It's Up to You and It's Up to Me: Leading By Example

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It's Up to You and It's Up to Me: Leading By Example

I am crediting this spin off (of sorts) to my mentor, TLW who wrote Three Years Of My Time...And All I Got Were These Stupid Plaques...ROAR! who entered her own first comment: 'Sometimes the best way forward is to lead by example :) '

I am just going to take that comment and run with it (you folks are welcome to join in). Play this song

< CLICK ....Everybody Hurts

while you're reading and then thinking what to write. A time to expand your thinking and "get out of self".

I choose to "lead by example" and show the new agents that walk into our office what a professional in the Real Estate Industry "looks like". Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii is a comfortable office. We have a "family" atmosphere and not too much drama goes on in our office. We help each other out and work together as a team.

When a new agent walks into our office I hold out a helping hand and offer:

A hearty welcome to our office and let them know that our two Brokers and the "regulars" in the office are all here to help them along in their new career in the Real Estate Industry!
Give them specific information in becoming members of our local board, NAR, HAR and paying their dues so they can have access to our MLS. I also let them know that until they are members that they are not authorized to carry the Realtor Associate® trademark until they have become members.
Letting them know that that it will take awhile to get started and they can start by sending out letters to friends and family announcing that they are in real estate and to add a couple of business cards. Be patient, take the initiative to start their business and above all motivate!
If the new agent is a NAR/HBR/HAR member I give them specific information for signing up online on each site and the information they offer. (including downloading Zipform, downloadable forms not on zipform, how to start with MLS system, Ethics education and test on NAR, registering with our local board for new member class and so forth)
Keep a professional attitude in or out of the office. I surely do not want to give the wrong impression to a new agent and show them the "wrong" way of presenting themselves to a client.
No cutting corners or trying to skim on by and let them know that it is imperative to be honest and determined to hold our position as real estate agents in high regard.
And that as long as they are willing to listen, learn and follow direction that they will have a never ending supply of helping hands in our office.

At times of stress, confusion and anger we all go through the "victim stance" mode in thinking we are the only ones going through what ever situation we're going through. We also want people to side with us, console us and support us in "our own unique thinking" on any given subject. Just remember, How we act is how the new agents are getting that "first impression" of how we as professionals are portraying ourselves in the public eye.

The only person that has control over me.... is me..... and it's all in the manner of how I handle the situation. I choose to "lead by example" for my community of real estate professionals ....and offer a helping hand.

How about YOU?

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.

Posted by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, RA, CRS, HAWAII Real Estate & Relocations on 10/15/2007 04:23 PM

Comments (53)

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Originally posted at: Hawaii Real Estate | Hawaii Relocations | Hawaii Home Buying & Selling: It's Up to You and It's Up to Me: Leading By Example

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53 Comments on It's Up to You and It's Up to Me: Leading By Example

OCT

2007

I'm first Sally, it is so important to make new agents feel welcome and to keep things professional. They have just gone through a big decision and it is the right thing to do. Of course, I would expect nothing less from you.

Missy: You guys are funny...the first thing. I feel it's important to reflect the same no matter where we are.

Sally, I always try to help out our new agents with a little extra training or some of my best ideas to get them off and running. I can remember the day when a seasoned agent sat down in the chair next to my desk. She commented that no one from this particular vestibule had ever "made it". I vowed right there that I would show her! Now she's gone...from lack of clients or whatever. I'm still here and one of the top sellers.

Sally, How lucky the new agents who join your office are with you there to help and lead them onwards. They couldn't ask for a finer role model to learn from and be welcomed by.

Lizette: Yeah...can't do anything about the ones that aren't focused...but still...it feels good to be a shining example to others and give them some of what we have. Although ...some can't give what they don't have either. I believe it's the ones who are willing to give back are the ones who make it anyway.

Jo: Thanks for your kind comment. You're always here supporting me....I hope this gives some incentive to others to help people here as well as out there.

Once the MAJORITY of Realtors think of themselves as professionals, everyone will be doing what you do.

In nursing, you can't sign for anything, or really do anything to a patient just on orders before you first pass the test of a mentor, or the head nurse, or whomever the hospital deems reliable to see that you are capable of doing what you are charged to provide for your patient. I've made many friends mentoring new new nurses, and one of them is the reason I moved to Florida.

