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.

To Scale:  Recruiting Must Be Your #1 Focus

To Scale: Recruiting Must Be Your #1 Focus

The purpose of adding great people to your team is to multiply your efforts. It’s the most productive work you can be doing. Any time you’re pulled away from this work, you’re giving up your opportunity to multiply, and it reduces your long-term effectiveness and ability to grow.