Leading during times of change is undoubtedly challenging, but it also provides an opportunity to drive education, build stronger teams and strengthen relationships, writes new Inman contributor Justin Bailey.
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In today’s fast-paced real estate industry, change is not only inevitable, it’s constant. I have witnessed dramatic changes occur almost overnight, from market volatility and regulatory changes to technological advancements and shifts in consumer preferences. All great businesses and industries change frequently.
In times like these, leaders not only need adaptability but also a proactive, people-centered approach. We will be inundated with new information over the next few months, and I have no doubt that we will all look back on this moment in industry history as an opportunity to learn and grow.
embrace change
Change is good, but it all starts with mindset. If you are an agent and view our current season of change with optimism and positivity, I believe you will become a better real estate agent and leader. In an environment that changes almost every day, agility and attitude become a leader’s best assets. This means cultivating a culture that is open to innovation and pivots quickly when necessary.
I have found that this attitude, like so many other things in real estate, creates a domino effect. As a leader, your job is not only to have a positive attitude toward change, but also to influence others to do the same. This does not mean falsifying facts; Many of the things we face can be daunting or worrisome.
Influencing others with a positive attitude simply means focusing on the positive aspects of the future, not just the negatives. We all know that many “talkers” only like to share the negative side of things. In my opinion, this is not helpful to anyone in our industry.
Prioritize communication
During times of change, clear and frequent communication is critical. Whether it’s an email newsletter, social media post, or other internal method, agents want to feel engaged and informed. I believe the best agents in every market are those who are well-informed, ethical and educated. As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that any message we know reaches our audience.
Uncertainty breeds anxiety, and the best way to deal with this is through transparency. I make it a point to keep our brokerages informed of industry developments, company strategies, and any potential impacts on their roles. Not only does this build trust, it also ensures everyone is aligned and pulling in the same direction.
Change becomes more difficult when two waves of people are moving in opposite directions, and effective communication helps move everyone in the same direction with facts.
Lead with empathy
A leader’s vision provides a sense of direction and purpose. It’s almost like a sixth sense that others can feel from a leader. Whether you’re an agent, office manager, or any other leadership role in your company, people are likely looking to you for hope during this season.
Much is uncertain and likely to worry many agents. As leaders, our job is to meet them where they are, acknowledge it and find ways to balance the anxiety.
Understanding and addressing agent concerns helps build a resilient and cohesive organization. It’s important to articulate a clear vision of where your company or industry is headed, as well as a plan to deal with future changes. Sometimes, even admitting, “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’ll be there for you,” makes sense.
Build a culture of resilience
Developing a culture of resilience is critical to coping with change. This means many things, but first and foremost, it means encouraging a mindset See challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. By celebrating successes, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can build a resilient organization that thrives In the midst of change.
Leading during times of change is undoubtedly challenging, but it also provides opportunities to drive education, build stronger teams, and strengthen relationships. Don’t miss this critical moment in our industry and take extra care of your employees.
Justin Bailey is CEO of Realty Executives Associates, the largest real estate brokerage firm in East Tennessee. Connect with Justin on Instagram and Linkedin.
