Leadership with Agility was the title of an excellent webinar hosted by Neha Chetwani with the workplace atelier that I had the chance to attend just recently. To lead with agility means to tap into the collective awesomeness of a team, to be a leader among leaders, to leverage the combined knowledge and to take advantage of individual expertise. Leading with agility means to not lead from above, but from within, to reach one common goal.
This concept very much applies to the world of Real Estate. The (most) successful agents assemble a team of (the best) of experts in their chosen field - photographers, inspectors, title attorneys to name a few - and leverage the collective knowledge to drive each transaction to the settlement table.
Occasionally you may come across a friend, or opinion piece published in some media that argues a different point - the Real Estate agent as an individualistic opportunist, the shark you have to watch out for who is only concerned with his bottom line and (humongous) commission check.
Granted, there's always a black sheep among the herd, but that holds true for any profession. One bad apple, or even a few, does not spoil the entire crop.
As a Real Estate agent who has managed to survive and thrive in this industry for 17 years now, I would like to tell you that it is never the commission I can earn on your sale that is top of my mind, but the next one. Only if I deliver, meet and exceed your expectations will I have the opportunity to earn my next check and continue to make a living.
My best chance of meeting and exceeding your expectation is to continuously grow, to listen and hear you, to recognize opportunities and anticipate needs, to utilize resources, and to leverage the collective knowledge of the team that is handling the various aspects of your transaction, including my - carefully selected - referral partners, to successfully drive your transaction to the closing table.
It could involve the managing attorney of the title company stepping in when a conflict arises, not to take a side (in MD the title companies are chosen by the buyer but represent/protect the interest of the title insurance) but to explain, help find a solution and resolve a potential stalemate.
It could involve the home inspector not only making the report available, but clarifying any potential risks of not addressing an issue to both sides.
It could involve various contractors evaluating needed repairs, laying out the steps and providing estimates.
It could involve a call to the legal hotline organized by our local Association of Realtors, or a city/county office.
It could involve asking brokers to step in, and brainstorming with the coop agent.
Collectively advancing the transaction forward to reach one common goal involves open lines of communication, recognizing needs and seizing opportunities, and knowing when to turn to others and to whom.
A REALTOR® who leads with agility and leverages personal strength as well as the unique strength(s) of others is your best chance of reaching this common goal - your successful settlement.
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