I just read a post written by Rex Schofield titled "It Is Always Only About You" and it inspired me to share my thoughts on the influence an office has on an agent and vice versa. This relationship is very powerful and can make or break an agent and/or an office.
We are independent contractors but our actions, positive and negative, are binding on our broker/owner. When an agent shines, that agent wants all the credit when, in fact, the entire office has the right to reference that positive accomplishment. I encourage agents within my office to use any accomplishment that happens within our walls. We work as a team, and that means each agent's actions may influence another agent's business. This can work positively or negatively.
When the agent blunders, the onus is on the broker/owner. The negligent acts of the agent are binding on the master, when done on the master's business and within the scope of the agent's authority....Respondeat Superior. However, not every negative situation results in legal action. When there is a distasteful situation that occurs and the agent is involved, that negative result will have an influence on the entire office. It's very important to hire cautiously and a broker/owner/manager must be very selective in their choice of agents.
"It is NOT always about you" but it is ALWAYS about the office collectively. No one works successfully in this business alone. No one is strong enough to rise to the top alone. Unless you are a one man office, you are not working alone, and it's not only about you.