Here’s Why You Need an Accountability Partner

Regular readers of this blog know that we tend to pound away at some basic tenets for success in real estate, including:

• Importance of phone prospecting on a regularly-scheduled basis (i.e. daily).
• Investing in yourself; for example, using a lead gen/CRM software system such as Espresso Agent
• Embrace the value of paid coaching advice

Another tenet we’ve written about, and will reinforce here, is the value of working with accountability partners. This is another person (or persons) who holds you accountable to agreed-upon goals. Of course, there is also “internal accountability,” meaning holding yourself to certain standards and goals.If we’re being honest, it’s not always easy to hold ourselves accountable. This is why there is value in having a partner with whom you mutually agree to coach and provide feedback on a regular basis. There are myriad benefits to having an accountability partner, but two important ones are:

• You can learn a lot about yourself by both receiving and giving advice.
• Unlike a coaching relationship, it won’t cost you anything to have one or more accountability partners.

Whether you are new to accountability partners or thinking about making a change, here are a few strategies to consider: When considering entering into an accountability partnership with another agent, here are a few things to consider:

1. Integrity is critical. It’s imperative to work with someone you can trust because you will be opening up about your business. You need to feel comfortable that what you discuss with your partner is held in the strictest confidence.
2. Balance strengths and weaknesses. Find an accountability partner who differs in personality and who has different strengths than you. In this regard, you don’t want a“yes person,” but someone who will challenge you and push back. The best way to grow is to have someone you can trust to be brutally honest with you.
3. Set clear parameters. You should both understand what you want out of the accountability relationship. If you want someone to work with on a daily basis, but your partner wants more flexibility, you might want someone else. Share your specific goals in order to be on the same page as to how the accountability relationship will proceed.
4. Agree about consequences. True accountability entails consequences. If you’re late for a session or fall short of your weekly goals, should you pay a “fine?” Fines or penalties remind both partners that they must pay for dropping the ball. But, if we’re being honest, you shouldn’t need the threat of a “fine” in order to hold yourself accountable.
5. Peer support. Accountability partnerships are between peers, and thus, equitable in nature. It’s different than a hierarchical relationship, such as a coach or a mentor. An accountability partner is not your sales manager, but a friend who is there to keep you on track. It’s an important distinction to remember.

Top-performing agents often cite accountability partners as a critical reason for their success. They WANT to have someone who will be honest with them and hold them to a higher standard.If you don’t have an accountability partner (or aren’t fully satisfied with the partner you have) NOW is the time to find one. In fact, Espresso Agent can help find you a partner. Contact Us.