People work with people they trust – so when you’re growing your team you must create a culture built on trust, accountability, personality, and common goals. Attracting and retaining the right people for your real estate team can make or break your brand and your results.

Define Who You Are

The first step in creating a great company culture is determining your values and posting them where your team can see them. Whatever your values may be, drive them into your team and use these values when deciding who to hire or how to respond to day to day activities.

First Impressions Matter

The next step when building a great team, is the hiring process. Take personality into as much consideration as you do skill set. According to Forbes, if their personality does not align with the company culture you are striving to maintain it is advised not to hire them. They will be more harm than good; their skill set may add to the top-line growth but will come at a real cost of driving away other agents/staff while harming the company’s brand. Forbes says “If you hire a lower producer who is a fantastic cultural fit, that agent will flourish with coaching and support, and will positively contribute to the environment of their peers. Over time, she or he will become a high producer and will elevate everyone around them.”

Appreciate Always

Take the time to intentionally praise and appreciate the actions of your team, even if it is small day to day things that are expected. This will motivate them to continue to do the right actions and strive for great results. Those who are appreciated more for the right things they do, work harder and have a more positive attitude towards their work.

Establish Open Communication

Google has been named the #1 Employer in Canada for 2018 by Forbes. One of their employees touched on the importance of open communication within their culture. “My mentor created psychological safety for me on my first day when he said, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions—you don’t have to impress me. You already have, and that’s why I hired you.”

Establishing this from the beginning opens the door to honest communication. Employees will not hide mistakes, but rather be open about overcoming them. Provide and seek constructive feedback on a regular basis.

Transparency from the top to the bottom is key to any successful business.