the opportunity to rest their legs, catch their breath and absorb a bit of coaching wisdom. This act of sweeping change caused amazing reactions and sent strong messages:<\/p>\n