One-on-ones give you the opportunity to create positive change and move your organization forward. Here’s how to make them more effective.

Are you receiving Inman’s Broker EdgeMake sure you’re subscribed here.

Effective, one-on-ones move the needle in enacting positive change within an organization. Within real estate, you have two different groups of people. The first is your administrative staff. These are the salaried folks; you should have a one-on-one with each of your direct reports weekly.  

The second is your sales team. This group has three sub-groups. The first is your top producers. When it comes to one-on-ones, this group can be scheduled on a monthly basis or quarterly if you are using a monthly mastermind group coaching system with them. 

The second is your active, productive agents. Schedule this group on a bi-weekly basis or bi-monthly if you are using a bi-weekly mastermind group coaching system with them. 

The last group are your new agents and non-performers. These people should have a one-on-one set up weekly or bi-weekly if you are using a weekly mastermind group coaching system with them.

If you are a multioffice broker-owner, it’s best if you personally run one or two masterminds with your top-tier producers. The insights you gain from these meetings will include invaluable feedback, both in terms of your company operations and the current market opportunities. 

After doing literally thousands of effective one-on-ones, this is the formula I have found works best.

Start with something personal

Be genuine. Ask about how they are doing as a human being. Professional issues usually stem from personal issues, especially with your top-tier associates. The old axiom rings true here: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  

What have they done that has been significant since the last time you met? Write down what they talk about so you can circle back and ask how those things are going in the future. 

As a side note, salespeople don’t leave when they feel cared about. Each one of us makes decisions emotionally then justifies them logically. Your greatest asset for retention is to build loyalty through genuine care and concern for your people.

Move to the professional 

Start with their numbers. Each person should have metrics they are tracking. These should be top of mind as one or two leading indicators that contribute to their most important goal. 

If they are off their numbers, move to attitude and tactical effort. What are they doing each day to keep their mindset in the right place? What tasks are they executing on each day?  

End with ‘what’s next’ questions

Here are five magic questions to define next steps:

  • What do you want to get better at?
  • What are a couple of things that will impact that?
  • What is something you can do in the next seven days that will have an influence on that?
  • What is a quantitative measurement to know you have gotten better in this?
  • How can I help?

When you start your effective one-on-ones, you will want to dedicate one-third of the time to each of the three areas above. As you do them regularly you will find 50 percent will go to personal, 20 percent will go to the professional and 30 percent will go to next steps. When done correctly and consistently, one-on-ones can be an incredibly effective tool in the growth of your team, both individually and collectively.

Chris Pollinger, CEO of RE Luxe Leaders, is the profit whisper to the leadership elite in the business of luxury real estate. He is a senior sales and operational executive skilled in strategic leadership, driving profit, business planning, sales, marketing, acquisitions, operations, recruiting and culture building.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×