When I had my own company and then later, when I merged with Coldwell Banker, it has always been my business model to create a TEAM to work with. Whether a small company or a giant, like Coldwell Banker, I feel that if you work with a TEAM it maximizes your 
efficiency and productivity. Our team, the McCaffrey Professionals of Coldwell Banker, is comprised on 12 individuals. They are as diverse as they could be. Some have been in the business for 15+ years and some are brand new. I have team members who have corporate experience, medical backgrounds, past teachers, a psychologist (I tease the group that he is just there to evaluate the rest of us) and they range in age from 22 to 70+. Each team member brings a different perspective to each and every situation.
Having a TEAM challenges me to keep one step ahead of them. I need to be of value as their Mentor and Coach so it forces me to read, study statistics, and learn different techniques for everything from negotiating to working with different personality types. They challenge me with questions, situations, technology, marketing ideas and process push back. You think 2 year olds ask a lot of questions? You should try eager, motivated agents who aren’t afraid to work outside their comfort levels and challenge me to EVLOVE and grow past what I would be without them. Our mission is the pursuit of excellence and none of us could do that without the prodding and accountability of the team.
We also back each other up in all sorts of situations. If one of us is away or ultra-busy, we know there are others who can fill in for us. It is amazing when the SOS goes out for help I immediately see multiple team members responding instantly, “I can help you with that.” We do it because we trust and respect each other with no thought of “What’s in it for me.” When one of us needs help answering a question or finding a resource we light up the email channel with help and responses.
Every other week we meet as a team to learn and talk about recent successes, mistakes and things we have learned. It is also a time that we can give encouragement to team members that are a bit discouraged or going through personal obstacles. We celebrate and are happy for each others successes.
I truthfully do not know how anyone thrives or even survives in this industry without a TEAM. I know I value my team members more than you or they will know. I can do and accomplish things I never thought I could because of my team. I give them the value of my wisdom. They give me the value of fresh eyes and perspectives. It is a great match. They need to know that I get more from them than I can ever give back to them.