Coaching Corner: Are you a collaborator or a complainer?
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
A few days ago at the Ohio Realtors Annual Convention, I was having a discussion with one of my friends, discussing real estate -- imagine that! The conversation was around the unfortunate times when we have issues with another REALTOR during the course of a transaction. She had mentioned that it was very frustrating when she ends up doing all of the work, with the other agent seemingly “too busy” to do their job. OK, it happens -- and I would venture to say that similar inconveniences happen in all industries. Her partner had a different perspective regarding this issue, and felt that although lopsided, it was sometimes necessary to be the agent pulling the bulk of the load, without complaining or getting snarky!
Come on guys! It is important to step back away from complaining about other agents and what they do or don’t do during a transaction -- especially if we are complaining to our clients! Every time one of us is trashed (even if you feel it is justified), it weakens each of us and our industry as a whole.
As much as we can, we need to collaborate with our fellow REALTORS. If their behavior warrants a complaint due to an infraction in either the Code or Cannon of Ethics, that is a different story. And, even with that, discussing the situation all over town is not necessary. Handle your business like the professional that you are. Keep your standards high, and you might find that other agents rise to meet you.
I know there are situations that are trying -- it is the nature of such an emotional business. Let’s keep the emotion where it needs to be -- with the client. We do not have the luxury of flying off the handle every time something happens that we don’t like.
Do your best! Be your best! The rest will fall into place!!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
