If you're coaching agents as part of your real estate brokerage or team, which we all do, one of the best methods I’ve learned is the 1-3-1 Method.

When someone brings you a problem, start by asking:

First, let's clarify the problem: What’s the one main issue we’re dealing with here?

Not 55 different things—just the one big issue we need to solve.

Then, ask: What do you think are three viable solutions for solving this?

If they can’t come up with three, help them brainstorm.

Finally, have them choose: Which do you think is the most viable option for actually getting this resolved?

Encourage them to go out, try it, and see how it works.

As a leader, whether you're a team leader or a brokerage owner, make a note in your CRM to follow up with that agent in a day or two. Check if the resolution actually solved the problem. Sometimes they'll come back and tell you, but if they don’t, reach out and ask, "Did that solve the issue?"

By using the 1-3-1...

Whether you're a top producer doing $30, $40, $50 million in business, or someone struggling with just a handful of sales a year, we've all faced this. And we'll face it again in the future. It's called the downward spiral.

Think of it like getting a cold in the industry that affects your performance. It's inevitable, and what we do about it makes the biggest difference.

First, you'll notice an attitude shift. Something influences your attitude, making you less effective. Maybe you've been beaten up by a listing or a sale, and you're feeling down.

Next, your work habits shift. You might go home earlier, let priorities slide, and change your work habits. Then, your commitment wanes. You'll start putting things off without a sense of urgency.

As a result, your performance suffers, and your results decline. This can create a vicious cycle, leading agents to spiral out of the business.

I don't want that to happen to you. So, what can you do?

Recognize the downward spiral and take...