The nature of being a first-level real estate leader means you must be readily accessible to your agents.
But it doesn’t mean you can’t manage these interactions more strategically.
According to time management expert Maura Thomas, the best leaders use these questions and interactions as an opportunity to train, mentor, and grow those they support.
Set boundaries for your agents, making sure they understand the responsibilities of their role, the types of decisions they can and should make on their own, and the general limits of their authority.
Then encourage them to find their own solutions to day-to-day problems.
Instead of answering questions, try using the phrase, “I trust your judgment.”
The more successful your direct reports become in solving their problems on their own, the more their confidence will grow.
If you do this consistently, the questions and interruptions will become less frequent.
In turn, you’ll have more time to work on the proactive tasks (like recruiting and retention) that enable your own production, growth, and profitability.
If you find yourself resisting this approach, you’re probably micromanaging.
This creates an unnecessary burden on your own time, and it will stall your team’s growth.
