I just returned from the most amazing company party I have ever attended. It was hosted by the two principals of Sapphire Realty, Hope Andrews and Randy Hillman. Sapphire Realty is a one-year-old real estate company in Kissimmee, Florida.

It was a sit-down, five-course dinner for 30 people, including spouses.

There was the usual “thank-you for a great year”, presentation of the Realtor of the Year Award, a six-day trip to Utah for the winner of a listing contest, a caroling quartet, and the presentation of a sapphire ring to every agent.

As outstanding as this was, there was more.

I was amazed when Hope stood up and began giving specific reasons why each agent and why each member of the staff was so unique and important to the company.

She thanked each sales associate not only for his or her sales contribution, but for the ideas they had submitted that “we are using today.”

After dinner, one her new agents, Melissa, approached me and said “What she did will come back to her 10 times.” I agreed, but we both knew that was not Hope’s motive.

Her motive was to share a word of encouragement and to pay a sincere compliment to her team.

It is a wonderful thing when the boss praises and employee privately. But when one is praised in front of their peers, it is a gift of unspeakable riches.

What are you giving those who have meant so much to you this year?

A sincere, specific word of praise in front of others might be a nice gift idea.

Published: January 2, 2004

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

David Fletcher has been a Florida licensed real estate broker and new homes sales and marketing consultant for 30 years. Along the way, he has sold more than $3 billion in new homes and condominium products for developers and builder/developers. He has been broker of record for 16 rental conversions and marketing consultant in 29 lender workouts for major communities and condominium projects, a featured speaker at the National Association of Realtors, and chaired the Florida Home Builder Association's Sales and Marketing Council. In 2008 he was named a 'Lifetime Achiever' by Keller Williams Realty's International Division. You may contact him at or call him at 407.234.2349.