In such a fast-paced industry as real estate, what would it mean to take your brand one step further and understand and be able to clearly identify what it is that you and your staff represent? Do you all share the same values and passion for achieving a collective goal? But most importantly, are you aware of what being able to identify this means for your business long-term? Natalie Koutsikas explores these questions.
Corporate team culture can be defined as the beliefs and behaviours that determine how a company’s employees interact outside of business transactions, and more often than not, corporate culture is implied and very rarely specifically defined; it has the natural ability to take the shape of the traits of those people the organisation employs.
The pin-up boy for corporate culture, Richard Branson, has made it explicitly clear that the presence of a solid corporate culture has a multitude of positive effects, and this is particularly the case within real estate where we battle negative stereotypes daily. Existing staff satisfaction and retention is a proven benefit of good corporate culture, so naturally the public starts to ask questions when the revolving door gets going. The ability to keep the great people you already have is also an attraction point for employees entering the industry or looking at moving across. Do you want to be the destination or a pit stop?
“Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
― Richard Branson
We know better than anyone that real estate is not just a job, it is a lifestyle and the team that you surround yourself with are the people you often spend more time with than your own family. Even more reason why culture is critical, staff need to feel that as well as contributing to the collective goal, that their own personal goals for self-development and career progression are also being looked after and they’re encouraged to grow and succeed within the business.
Gilbert Enoka, who has worked on performance enhancement for nearly 20 years with both corporate and sporting elite, has a simple message to employers to encourage individuals to take ownership of their own direction and to improve their ability to control the many variables that inhibit optimal performance. That ownership is what creates the sense of team and of course, collective achievement.
There’s no denying that business can get the better of us, and you are most certainly not alone if you have ever hired someone based on their sales ability and track record despite the fact your gut was screaming at you that they were not the best fit culturally. This is where the saying short-term gain, long-term pain has never been more true – especially since we know real estate out of all industries is a long haul.
“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
― Richard Branson
Having a clear vision really is key – knowing how you want your team to be perceived in the marketplace and knowing you all share the same goal. When we constantly hear the term disruption and the fear of our industry becoming obsolete, corporate culture has never been more vital. Energy is contagious, and people want to engage with other people who love what they do – and you can’t fake that. That is the authenticity of culture.
About the author
Armed with a passion for people and a background in Public Relations & Marketing, Natalie Koutsikas is kicking goals for Southern Adelaide real estate. To contact Natalie call 0414 477 345, email nataliek@harrisre.com.au or for more information visit ladyofthehouse.live
