How Smart Agents Handle Office Politics
A Simple Rule: Send Problems Up, Share Credit Down
Let’s be real: office politics exist everywhere — even in real estate teams.
But most agents don’t know how to deal with them. Some gossip to their peers, some complain in group chats, and some silently let resentment grow. The result? Nothing changes — except your own reputation.
There’s a simple principle to remember:
Send problems upward. Share credit downward.
It’s not just a saying — it’s a career-saving strategy.
1. Don’t Complain Sideways — It Solves Nothing
When something unfair happens — a lead dispute, a co-broking misunderstanding, a missed commission — your natural instinct might be to vent to your peers.
But peers can’t fix it. They don’t have authority. They can only amplify your frustration — or worse, twist the story.
Gossiping sideways is like pouring water into sand: it disappears, but leaves a mess behind. And soon, you’ll be labelled as “the one who always complains” — even if you were right.
2. Send Problems Up, Not Across
If something needs fixing, go upwards — to your team leader, project head, or agency principal.
They’re the ones who:
- Can review records
- Make policy decisions
- Enforce resolutions
When you raise issues calmly and with evidence, you’re not being a troublemaker — you’re being professional.
Leaders respect agents who can articulate problems clearly, without drama. Because it shows maturity, not emotion.
3. Share Good Things Down and Around
On the flip side, when something good happens — a new policy, a fair co-broking, a supportive leader — spread that downwards.
Tell your teammates, share appreciation, and uplift the culture.
When you pass good things down, you build trust and strengthen your reputation as someone positive and constructive.
Remember: positivity compounds faster than gossip.
4. Your Circle Reflects You
In this business, your circle determines your growth. Hang around gossipers, you’ll gossip. Hang around professionals, you’ll level up.
If you’re stuck in a team where negativity flows sideways and leadership is absent, it’s not your fault — but it’s your responsibility to choose better.
Join a structured group or agency with clear systems, transparent workflows, and leaders who act — not react.
5. Professional Takeaway
Office politics can’t be eliminated. But they can be managed. And the way you handle them defines your career trajectory.
- ✅ Send problems up.
- ✅ Share credit down.
- ✅ Don’t gossip sideways.
- ✅ Raise issues upward with clarity and respect.
- ✅ Share positivity freely.
- ✅ And if the system itself is broken — move to one that works.
