Years ago, I had an agent in my office who was extremely productive. That person was also rude, arrogant and opinionated, and didn’t get along with the agents or the staff. That person walked around acting like everything and a bag of chips, and it was bringing everybody down.
So the decision became the money or the culture. We chose the culture. The moment that agent left, five agents joined the office. They’d told us they wouldn’t come while that person was still there.
The funny part is that I was actually thinking about giving that person another chance. Then, in the exit interview, the agent stopped me: “Do you know I’m wanted everywhere? I can get a better deal somewhere else.” I said, “Well then, I won’t feel badly asking you to go be successful somewhere else.”
That day taught me something. Culture is a two-way street.
A great brokerage owes you more than a split. It owes you a culture that inspires you, coaching that keeps you growing, a brand that helps you win more listings, and people around you who are smarter than you. If your brokerage isn’t giving you that, ask yourself why you’re there.
But you owe it something too. Show up. Be coachable. Treat the staff well, because they’re the ones inputting your listings and helping close your deals. Bring solutions, not just problems. Be a team player, because no one person makes a company.
Talent opens the door. Attitude decides whether you stay in the room. The right brokerage protects its culture, so make sure you’re someone worth protecting.