How to Become a Great Manager

by | Aug 26, 2025

During a coaching session, one of our executive clients relayed a conversation she had with one of her managers.

The conversation took place during a mid-year performance review and went something like this:

Executive:  You’ve really made some great progress on your KPIs this year. I’m impressed by the focus and attention you’ve placed on our revenue producing activities.

Manager:  Thanks. Some of the changes we talked about last quarter are really working for me.

Executive:  Your mortgage and title capture rates have improved, your newer agents are engaging our systems and getting traction, and your office’s per agent productivity is the second highest in the company.

Manager:  I feel like the market conditions have hindered our success, but I guess we are making some progress.

Executive:  You are making progress, and you’ve grown into a very capable coach, trainer, and administrator. You’re a good manager.

Manager:  That’s it.  I’m just good?

Executive:  Yes, you’re a good manager, but you’re not a great manager.

Manager:  Why?

Executive:  Because great managers recruit, and great leaders attract talent.

If you want to make your own transition from good to great, get your recruiting numbers up.

 

The Simple Psychology of Real Estate Recruiting [2nd Edition]

Unlock the secrets of effective real estate recruiting. Revised to include actionable frameworks for sharper execution and to help you turn psychological theory into a repeatable recruiting system.

Take the Time to Craft the Right Message

The Great Talent Reset

The talent playing field in the real estate industry has undergone a generational reset over the last four years. Three consecutive years of the fewest existing home sales since 1995, a 34% decline in transactions, and a resale turnover rate at a 40-year low have permanently altered the talent landscape. Brokerages still operating with a 2021 recruiting strategy are actively donating production to the competitors who have adapted. These changes are the topic of a new, must-read whitepaper we’re releasing today.