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Rather than focusing on job titles, the network’s program sees mentoring pairs decided based on people’s personalities.
“The key to a successful mentoring relationship is trust, honesty and authenticity,” explained Laing+Simmons head of people and culture, Jacqui Barnes. “The people-first design of our program is how we cement these relationships.”
The network’s Elevate program aims to match people not on their skill set or industry experience, but rather their values and personality. Ms Barnes detailed the process undertaken to ensure the program’s success, which involves extensively understanding each person within the network from the get-go.
“Part of the training we provide our people is to sit down with everyone individually to understand not only their professional development needs, but also their personal goals and drivers,” she said.
In understanding everyone personally, Ms Barnes believes “this provides us deeper insights when we pair people to optimise their peer-to-peer learning opportunities.”
Already, Elevate has proved worthwhile in navigating the stresses directed towards employees of the network. Kristina Paku, who recently assumed the role of head of property management at Laing+Simmons Mount Druitt, found herself in a post-appointment slump. This was due to the expedited nature of the appointment, meaning she entered the job without a detailed job description and no clear expectations.
She nominated herself for the program and was matched with Rebecca Yelda of Laing+Simmons Parramatta, with both women reaping the benefits of their partnership in the form of increased encouragement and confidence, as well as a deeper understanding of the trials and tribulations each role within an individual agency faces.
For Ms Barnes, this is “one of the many examples of the benefits of the personality-matched mentoring approach” that she believes sets Elevate apart from other mentorship programs.
“We look forward to capturing many more great stories from our people as we focus on ensuring they remain challenged, motivated and satisfied as long-term members of the Laing+Simmons family,” she concluded.
Mentorship, whether it be personal or professional, is crucial in all walks of life. Real estate is no different. Recently, Graeme Hyde, chief performance officer at Stone Real Estate, sat down with REB to share his five hallmarks of a great real estate mentor. Read about his choices, and the rationale behind each one, here.
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