Hard Decision? No, Not Really.

J. Philip:

You did the right thing. You would never stop worrying that the agent would do something that was not kosher in the future.  Go with your instincts.

I can only imagine the decision you had to make, but like you said, it's better to do that than to have the reputation of the company blemished.

Good for you.  As a former manager of a brokerage in Westchester and Rockland, I used to clean up the "dead wood" at least once a year.  It always lightened things up!

Hi Phil - I was in a brokerage where they basically had an "anything goes" attitude especially for producers.  Some of those producers were an embarassment to us all....One time I had a client in a cubicle and one "top producer" went into a tirade with a client, screaming and yelling.  What a nightmare.  I had to EXPLAIN THIS to my client...It's never a good idea to let something like that fester.

Phil, 

Having confidence in who you want to work with within your office as well as in terms of clients is key.  Not everyone is a good fit - even if there is money to be made.  Being smart about who you associate yourself with and work for makes life a whole lot sweeter knowing you control this!

We are a very small brokerage.  I never understood the concept of trying to grow huge, but with the wrong folks.

All the best, Michelle

One of the reasons I dread November is it is the time our broker fires agents for production reasons but of course when you set your goals in January with him you already pretty much know unless there is a crisis like 2006. But he has 4 things posted in the Office lobby that will get you gone immediately and he doesn't play.

J. Philip - I think this makes a lot of sense, and now no sleep will be lost.

It's tough when you have to let someone go, but sometimes it's for the best.  You have to think of the big picture for company and clients.

It happens and should happen more often. I know many brokers (including myself) that kept a few agents on much longer than I should have.  They were good people just not so great agents. And then there was one that just had to go after what I heard they had done from a client - not on my watch.  Good call.

Over the past 9 years I have worked for 3 different companies. Only twice have I seen someone fired. The first was unrelated to real estate - there was a warrant out for the agent's arrest! The second was known to be dishonest, and when she stole another agent's customer she was fired on the spot.

That said, I have come across many many more agents who should be fired, but most broker / owners don't want to lose a single agent, even if all they produce is one deal a year. They are being penny wise and pound foolish, because these 'bad' agents hurt their reputations and cost them more than they make.

So congratulations Phil on standing up and doing the right thing!

Philip, there are some things that should not be on a public blog and I feel that this is one. You may have put yourself and your organization in a litigious situation shoud the individual involved discovers what has been written. Even if the agent does not ever read your blog, other potential agents may; the negativity is not needed in any organization.

Although you didn't do what you did for profit, it'll be profitable.  Your other agents will also have more pride in your office knowing they work with a broker who has integrity.

Good for you sure wish some of these big firms thought more along your lines, they want the numbers and dont care.

Bravo Phil - Recently, I had to go to a broker about some egregious behavior.  The broker asked what I thought he should do.  I said he should terminate the agent.  He thought I lost my mind as the agent produces.  For the most part I don't bother going to a broker over an agent that produces.  Evidently the only agents they are willing to spank are the non-producing newbies.  This is a problem and the reason Realtors for the most part can't effectively self regulate.  

You stand apart from the crowd.

Phil, your brokerage is a reflection of yourself. You need to be proud of the work you do ... and of the work of your broker/agents. Sometimes further training is warranted, sometimes a formal reprimand is needed. And other times, it's time to let a broker/agent go. At least in Washington, agents are not employees, they're independent contractors. As such, the atmosphere and success of your business is an amalgam of the people with whom you choose to work.

I think about all the money and bad press you have saved yourself in future law suits. Good call.

It s clear to me that you are very principled.  You will look back at this decision ten, twenty years from now and realize that it was crucial to building the culture of your organization. 

Great job, Phil - I am very impressed and glad you are showing me the way.   Proud of you!

Wise move,

If they were not following direction from you (being their employer) imagine what kind of service they were providing to their clients.   At least you'll get a good night sleep now.   New year-fresh start. :)