But this is sales, and not nursing, and until we change our attitudes about who we are in this profession, things will not change.

Except for those lucky enough to be around YOU.

Patsy: You're sweet...there's always a time and a place for everything isn't there? I agree....change is good in this case. Some may have the belief that "this is just ME". All that tells me is there's no room for change in the person. How is anyone to learn from that example?

Woo Hoo Sally...

Before I knew for a fact you wrote this...I knew you were going to write it :)

Leading by example is the way to go. In other words...Don't tell me what to do...Show me.

The "you go first" concept is true leadership. It takes tenacity to lead :)

Victim mode? Yah think? In my world there are no victims. However, there sure are a lot of choices :)

TLW...ROAR!

TLW: I should know from my past experiences...I lived my whole life in victim mode...not without good reason (as you know) and I choose to not fall in that trap anymore. Leading is way better than following. I have a mind of my own.

And how did you know? Psychic now are we?

Show and tell. ha!

Hi Sally - how great it must be for new agents in your office to work with you!! I'd love that!

I do pretty much the same as you, but in a slightly different manner. The owner of my company only hires experienced agents, so I make sure to welcome them and to let them know if they need anything at all to just give a holler. And I check in with them to see how they're doing and to see if they need any kind of help with anything, etc.

What a difference it makes to agents who are new to an office to be warmly welcomed!

Ann

Ann: Ours is "self starting"....we all help out and my brokers are top head honchos in my book. And it does make a difference. I remember when i first started. Smaller than now but it felt good that people wanted to help.

We were SO separated at birth!! Proud to call you Sis. :oD

Sally, when I first became an agent, I had some good corporate sponsored training, but not much on the ground help in my office. Lots of "Welcomes" but no real offers of assistance, so I try to always ask the new agents how they are doing, if they have questions, etc. I'm sure I could do more, but I spend as little time actually AT the office as possible. Thanks for the reminder about leading the way...we should all be doing the same and following your great example.

Bravo my friend... I love where your blogs are heading. You are a leader and you've settled into that role very comfortably... Now what's next? I know you will wow me again. There are great things out there for you I see it... do you??

Sarah: Glad you enjoyed the post!

Lisa: Thanks Lisa. I am at the office more than others (I work in our office part time in Admin as well as full time agent) Believe, my brokers love me...except the past week "on vacation" ....and able to help them out as well..by helping others.

Desiree: I am hoping everyone can see how it relates here as well. did you listen? < CLICK ....Everybody Hurts and watch? What would happen if everyone just up and walked away? We lead and show the way. A good example. I see it....and so do you...hop on the bus!

<---- Huge R.E.M. fan.... love the song .. the message... and the video

Dez: GRRREEAAATTT!

Sally,

I can totally imagine you doing everything that you mentioned :0) Great Post, I agree to lead by example..

Tom Weiss

Tom: Great! Let's all make a good example righ there right now....of our industry. WooHoo!

Sally, helping others especially newer people in the office is a great thing to do, and a great way to pay back others who extended the same helping hand to you when you were first starting.

Sally,

Lead by example...words to live by! Great job my friend! :)

Hey Sally, this is a great way to welcome new agents. Leading by example is always the best way...they can always be shown quickly how NOT to do things. :) And that is not good.

George: Sure is George...we can also do the same right here! AR is no different. We have new members/agents and we can lend a helping hand and set a good example for them here and out there!

Suzanne: Thanks Suzanne! I am determined to be all I can be ... woohoo!

Steph; Where'd you come from?

Yup....showing the right way is the only way.

Where did I come from? :) Texas. Ha Ha Ha.....

Steph: hahahaha...funny. You doing okay today? I think back to when you first came to AR....I'm glad you're doing good with business and keeping in good spirits.

Words are nothing without action of some sort. And actions show more than words........it is up to all of us to be Professional, and how we do that is reflected in our actions and words :)

Kathy: That's a fact. I am learning more and more that this forum/platform/network...whatever we call it is to be respected and used to pass on to others our successes, joys, information, ideas, stuff. I think that too often there are personality conflicts and it all goes haywire....and some soon forget why we are here. ...and it is...up to us.

