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 high expertise operates independently, managing relationships with unbiased associates is an artwork type. Not like conventional staff, these professionals deliver distinctive motivations, work kinds and expectations to the desk. The standard administration playbook merely doesn’t apply.
So, how do you make sure that your one-on-one conferences with associates usually are 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 unbiased contractor dynamics
First off, let’s throw out the concept your associates are similar to staff. They’re not. Impartial associates have totally different motivations — be it monetary freedom, management over their time or the flexibility to work how and when they need.
Your job is to align their objectives with your enterprise aims, however with out the heavy-handed oversight that comes with a standard 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 widespread floor the place their aspirations and your enterprise objectives intersect.
2. Shift focus from efficiency to undertaking administration mindset
Let’s be actual: Conventional efficiency opinions are a relic of the company world that don’t resonate with unbiased associates. What issues to them isn’t how properly they conform to your processes however how successfully they ship on driving extra transactions.
As a substitute of approaching issues from a efficiency overview mindset, change gears to a project-based method. Focus on milestones, speedy 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 transferring ahead.
3. Perceive their motivations
If you happen to don’t know what drives your associates, you’re flying blind.
- Is it the cash?
- The flexibleness?
- The possibility to develop their very own model?
Begin each relationship by digging into what makes them tick. While you perceive their motivations, you possibly can tailor your one-on-one conversations to ensure you’re not simply assembly your enterprise wants, but additionally fulfilling their private {and professional} objectives. This understanding creates a win-win state of affairs that’s laborious to beat.
4. It’s about them, not you
One-on-ones usually are 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 assist do they want? By specializing in their wants and challenges, you construct belief and make them really feel valued. And when folks really feel valued, they carry out higher. It’s that easy. This shift in focus can remodel a transactional relationship into a real partnership.
5. Prioritize skilled improvement
Impartial associates thrive on alternatives for development. Whether or not it’s increasing their talent set or rising their consumer base, they’re all the time in search of methods to stage up. Use your one-on-ones to debate alternatives for skilled improvement or introduce them to networking occasions in your trade (like Inman Join). Not solely does this profit them, however it additionally strengthens your relationship. You turn into greater than only a boss or mentor — you turn into a key participant of their development story.
6. Handle folks in response to 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 model to suit them, not the opposite manner round.
Use your one-on-ones to discover these points and alter 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 road. In your one-on-ones, don’t simply concentrate on 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 sport. 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 usually are not sure by the identical guidelines as staff. Flexibility is vital. Be open to adjusting assembly instances or codecs to swimsuit 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 workforce.
Encourage them to share data, assets and even co-manage tasks. This will result in extra revolutionary options and a stronger sense of neighborhood inside your workforce. Peer collaboration isn’t simply good for morale; it’s additionally a wise enterprise technique that may drive higher outcomes.
In the long run, managing unbiased associates is all about adapting to their distinctive dynamics and making a partnership that advantages each events. By specializing in collaboration, undertaking administration, understanding their motivations and providing flexibility, you possibly can construct robust, efficient relationships that drive success.
Neglect the outdated playbook — it’s time to embrace a brand new, unconventional method to one-on-ones that places your associates, and in the end your enterprise, in the absolute best place to thrive.
Chris Pollinger, founder and managing associate 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. Study extra about their consulting, teaching and advisory packages at RELuxeLeaders.com
