The process of searching for a real estate team that will work well and collaborate effectively with one another can be difficult. Not knowing where to search, or what to look for, can make the process even more stressful. Then comes the managing part; being a respectful, approachable, team coach can be tough. Having to tailor your leadership style to learn what works best encompasses a great deal of trial and error.

Building a Team: Diversity

When putting together your new team, it is important to choose a diverse array of individuals with unique strengths and abilities. Each individual will come from a different professional background, which will introduce you to a variety of new and interesting ideas. When searching for this diversity, consider looking outside of the business – perhaps for marketing and administration. Remember that having a mixture of introverts and extroverts, new Realtors and veteran Realtors, can help bring something special to your table, ultimately contributing to your team’s success.

Managing a Team

Once you’ve built your team you now need to manage it properly in order to ensure success. Our top qualities for being a successful manager are as followed:

• Know your team: Knowing your team members, and them knowing each other, will help create a positive inclusive environment. A great way for you and your members to get to know each other is through team building exercises and excursions.
• Establish expectations: Once you’ve established a healthy work environment, it is important to set goals, expectations, and create a clear vision for everyone. Setting goals individually, and as a team, will help ensure work is completed on time.
• Communicate: Communicate with your team members both in person and online. Through weekly meetings and online communication, your team will be able to collaborate with one another through a common form of communication.
• Delegate: Become aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your team members. As you will likely be delegating a majority of the work, it is important to be aware of who thrives where so that everything can be distributed accordingly.
• Evaluate: Be aware of progress and the meeting of expectations, both individually and as a whole. Whether weekly or biweekly, expressing the strengths and where there is room for improvement will help your team progress.
• Motivate: Throughout the relationship of the team, it is beneficial for you to motivate; encouraging them towards success. Encourage collaboration, communication, and development.
• Equality: Remember everyone is equal – no opinion should be regarded as more valuable than another.
• Be present: An absent manager is difficult to get to know and feel comfortable with. Make sure to pop into the office, touch base with members, and show that you are there to help them if needed.
• Provide Guidance: It is likely that a team member(s) will lose sight of their motivation, providing a helping, encouraging, hand can help diffuse this.
• Be prepared: Be prepared for conflicts arising by knowing how to deal with issues in an effective, respectful, manner.