Hey Sally, I'm okay. I spent most of the day with hubby...so I can get back to work tomorrow. :) Business is off an on but good. Have a good evening. I just couldn't pass up the smart alleck comment. :)~

Steph: That's good...talk to ya later!

Lead by Example: Here's my thought. I only ask that you walk beside me, not behind me. Because I will take you by the hand and lead you to the way. If you are walking behind me I will have to drag you along as you're wavering about and you'll never grasp a hold of what I'm trying to help you with. Have you ever noticed, when you're side by side you can hear a whole lot better?

Yeah, I think too much. But I've been that wavering soul who was only hoping to be taken in the right direction. Instead when questions were asked the other people were walking so far ahead of me I could never quite hear what they were saying.

The new people are just like sponges...I am happy to help anyone needing a hand...

I believe in the Pay it Forward theory...I don't care if you pay me back.

Julie: I believe that we can extend a hand...and it's up to the person being offered to grab ahold tight. When I first started another agent in my office literally allowed me to keep asking about every single detail of the transaction. (I learned most from that first transaction) I grabbed ahold and she was great....to walk beside me and not run ahead so I understood. I was lucky.

Bob: As well it should be...the rewards are seeing someone succeed from the help we've offered and they accepted.

Sally, I was just scrolling through your recent blogs, after getting a bit behind, and I couldn't decide which to comment on - I always enjoy them all. Your office is very lucky to have you setting the tone for a positive envirnoment!

I love this song! And I always remember the gal who was nice to me the first day. Thanks for being that gal!

Sally- Well, let's see it is just me and Nestor, and a couple of my assistants which are my kids, so let's see, I suppose I could be a good example to Nestor and the kids, hee hee.

No but seriously- Since we are our own office I set the example to all other agents we cross paths with, I always lend a helping hand and offer my coaching services as I do not see any competition only abundance. I live by my values and principles. Others see that. Katerina

I wish more agents would take "professionalism" seriously. I know we've all seen a lot of things we'd rather not see, and hear for that matter! It's good that you have a set of standards you abide by. Great post!

OCT

2007

Margaret: Thanks a bunch....Actually, we're all pretty fortunate to have each other....I love my office, I love my work....and that may be all the difference in the world.

Tracey: Thanks for remembering...and that song tells it all....what if we all upped and walked away....where would we be? Why not just work as a team and lift up the people?!

Katerina: That's cute! I really like to see the lighter side of you! And so the reason you are successful here and out there! More than you know you have educated me and I carry what you and a lot of others have given me here.

Lisa: It's how we set the pace for the public and that which reflects on our industry as a whole. Thanks Lisa.

setting the example and the standard is always the way to stay in front of the pack - great post Sally

Sally - YOU could inspire a bull frog to believe he could become a prince!

I love that you are so giving whether it's in real estate, real life, blogging and then some! YOU'RE heart is on your sleeve...many could learn from your generousity! I truly believe that what comes around DOES go around and your GOOOOOOOOD is coming!!!

At my last company I can't tell you how many I have helped...not as much to offering them..but they some how seeked me out and I was glad to oblige...never was given the position nor did I ever ask or receive anything in return. I was given help when I started out but it was more going out in the field and learning the street part...it is a lot easier just to sit by the phone...but going out in the trenches is the real world.

SALLY: It's nice to see that there is a support system for new agents in your office, and that you are the embassador of good will. Around my area, there is more competition than help when you first start. Unless you are joining someone's team, you're pretty much on your own, sans the new agent training that many companies provide.

Sally, I LOVE this post. The only person who has control over me is me- great words of wisdom. I wish people had treated me like you treat the newbies in your office. When I moved to my first office in California, the agents were not very nice. AT ALL. No one took time to get to know me or show me the ropes. I was new to the area, but not new to the business. Because I am young, no one even took the time to find out that I had more real estate experience than many of them- they just assumed I was a new licensee. Shortly after starting- I started getting some big transactions. Some of the agents got jealous. I started to hear nasty stuff about me- backstabbing, catty comments in the copy room. Shortly after, I left the company. I couldn't stand to be in an office where people where so negative and rude. Interestingly enough, that office used to be one of the best, now one of the worst in the county. I am now in an office where people are thoughtful and helpful to everyone. Those agents who were so rude- I can envision how they treat their clients, and if I had choice, I wouldn't do a deal with them. New agents are people too- and everyone was new once upon a time.

