How does management go about creating a positive work culture that’s filled with energy, excitement, enthusiasm, passion and a positive attitude? In other words, that invisible feeling and vibe we get but can’t see?
The following are action items that we preach on a regular basis. First, we encourage our agents to do at least five simple acts of kindness daily—for example, complimenting others, opening doors, recognizing family events and special accomplishments. Little things like telling others you like what they’re wearing, assisting people when their arms are full or buying coffee for the person behind you at Starbucks make a big difference. By being genuine, you put a smile on the faces of others who may be having a bad day, thereby creating a butterfly effect. This can cause them to exude positivity and it then reflects in others. Every one of us has the ability to control our surroundings. It can start with us—each and every one of us!
1: Daily Shower of Inspiration
It is easiest to create a positive culture when modeled by the leaders of an organization. When leaders inspire and motivate their employees, it flows throughout the company. We show motivational and inspirational videos weekly at sales meetings in hopes of getting our team pumped up and in the right state of mind. Zig Ziglar says, “People often say to me, ‘Zig, motivation is great, but it doesn’t last.’ I just tell them, ‘Bathing doesn’t last either, that’s why I recommend it daily.’”
Leaders that inspire their teams regularly create energized environments. We expect our agents to have a mentality of being a team—helping others and being an encouraging force for others through active engagement and friendly competition. Leadership must recognize individuals and acknowledge their accomplishments. Our office also has a “Good Guy” award that is given from agent to agent at weekly sales meetings. It can be given for any reason that made the agent a “good guy.” This continues to help us focus on the goodwill of our peers.
2: Authenticity
Our agents are allowed to personalize their offices to make them colorful, energetic and vibrant. We give them permission to create whatever environment they feel most productive and good working in. Many of our agents have walls with different colors, chalk paint, personalized décor and even mannequins! Basically, we do not encourage a corporate mentality. We want our agents to have the freedom to do what works best to grow their business.
Agents are encouraged to come to the office daily to prospect and grow their business. We have found that activity breeds activity. Agents seeing other productive agents growing and succeeding in business inspires and motivates them.
3: Agent Collaboration
We ask and expect that our most successful agents and top producers openly share what they do with others through classes and helping when asked. Our most successful agents and top producers are encouraged to share their business techniques, and what successes and failures they have encountered.
Top producers and true leaders serve others. They challenge others and want to be challenged. When you have top producers working around you, it raises the bar and sets higher standards. Again, activity breeds activity. It makes everyone strive to compete at a higher level.
To be as powerful and successful as you are capable of, you need to have a unique support team. All successful people learn to surround themselves with a great support team. This team gives advice, loves and encourages you, challenges you and wants to see and help you become prosperous. When you work together as a team, it’s easier to make it to the top.
4: Attitude of Gratitude
Having the attitude of “give to get” is a humbling, yet very powerful feeling. We expect those in our organization to give to those within our business and to the community. There is a special karma in life that follows those who give to others and don’t expect anything in return. They almost always grow and receive more than they ever could expect.
We also have various community charities that a large number of agents donate time and energy to. Knowing that we are helping those less fortunate makes everyone feel better about themselves and the organization. Today’s millennial generation wants to do something special and make a difference. This is very important to them and it creates not only a great feeling, but it’s a great way to network amongst peers and interact with others in the community.
5: Servant Leadership
It’s crucial for leaders to be approachable and be available to consult others. Agents need to know someone is there to listen, advise and keep personal and business issues confidential. Leaders must listen and pay attention to help understand their agent’s strengths and weaknesses. By understanding and building upon their strengths, we can help them attain their goals and achieve greatness!
Everyone wants to work in a positive environment, as it makes everyone more productive and happier. In this type of environment, leaders are not pointing fingers or telling people what to do and where to go. In other words, a leader helps to set an example through active involvement and support of the team. Great leaders are open to being challenged without being defensive, spurring growth, innovation and productivity. Thus, everyone in the organization feels better about the surrounding culture and their individual contribution to the workplace personality. Great leaders will push people and will always remind their team how today’s work leads to tomorrow’s dreams.
Vince Leisey is the president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate.
For more information, visit www.bhhsamb.com.
