Extending Grace in Real Estate

I've had plenty of what we'll call non-Raving Fans experiences. You know, the ones where you learn how NOT to run your business? For most of us, the goal is to provide such outstanding service that our past clients and customers proactively go looking for people to tell to use our services.

So, as I stood in line at the Post Office today, and watched a sole man at the counter take on the daunting task of dealing with a long line of somewhat impatient customers, I reflected on what I appreciated. First, he announced to all of us that he would be with each of us just as soon as he could. Then, he made sure he was giving his full attention to the person at his window, and did so with a smile on his face, even though some of the folks in line were tapping feet and looking at their watches with exasperation.

As someone stepped to his window and inquired with a nasty tone why he was the only one working, I thought, "Extend this guy some grace." What happens when we put ourselves in others' shoes is we develop empathy, we grow more patient, and we look for ways to make the situation better instead of worse.

In real estate, this may mean fellow agents, the title company rep, your customers and clients, or your staff. Cut them some slack.