Recognition goes a long way to building loyalty and esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christina Pappas, president of The Keys Company in South Florida, celebrates the successes of her agents and staff as part of their business culture. Pappas believes doing so builds a collaborative brokerage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the heart of our success, and we continue to find ways to do it,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of her favorite quotes from Napoleon is, \u201cGive me enough medals, and I\u2019ll win you any war,\u201d and she believes that consistent acknowledgment of her agents and staff members helps reach business goals and build camaraderie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To thank those who have been at the company for five, ten and fifteen years, Pappas and her father and CEO, Mike Pappas, hand out plaques and gifts. They also give handwritten work anniversary cards to their agents and employees, as well as birthday cards. \u201cIn August, I did over 400 cards, with 30 people with over 20 years with us just that month,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They were so appreciative of those celebrating their 40 years with The Keyes Company and Illustrated Properties, Miami, that they sent them on a cruise. Everyone wants to be appreciated and acknowledged. Celebrating the successes and milestones of agents and staff can foster loyalty, job satisfaction and motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A 2024 Quantum Workplace study found that employees were 31% less likely to leave the company when their leaders had a formalized plan for recognition. Business outcomes for individuals who received regular recognition from their superiors increased by 12%. In short, recognition is a small act that could reap big rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe celebrate everything,\u201d Pappas says. \u201cOur culture is a really warm welcome and family feel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After leaving a large franchise, Katie Beamon opened her agency, Home Love Colorado Real Estate, in Fort Collins two years ago. She convinced a fellow franchise agent, Coy Wylie, to join her as co-owner and managing broker. He brought his daughter, a licensed agent, with him. Beamon says her goals for her office of six include their excitement about their careers and a focus on customer service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter what the market is doing or how many deals we do,\u201d she says. “We are happy, content and passionate. You build a space they can do their best in, love their families and communities and build something they are proud of and contribute to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She offers recognition and fosters team spirit through in-person get-togethers\u2014usually held at a local bar for happy hour\u2014and the team loves throwing parties throughout the week to celebrate successes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe gather for a drink and a meal. We do sing-along Christmas parties with friends and family. We are centered around music, either playing it or going to hear it. In fact, Wylie is a lead guitarist in a band, and they all go as a group to listen and support him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She shies away from empty compliments and opts instead for heartfelt one-on-ones, which give her the chance to learn about her team members\u2019 \u201cwhy.\u201d Once she knows what they\u2019re working toward, she helps them advance their careers so they can achieve their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With over 3,500 agents and 45 offices throughout six counties in Florida, Pappas has many milestones and accomplishments to keep track of, but she\u2019s committed to doing so. For instance, if someone has a baby, the brokerage sends food and gifts. She and her father hand out annual awards each year for their associates. They also visit each of the 45 offices in the summertime and give out what they call \u201chalf-time\u201d awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe start in early June and do two offices a day to celebrate everyone with an entire theme throughout the year, which is Rise with the Tide this year. We bring in a photographer for updated headshots, too,\u201d she says. Pappas wants the celebration to extend to all members of team members, so she encourages the offices to set up a breakfast or lunch for agents and employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just about re-engaging with our associates and meeting them where they are. We spend two hours with them,\u201d she says.
Celebrating milestones and successes should be part of your office culture, but it doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. Here are Beamon and Pappas\u2019 ideas for celebrating your company and your people:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
National Association of REALTORS\u00ae
Reprinted with permission<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Recognition goes a long way to building loyalty and esteem. Christina Pappas, president of The Keys Company in South Florida, celebrates the successes of her agents and staff as part of their business culture. Pappas believes doing so builds a collaborative brokerage. \u201cIt\u2019s the heart of our success, and we continue to find ways to … <\/p>\n