Ever hear another Realtor or a loan officer frequently express frustration about their clients, colleagues or employees making things hard?
Now, I know some clients are really just difficult people. Hey, so are some of the so-called "professionals."
But I am talking about the professionals that, for some reason, expect EVERYONE else to be equally knowledgeable, professional and efficient. If anyone does not meet that standard, they get frustrated or even upset.
It would indeed make life great if everyone we worked with was educated, qualified, funded, logical and clear on their goals. Or would it?
Consider this...
If the client is already educated, qualified, funded, logical and clear on their goals... what do they need you for? A little efficiency? That assumes you are more efficient. You may not be. If you cannot bring significantly more to the table than the client can bring on their own, why are you involved?
What if all of the your staff was as good at your job as you... are you needed as their leader?
If all of the other Realtors or loan officers you work with are as good at their job as you, how will you advance your career? Then you would be just one of the pack and nothing special!
Do clients and collagues that need help take more effort? Of course! However, I believe contantly complaining about the effort required to assist them is not a good thing.
In fact, when I hear someone who regularly complains about their clients, employees or colleagues, I usually suspect it is because the complainer is lazy (and may also have major self esteem issues). I suspect they don't like the work needed to accomplish the task correctly. Or they are hiding from the task of correcting the problem. They complain instead of embracing the opportunity. And even if they are not lazy, they certainly don't sound professional.
Most people are generally smarter than we give them credit. Sooner or later, they start to understand if you are leading, following or being the real obstacle. If you are not leading, they may say something or, more likely, they find a way to quietly distance themselves from you.
So next time you get frustrated or impatient with someone on a project and they clearly do not have your industry knowledge or experience, remember this:
It is your golden opportunity to provide them true value.
That is where the money is to be made, where a great reputation is earned, where the referrals develop and the advancements start!
Glenn, Interesting observations. It reminds me of a book I read "A Complaint Free World". We all get in the mode of complaining sometimes about anything and everything. This biz can be frustrating and present challenges but it's our choice how we react.
Very insightful Glenn, I agree wholeheartedly that a reputation is earned and not claimed.
Glenn:
I had to read this because of the title - a good attention-getter. You are right, if everyone was great they wouldn't need any help and we would all be out of business. An interesting thought.
Glenn
You are very accurate in your analogy. The only problem is that while we are in the thick of the problem (transaction) we tend to forget to keep working for the resolution.
Barbara... I don't know that book. I should find it. Thanks!! G
Hi Fernando! Yes, not only earned but repeatedly earned! Thanks! G
Hi Claudette! We should be careful what we ask for ... including that everyone be as good as we are! Thanks for the note! G
Laura you are very right. The task at hand can be very distracting if we do not stay disciplined to the goals! Thanks!! G
Glenn..You have a very good point there...Thanks
HELPFULHANNAH