Your key asset to success.
“Have fun and look after your team”
Fun is one of the most important - and underrated - ingredients in any successful venture. If you're not having fun, then it's probably time to call it quits and try something else. If your staff are having fun and genuinely care about other people, they will enjoy their work more and do a better job. Find people who look for the best in others, praise rather than criticise, and love what they do.”
So Richard Branson believes that his team are behind his success, do you feel the same?
One thing Estate Agents have in common is competitive spirit and we love a challenge. What we must ensure is that we breed healthy competition within our branches rather than negative. We want our teams to not only hear, but also believe they are our biggest asset. We want our teams to work towards a common goal and share in our ethos. We want our teams to be able to dream big, and we want a part in helping them get to wherever it is they want to go.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that staff that enjoy their work take pride in their role and are more productive. How can we ensure we have a ‘happy’ team’.
1. Who are you?
How well do you know your team? Do they feel confident to share their thoughts, ideas and passions with you? Every member of your team will have a personal goal; it is your job to discover that goal and a find way to support them to achieving it.
2. Power up?
There maybe times when you will need to ‘manage’ more than you lead. Give your team opportunities to be empowered and to take the lead. You may be surprised at their successes. Think of it not as giving responsibility but allowing your team to succeed.
3. Flexibility
All businesses need structure and guidelines to work, and some businesses can be more flexible than others. But in today’s working/living environment there is more than ever, a need for employers to understand the personal pressures people are under. I heard recently that one company gives their employees two days leave when they move home. Does this encourage every member of staff to move on a regular basis – no, not at all. But it does make the team feel as though their employer understands real life. It’s not about fancy gifts (although they are nice), it’s about showing respect and understanding.
4. Do a good turn
Many estate agents work closely with a highlight charity, or work alongside several. Do you allow your staff to personally get involved with these charities during their working hours? Give your teams the opportunity to be more hands-on with your chosen charities and you will find their passion for your fundraising and in turn their roles will increase.
5. Celebrate
All good work should be rewarded. Take the team out for dinner, or treat them to something that you know they have always wanted. I heard of one reward scheme where the staff members were asked their ‘dream’ (realistic) wish, one team member dreamed of some dental work. As a reward for outstanding work, the company paid for his dream wish. Keeping the rewards personal has ensured loyalty and an increased drive for success from the team.
6. Talk
It is so easy in our fast paced business to not have time to talk. Make sure that it isn’t a one-way conversation. Allow the team to lead on occasion and encourage them to problem solve together.
7. Fun
As Richard Branson states - if you don’t enjoy what you are doing, then why are you doing it? Ensure your team have fun in and out of the office. Many new businesses have innovative working spaces that have areas to ‘play’. This is to encourage brain storming, creativity but also fun. How can you make your work environment fun?
Our teams are our biggest asset, make sure your treat them as precious jewels in your company’s crown. Your continued success depends on them.