Communication is always a top priority. Brokers often want their agents to communicate more effectively and professionally. The best way to make that happen? Lead by example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Language is powerful, says Jo Anne Preston, a workforce and organizational development expert and author of Lead the Way in Five Minutes a Day: Sparking High Performance in Yourself and Your Team. The words you use to interact with your agents can make all the difference. That\u2019s why she urges being thoughtful and intentional about the words you use and the delivery of what you\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although some language might seem harmless, its usage could make members of your team feel disrespected, disengaged, uncomfortable or excluded. Here are eight words and phrases Preston recommends nixing from your work vocabulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay away from \u201csubordinates\u201d and other language that could make your team feel diminished, suggests Preston. Instead, describe staff members by their profession and include a compliment, like \u201cour top agent who works in Kansas City.\u201d Or try alternatives, such as \u201cmy team,\u201d \u201cmy colleagues,\u201d \u201cfrontline employees,\u201d or \u201cfolks who do great work here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By saying \u201cleader\u201d instead of \u201cmanager,\u201d you\u2019ll highlight a positive aspect of overseeing others\u2014working to inspire them\u2014rather than focusing on the power differential. \u201cBy describing someone as a leader, it\u2019s like giving them a compliment,\u201d says Preston. \u201cYou\u2019re saying you\u2019re not just a manager by your title, but a leader by who you are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t assume your audience will know every acronym, says Preston. If they\u2019re unfamiliar with a term, they might feel foolish asking for an explanation and could then tune out, she adds. \u201cEvery time you use an acronym, the listener\u2019s brain has to sidetrack to figure out what it\u2019s about while you\u2019re still talking,\u201d she adds, \u201cwhich means they won\u2019t be paying attention to what you say afterward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preston equates using an aconym to a high school math class where, if a participant spends too much time trying to understand the first step, they\u2019ll miss the second step and won\u2019t be able to produce the answer to the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you describe yourself as a perfectionist, you might inadvertently send a message to your team that they, too, must operate as perfectionists, which holds them to unattainable standards, says Preston. \u201cThey should be able to openly discuss their mistakes without fear of ridicule or overly high expectations.\u201d Instead, use language like \u201cstriving for excellence\u201d and \u201cworking hard and doing your best,\u201d she suggests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it weren\u2019t for agents, brokers wouldn\u2019t have a business, and it\u2019s important as leaders to acknowledge that. The team helps make the brokerage successful. \u201cIt\u2019s human nature to sometimes forget to thank people,\u201d says Preston, who overheard her manager taking credit for her work years ago and resolved to never repeat the practice. By using \u201cwe\u201d and \u201cus\u201d and sharing the credit, you\u2019ll increase unity and help your employees feel like an integral part of your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subtlety is important and sometimes overlooked in communication. Referring to women as \u201cgirls\u201d is one such instance that\u2019s often overlooked. Calling a grown woman a girl might feel belittling, Preston says. It could send a message as a leader that you do not see the person as professional or someone to be taken serious. Plus, it\u2019s important not to assume or assign a specific gender to someone, as this might cause harm to someone on your team who identifies as nonbinary or otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though excluding females is likely not the speaker\u2019s intention, this phrase technically leaves them out. And again, the term is gendering. Instead, say \u201ceveryone,\u201d \u201cfolks,\u201d \u201call the people on my team,\u201d or \u201cy\u2019all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using specialized language can cause listeners to tune out, says Preston. You want to make sure that your message is accessible to those listening so that they can take in your message. \u201cWatch for any glazed-over looks or signs of distraction,\u201d she counsels. When in doubt, ask yourself if a general audience would be able to understand what you\u2019re saying<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aim to speak in ways that will build up your team, Preston suggests. Try to make them feel respected, included, engaged, motivated, valued, heard, safe, and comfortable. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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National Association of REALTORS\u00ae
Reprinted with permission<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Communication is always a top priority. Brokers often want their agents to communicate more effectively and professionally. The best way to make that happen? Lead by example. Language is powerful, says Jo Anne Preston, a workforce and organizational development expert and author of Lead the Way in Five Minutes a Day: Sparking High Performance in … <\/p>\n