I remember how welcoming my colleagues were when I joined our team. It made all the difference in the world to me and set the pace for me from the start. It let me know that my clients would receive the same warmth and professionalism any time they stopped by. I can't imagine working anywhere else now.

You're probably making more of a positive impact with your 'leadership' than you realize Sally :)

Thesa: And being part of the team IS the ultimate goal right?

Susie: I get back what I put into it...the contentment of being a good person. Darn sleeve wearers. :)

Neal: That's how it worked for me. I went out on my first transaction and another agent literally walked me step by step (I'm so happy I learned from her) and today I work my transactions to detail....with heart...and in the best interests of the client. Which is how I help others to understand the importance of client before anything.

Adam: Everyone is helpful in our office. Some more than others. I just believe giving back is the main thing for having a smooth running office. Our office does not have full on training. They have new members classes but it still won't beat getting out there and doing that first transacation.

Ginger: I especially love to help the young ones who are energetic (I have minimal hehe) and willing to learn. There are others who were know it alls....they're all gone now. And that's what happens when a bunch of people get together and instead of supporting each other they rag on each other...then everyone leaves.(and so my song of wo :)

Jennifer: No matter what it will always be up to the individual if they want the help too. Also, it does make a difference what kind of attitude a person comes into the office with as well. The main thing in our office is that our Broker in Charge runs around and introduces the new person with a hearty attitude and then we jump in to help. There are only a few of us who are in the office a lot. I have been appreciated over the years...and those are all the strokes I need. Knowing I helped out and was appreciated.

Sally,

Sounds like you do more for the new agents than most in this industry. You're not afraid to "train your competition", are you? I wish I would have had a WooHoo Sally to hold my hand when I first got started. There's no telling where I'd be in my career now. Thanks for all you do...in your office and for all of us on AR.

Andrew: That was sweet Andrew. Why would I be afraid? We all have our own niches and I suppose I'm just not looking at people as competition. Maybe that's the difference. Hey...I would've helped you too! Thanks Andrew.

Celeste, great post. I am with you. I choose to lead by example too.

A really excellent blog! We all need to lend a helping hand and lead by example!

If more agents had your philosophy, Sally, ours wouldn't be an industry beset with mistrust. Mistrust from fellow agents, the public, the media, etc. I love your attitude and hope others learn that they have the choice of being a positive, dynamic professional rather than a stick-in-the-mud curmudgeon. You're C-21 colleagues are fortunate.

Danny: Join the club!! We'll have great long train here in the rain shortly!

Barbara-Jo/Bill: (BTW..my middle name is Jo too!) Thanks so much and hop along with me!

Paul: No kidding! I believe there are MANY in our profession that do a wonderful job although I believe if we all just chipped in a little to help and support our peers it sure would make for a better industry that we can all be proud of! Even here!

OCT

2007

Sally,

'Leading By Example' is where it's at!!! How can this post not be featured??? Thanks, Fran

Fran: That was sweet... as long as the few who saw it get something from it...that's all that matters. Thanks Fran!

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Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, RA, CRS, HAWAII Real Estate & Relocations

Mililani, HI

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Century 21 Liberty Homes

Address: 95-221 Kipapa Drive Ste. E-3, Mililani, HI, 96789

Office Phone: (808) 625-1776

Cell Phone: (808) 375-1404

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Reading my blog will give you the human side of this Real Estate Industry Professional as well as allowing you to walk beside me through my writing about Hawaii Real Estate & our Local Area. As a resident of Honolulu County Hawaii for 42 years you will get a tour of a lifetime. Specializing in Hawaii Relocation Military VA Home Buyers you can be rest assured you will be in good hands. I LISTEN to YOUR needs and give you sound advice. Hawaii Relocations, Hawaii Military Relocations, Mililani Hawaii Real Estate, Living in Hawaii, Army Navy Air Force Marines in Hawaii. Read more at www.cheesemanhomes.com

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