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uilding a foundation of trust is crucial for real estate brokerages to retain top talent and earn client loyalty that endures through market fluctuations. Drawing on my experience as a leader in the New York real estate market, I've identified five essential practices for building a resilient team: clarity, accountability, reliability, integrity, and grace.

    Clarity is key to avoiding frustration and ensuring teams perform at their best. Articulate expectations clearly by setting performance standards, lead distribution systems, team roles, and client handoffs. Establishing clear boundaries also helps teams collaborate without resentment. Try this exercise in your next team meeting: have each person share how they work best, where they need support, and what you can count on from them.

    Accountability is vital for high-performing teams. Consistently hold one another accountable by owning outcomes and actively working to make things right when mistakes occur. Leaders should model this behavior by being accountable for their actions and the tone they set for the team. Focus team meetings on improving processes and supporting each other.

    Reliability is essential in real estate, where timing and follow-through can make or break a deal. Leaders must model consistent behavior: arrive prepared, meet deadlines, and be a steady presence your team and clients can count on. Your team should be able to predict how you'll react to any news, and every member should expect the same consistency from you.

    Integrity gives your team a compass in uncertain times. Lead with integrity by making decisions that align with your stated values and purpose, even when it's inconvenient or costly. For example, walk away from a potential client if their terms don't reflect your team's standards.

    Finally, give grace to your team by extending the most generous possible interpretation of everyone's behavior, especially during tense times. Offer constructive feedback without judgment, give people the benefit of the doubt, and assume the best in everyone. This builds a culture of empathy and brings out the best in your team members.

    By building these principles into a disciplined daily practice at your office and in your team meetings, you can create a team that withstands challenges and earns trust from clients and agents alike.