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When I first stepped into brokerage leadership, I knew I wanted to create a different kind of environment—one where agents felt truly supported, their voices mattered, and collaboration was the foundation of our success. I didn’t want to build a business just about transactions; I wanted to create a culture that empowered agents to grow, share and lead independently.
That’s why we embrace a flat leadership model. Instead of a traditional, top-down approach, we foster an open, collaborative environment where agents have a seat at the table, decision-making is shared and our collective growth fuels our success.
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This approach is rooted in innovation, teamwork and forward-thinking leadership to drive long-term success. It’s not about ego or control — it’s about elevating others and ensuring that, as a brokerage, we are better together.
Breaking down barriers to agent growth
One of the most significant barriers to agent growth is a lack of access to leadership. When brokers operate from a distance, agents may feel unsupported or uncertain about how to grow their business. Flat leadership breaks down those barriers and creates a culture of open dialogue and accessibility.
Here’s what’s been working for us:
- Regular roundtable meetings where every agent has a voice regardless of experience level. Some of our most effective marketing strategies have come from agents sharing ideas in these sessions.
- A “no-door” policy where agents know they can always come to me with questions, challenges or new ideas. This keeps problem-solving and innovation happening in real time.
- Encouraging peer mentorship — our agents actively support and teach each other, strengthening our team.
Creating a culture of collaboration
Too often, real estate professionals can feel like they are playing a solo sport, with agents operating independently and competing within the same brokerage. But when you shift the focus from individual wins to collective success, you create an environment where everyone thrives. When agents support and learn from each other, everyone — including clients — benefits.
I’ve found success in fostering a culture where collaboration is the norm, not the exception. Encourage agents to share their successes, work together on deals and contribute to each other’s growth.
Measuring success beyond sales volume
Measuring success by sales volume alone is easy, but that doesn’t paint the complete picture of a thriving brokerage. A better metric is how much your agents are growing — personally and professionally.
Some metrics to consider implementing include:
- Ongoing learning opportunities. Our agents regularly attend training, shadow each other and test new strategies to stay ahead of market trends.
- We help agents embrace new technologies, refine their marketing approaches and adjust to market shifts.
- Every agent is encouraged to step into leadership, whether mentoring a newer agent, leading a training or taking on a brokerage initiative.
The future of brokerage leadership
The real estate industry is evolving, and the broker’s role must also evolve. The most successful brokerages will prioritize people over hierarchy, collaboration over competition and growth over numbers.
Flat leadership has helped me create a brokerage where agents feel empowered, supported and driven to succeed. It’s not about giving up control — it’s about creating a culture where leadership is shared, innovation thrives, and agents feel valued.
For brokers looking to build a more engaged, future-ready brokerage, my advice is this: Make yourself accessible, create a culture of collaboration and focus on growth over volume. Your agents will thank you, and your business will grow.
Abbey Wostal is broker-owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wostal Realty in Greater Topeka and Lawerence, Kansas. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Facebook.
