There are days when it seems like the writers of "One Life to Live" have been burning the midnight oil to create a dramatic plot that includes three agents, their assistants, a client and the receptions threatening to walk out / throw a fit / quit on the spot etc. if their needs are not immediately met. Have any of you watched such a storyline unfold? When it did were you in the mix, on the sidelines or trying to take the high road?
In any office there are basically two types of people. Drama producers and drama reducers. Producers need little introduction because everyone knows at least one. They are quick to gossip, jump to conclusions assume everything and take responsibility for nothing. Frustratingly enough, everyone knows their attitude, but still gives credence to what they have to say.
Drama reducers on the other hand are precious commodities in the real estate landscape. They are men and women of integrity who follow through on their word, offer solutions and heed their mama's advice when they don't have anything nice to say. They have figured out the way to go home with a smile each evening is to do the right thing when no one else is watching, and stick to their core values when others are.
Reducers don't just appear out of thin air and have to work at their craft just like any other artist. Here are a couple ideas about how to develop the Drama Reducer in you:
Find a Mentor: Take notice of those you work with that consistently rise above office drama and focus on getting their job done. Set up a meeting to pick their brain about how they reduce drama in their professional lives. Ask, yes ask, if they'd be willing to mentor you. Most successful business people find someone to teach them the ropes. Why not apply this principle to becoming a drama reducer.
Read: There are so many great books available on personal and professional growth that will help you become a drama reducer. A few of my favorite authors are Henry Cloud (Integrity, 9 Things You Simply Must Do), Jim Collins (Good to Great), David Allen (Getting Things Done), Michael Gerber (The E-Myth) and of course Steven Covey (7 Habits of Highly Effective People). Schedule some time in your day to read a book to help you grow.
Develop a Plan: Have you ever noticed that drama reducers consistently get their job done and follow through on their word? They have developed systems to make sure tasks are accomplished, phone calls are made and meetings are not accidentally missed. Our team uses The Automated Agent Action Plans to make sure we are always on the ball. Doing your job well is a huge step towards becoming a drama reducer.
In the housing industry there will always be times where drama ensues. The question is will you fuel the fire or use the extinguisher?
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