Here's how you can use empathy to enhance relationships in Commercial Real Estate.

Hearing is through ears and listening is by mind. Active listening will take place when we're ready to understand / spot requirements.

Active listening is a crucial yet often overlooked skill in commercial real estate, where trust and understanding are paramount. By genuinely listening to partners, clients, and colleagues, you demonstrate that you value their perspectives, which fosters trust and encourages open communication. This trust becomes the foundation for successful, long-term relationships, as it allows for the early identification and resolution of potential issues, leading to smoother negotiations and more effective collaboration. Ultimately, active listening transforms transactions into partnerships, turning clients into repeat customers and driving sustained success in the industry.

Listen to people, listen to understand. Because if you understand people and want to help them, they will want to work with you.

In commercial real estate, reading and adapting to emotional cues is crucial for building empathy. Clients and colleagues may not always express their concerns directly, but their body language, tone of voice, or subtle comments can provide valuable insights into their feelings. By being attentive to these cues, you can adjust your approach, offer reassurance, or address underlying issues, creating a more supportive and understanding relationship.

Active listening is one of the best ways to truly here what everyone's goals and needs are - beyond what they 'want'. From there, you earn trust, and in real estate, that is worth more than you know. Listen more and talk less.

I once had a client whose primary goal was to find a space that aligned with their company’s growth trajectory. By taking the time to deeply understand their long-term vision, I could offer solutions that met both their immediate and future needs, which greatly strengthened our working relationship.

Whenever we onboard someone, it comes with a list of wants. Pulling what is absolutely necessary vs a list of 'nice to haves' is key when finding the right property. There are so few unicorns out there, that you must understand how to help them find what does exist to fit their needs. Otherwise, you're wasting their time and yours.

Compassion is contagious. Showing kindness to one person inspires them to pass it on, creating a ripple effect of empathy and care that transforms communities and relationships, including those in real estate.

What is the difference between a good sales person and a great sales person? A great sales person's stories are true. (This is quote from my dad) The great ones know how to sincerely connect with people. They listen. They ask probing questions. Read people's bio and study what they display in their office. Then share something about yourself that relates to what they shared.

Empathy is a key to successful interaction in all of life. We all must take the time to listen and appreciate the thoughts, needs and desires of others. Be a friend to all those you work with. Help a friend and you will help yourself.

Empathy is a key to successful interaction in all of life. We all must take the time to listen and appreciate the thoughts, needs and desires of others. Be a friend to all those you work with. Help a friend and you will help yourself.

During a complex negotiation, I realized the importance of clear communication. I made it a point to explain the terms in simple language, ensuring my client understood every aspect of the deal. This transparency not only built trust but also positioned me as a reliable and empathetic advisor in their eyes.

Clarity in communication is crucial when working on a deal. If you are vague or ambiguous, it leaves room for misinterpretation or lack of trust. Neither of those are things you want to encounter. A great mentor of mine once said, "communicate like you are talking to a judge." This statement rings loud and clear when you need to state the key points and stay focused on the goals. Small talk and jokes can happen outside of that.

I had a situation where two parties were at odds over a lease agreement. By empathizing with both sides, I was able to facilitate a discussion that led to a mutually beneficial resolution. This experience reinforced how empathy can be instrumental in resolving conflicts and maintaining strong professional relationships.