Broker Training: Think Outside the Box

Boxes – most of us are metaphorically put in boxes our whole life. Sometimes we put ourselves in those boxes, other times people put us in boxes. We are often told how to behave, act and think.

At our office meeting, I drew boxes on the white board and had people name things that would go into a box. They came up with things like:  Religion, relationships, how to clean, how to dress, speech, work, driving, manners, school, etc.  We then talked about how some people like to be put in a box so that they know exactly what is expected of them. It makes them feel safe. Others don’t like to be put in a box because it makes them feel trapped or doesn’t allow for the creativity they crave.

I tend to be someone that doesn’t like to be put in a box. However, if I build my own box, then I am okay being in the box. I feel like these are the best boxes for everyone. We need to know what we want our boxes to look like, and feel like. If we are comfortable in our box, we will thrive.

As a Broker, we have Realtors working for us who are independent contractors. It is tricky because we need to encourage them to be their own boss and to run their own business.  However, we also need to guide them and support them, mentor them and coach them. The best way to do this is to find out what their strengths are and how they want their boxes built. We can put them in a box and tell them exactly what to do every day to become successful. However, this usually doesn’t work. After we find out what their strengths and talents are and what they are comfortable doing, we can help them build their box buy offering them tools – scripts, contact management ideas, books, coaches, etc. . .

There are several tests you can have your Realtors take – DISC, Enneagram, Spirit Animals, Color Code, etc. This helps you to understand them and their different personalities. Your box probably won’t work for them.  However, there are things in your box that they can CHOOSE to build their box. It is a challenge to allow them to build their box when you feel like you know exactly what they need in their box to be successful. The way I run my business is not the only way and is not going to be effective for other people unless they choose what works best for them and build their own box.

The best thing we can do for our employees or independent contractors is to support them as they think outside of OUR box and build their own.