As you reflect on your current operation, what do you think is the one thing getting in the way of growth?
Dig deep and really think about it. Could you -- the leader of your organization -- be what is holding business back? This can be hard to admit, but if it's the truth -- you can fix it!
Do you exercise too much control over the workings of your business? Are these your inner thoughts?
- No one can do it as good as I do it.
- I'm going to do it my way because that's the way I've always done it.
- I have an emotional attachment to the outcome.
- No one will put the time into it that I will.
- If I don't do it for someone, they won't see value in our relationship.
Does some of this sound familiar? Control is an interesting dynamic in that the things you try to control the most, actually have the greatest control over you.
For example: You have great concerns about legal issues with contracts and transactions in your office. You review every contract and constantly warn your agents about all the problems and concerns of a real estate transaction. You have your agents so worried to write any kind of contract that you have disabled them to a point that they won't even write a contract until you talk to them about every detail.
This is just an example of some of the many areas that you try to control. In the above example, you are stifling sales by creating a needy and disabled environment of sales people that are afraid of getting sued every time they write a contract. What other areas are you controlling?
You are ultimately the "cap" on your operation. The only way that you will raise the "lid" is to let go of some of the responsibilities you are carrying around. Empower and grow the people around you. Delegate and educate.
So what action do you need to take? Identify your controlling ways. Redesign a plan for delegating and empowering your agents -- and then commit to following through!
Published: August 16, 2007
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
 Jon Cheplak, ABR,GRI,CRS,CRB,CLHMS is the Founder of The Real Estate Recruiters, The Management and Recruiting Solutions Experts. Jon consults, coaches, and hosts retreats for brokers, owners, and managers internationally, supporting leaders in their growth and profitability strategies and tactics. He can be reached at 775-846-5748 or email him at recruit@therealestaterecruiters.com. Visit his website at www.therealestaterecruiters.com. |
