For real estate executives, problem-solving and conducting effective collaborative meetings are essential if they want to thrive in the industry. This guide distills essential strategies for driving effective results.
This is a guide for real estate leaders who want to improve their problem-solving skills and turn their meetings into ones that create good dynamics among their members by learning the basic principles of finding core issues, considering varied solutions, valuing different viewpoints, and being a facilitative leader.
Leaders need to clearly articulate the core problem before looking for solutions. Aside from the temptation to act immediately on a problem that he is facing, an experienced leader makes time to make sure that there is clarity and everyone understands the root issue. This can be done by asking questions about the problem, what limits them as a team, its effects, and its history. By making time to define the problem properly, leaders start planning a solution.
When the issue is well understood, the team can come up with a wide range of possible solutions. Making everyone involved in this process can produce very effective solutions. Real estate leaders must challenge their teams to think outside the box and consolidate their ideas. This leads to innovation and raises the probability of finding the best way forward.
Being objective is important in this process since personal prejudices may restrain opportunities. A leader should develop an objective perspective among their people, including considering perspectives from customers, agents, and other individuals involved. Doing “post-mortem” analyses where the team can break down the outcome of a project or an activity will expose unsuspected pitfalls. Having the team participate in the thinking process should help in coming up with more effective options and, ultimately, the best solution to any problem.
The effective conducting of meetings can result in effective problem-solving. Instead of controlling the agenda, effective real estate leaders should engage in facilitation and should listen to everyone’s voice in the room. Facilitate the team and have them answer your open-ended questions and actively listen to their different points of view. Small discussion groups and round-robin sharing foster larger participation and greater insights. A facilitative leader should allow the team to share their thoughts while understanding that most effective solutions occur in the dynamic group discussion.
Barbara Corcoran, leader and owner of a real estate organization, The Corcoran Group, represents a consultative but firm leadership style. They encourage and value feedback and varied opinions. Her style also displays a mix of bold leadership and a sincere appreciation for wisdom within the group when addressing the organization’s problems.
Several other influential voices shape effective leadership:
In summary, being proficient in problem-solving and promoting collaborative meeting cultures are critical skills for real estate leaders. By focusing on accepting team-based solutions, valuing diverse perspectives, and practicing facilitative leadership, leaders can unlock the collective brilliance of their teams and lead with confidence to help them in the real estate industry.
