Take a brand new, unconventional method to one-on-ones that emphasizes the wants, preferences and objectives of your brokers, luxurious guide Chris Pollinger writes.
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In actual property, the place prime expertise operates independently, managing relationships with impartial associates is an artwork type. In contrast to conventional workers, these professionals deliver distinctive motivations, work kinds and expectations to the desk. The traditional administration playbook merely doesn’t apply.
So, how do you make sure that your one-on-one conferences with associates are usually not simply productive but additionally foster a thriving partnership? Let’s discover some methods that may make an actual distinction.
1. Tailor one-on-ones to impartial contractor dynamics
First off, let’s throw out the concept your associates are similar to workers. They’re not. Impartial associates have totally different motivations — be it monetary freedom, management over their time or the power to work how and when they need.
Your job is to align their objectives with what you are promoting goals, however with out the heavy-handed oversight that comes with a conventional boss-employee relationship.
Make your one-on-ones extra about collaboration and partnership. Method these conferences with a mindset that you simply’re working alongside them, not above them. It’s about discovering frequent floor the place their aspirations and what you are promoting objectives intersect.
2. Shift focus from efficiency to challenge administration mindset
Let’s be actual: Conventional efficiency opinions are a relic of the company world that don’t resonate with impartial associates. What issues to them isn’t how effectively they conform to your processes however how successfully they ship on driving extra transactions.
As a substitute of approaching issues from a efficiency evaluate mindset, change gears to a project-based method. Talk about milestones, instant objectives and the way their work ties into the broader imaginative and prescient. This project-focused method not solely respects their independence but additionally retains everybody aligned and shifting ahead.
3. Perceive their motivations
In the event you don’t know what drives your associates, you’re flying blind.
- Is it the cash?
- The pliability?
- The prospect to develop their very own model?
Begin each relationship by digging into what makes them tick. While you perceive their motivations, you’ll be able to tailor your one-on-one conversations to ensure you’re not simply assembly what you are promoting wants, but additionally fulfilling their private {and professional} objectives. This understanding creates a win-win state of affairs that’s exhausting to beat.
4. It’s about them, not you
One-on-ones are usually not your soapbox. They’re a platform to dig into what your associates must succeed. Use this time to hear extra than you converse.
What challenges are they going through? What help do they want? By specializing in their wants and challenges, you construct belief and make them really feel valued. And when individuals really feel valued, they carry out higher. It’s that straightforward. This shift in focus can rework a transactional relationship into a real partnership.
5. Prioritize skilled growth
Impartial associates thrive on alternatives for development. Whether or not it’s increasing their ability set or rising their shopper base, they’re at all times on the lookout for methods to stage up. Use your one-on-ones to debate alternatives for skilled growth or introduce them to networking occasions in your business (like Inman Join). Not solely does this profit them, nevertheless it additionally strengthens your relationship. You grow to be greater than only a boss or mentor — you grow to be a key participant of their development story.
6. Handle individuals based on their strengths, core values and character
One-size-fits-all administration is a delusion. Every of your associates has distinctive strengths, core values and character traits that make them tick. Your job is to tailor your administration type to suit them, not the opposite manner round.
Use your one-on-ones to discover these elements and modify your method accordingly. This personalised administration can maximize their effectiveness and satisfaction, making them extra more likely to stick round and do nice work.
7. Create a tradition of clear accountability
Accountability isn’t a one-way avenue. In your one-on-ones, don’t simply deal with what your associates are doing; invite them to critique your processes and the partnership.
This two-way suggestions can enhance collaboration and make your associates really feel like they’ve a stake within the recreation. Once they really feel heard and valued, they’re extra more likely to keep dedicated and ship actual outcomes.
8. Emphasize flexibility and mutual respect
Do not forget that associates are usually not certain by the identical guidelines as workers. Flexibility is vital. Be open to adjusting assembly occasions or codecs to go well with their schedules. This reveals that you simply respect their autonomy and worth their contribution. Flexibility isn’t nearly logistics; it’s about making a working relationship constructed on mutual respect and understanding.
Bonus tremendous secret: Encourage peer collaboration
To speed up outcomes, foster collaboration amongst your associates. Your associates aren’t simply islands working in isolation — they’re a part of your staff.
Encourage them to share data, sources and even co-manage initiatives. This could result in extra modern options and a stronger sense of group inside your staff. Peer collaboration isn’t simply good for morale; it’s additionally a wise enterprise technique that may drive higher outcomes.
Ultimately, managing impartial associates is all about adapting to their distinctive dynamics and making a partnership that advantages each events. By specializing in collaboration, challenge administration, understanding their motivations and providing flexibility, you’ll be able to construct sturdy, efficient relationships that drive success.
Overlook the outdated playbook — it’s time to embrace a brand new, unconventional method to one-on-ones that places your associates, and finally what you are promoting, in the absolute best place to thrive.
Chris Pollinger, founder and managing accomplice of RE Luxe Leaders, is the strategic advisor to the elite within the enterprise of luxurious actual property. He’s an advisor, nationwide speaker, guide and management coach. Be taught extra about their consulting, teaching and advisory packages at RELuxeLeaders.com
