Matthew Martinez of Diamond Real Estate Group On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Uncertain & Turbulent Times
Empower your team: A good leader should empower their team members and encourage them to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. This can help to build resilience and creativity within the team, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. For example, during the 2010 BP oil spill, Bob Dudley, the CEO of BP, empowered his team to take decisive action to stop the oil leak, which helped to minimize the environmental damage.
As part of our series about the “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Turbulent Times”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Matthew Martinez.
Matthew Martinez is the CEO & Luxury Real Estate Broker at Diamond Real Estate Group in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has a massive social media following and database that totals over 1,000,000 people. Matthew was featured on the list of the top 100 luxury real estate agents on social media and the list of the top 100 real estate agents on social media.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
I’d be happy to share! I actually got started in real estate when I was a young man trying to buy his first house. I had always been interested in real estate and one day I stumbled upon a seminar about house flipping and I was immediately hooked.
I started reading books, attending more seminars, and soaking up as much knowledge as I could about real estate investing. Eventually, I decided to take the plunge and buy my first property. It was a small fixer-upper that I renovated and sold for a profit.
From there, I continued to buy, rehab, and sell properties, and my business began to grow. Today, I am the founder and CEO of Diamond Real Estate Group, where I focus on buying, rehabbing, and selling properties in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout Northern California.
Throughout my career, I have learned so much about real estate and what it takes to be successful in this industry. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and for the chance to help others achieve their real estate goals as well.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
One of the funniest mistakes I made when I was very first starting out as a real estate was forgetting to check the zoning for a vacant property that I was showing to potential buyers. I had assumed that it was zoned for residential use, but it turned out that it was zoned for commercial use only. Needless to say, my clients were not pleased when they found out.
From that experience, I learned the importance of doing my due diligence and researching all aspects of a property before showing it to clients. This includes checking zoning laws, permits, and any potential issues that could affect the property value or use. It’s crucial to always be thorough and ensure that all parties involved are fully informed and satisfied with the transaction.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
As a successful real estate broker, there are many people who have helped me get to where I am today, and for that, I am very grateful. However, there is one person who stands out in particular, and that is my first mentor in the industry.
When I was just starting out, I had a lot to learn about the real estate business, and my mentor was instrumental in guiding me through the process. He shared his knowledge and expertise with me generously and patiently answered all of my questions. He also introduced me to many influential people in the industry and gave me opportunities to work on high-profile projects.
One particular project stands out in my mind. My mentor was working on a large development deal and invited me to join the team. I was thrilled at the opportunity, but also felt intimidated as I was still relatively new to the industry. However, my mentor believed in me and gave me a lot of responsibility on the project, which helped me gain confidence and grow my skills.
Thanks to my mentor’s guidance and support, I was able to learn a great deal about the industry and gain the experience I needed to become successful in my own right. I will always be grateful to him for his kindness and generosity, and I strive to pay it forward by mentoring others who are just starting out in the industry.
Extensive research suggests that “purpose-driven businesses” are more successful in many areas. When your organization started, what was its vision, what was its purpose?
When I first started my real estate business, my vision was to help people find their dream home or sell their property for the best possible price. My purpose was to provide exceptional customer service and create a positive experience for all of my clients. I wanted to build a business that was focused on long-term relationships and referrals, rather than just short-term profits. I believed that by putting my clients’ needs first and staying true to my values of honesty, integrity, and hard work, I could build a successful and sustainable business that would make a positive impact on my community. Over the years, my business has grown, but my purpose has remained the same. I am proud to say that I have built a purpose-driven business that is focused on serving others and making a difference in people’s lives.
Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussion. Can you share with our readers a story from your own experience about how you lead your team during uncertain or difficult times?
Sure, there was a time when the real estate market was going through a major downturn, and my team was feeling the pressure. It was a challenging time, as we were experiencing a lot of uncertainty and facing tough competition from other real estate companies. I knew I needed to step up and provide strong leadership to help my team weather the storm.
One of the things I did was to keep communication channels open with my team. I made sure that we had regular team meetings where we could discuss any concerns or issues that were coming up, and I was always available to answer questions or provide guidance. I also made sure to recognize and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of my team members, and to provide support and encouragement whenever they needed it.
Another thing that was important during this time was to stay focused on our goals and remain committed to our values as a company. I reminded my team of our mission and the importance of providing top-quality service to our clients, and we worked together to develop creative strategies to stand out in the market and differentiate ourselves from our competitors.
Ultimately, our hard work and perseverance paid off, and we were able to emerge from the downturn stronger and more resilient than ever before. The experience taught me the importance of effective communication, staying focused on our goals, and maintaining a positive and supportive team culture, even during the most difficult of times.
Did you ever consider giving up? Where did you get the motivation to continue through your challenges? What sustains your drive?
Yes, there have been times in my career as a real estate broker when I considered giving up. The real estate industry can be tough and unpredictable, and there are moments when deals fall through or challenges arise that can make you question whether this is the right career for you.
However, what has always sustained my drive is my passion for helping people achieve their real estate goals. I love the feeling of connecting someone with their dream home or helping them sell their property for a great price. Additionally, I have a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit, which motivates me to push through the tough times and strive for success.
When facing challenges, I also draw inspiration from the success stories of others in the industry. Learning about how they overcame obstacles and achieved their goals reminds me that with hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, anything is possible.
I’m an author and I believe that books have the power to change lives. Do you have a book in your life that impacted you and inspired you to be an effective leader? Can you share a story?
One book that had a profound impact on me as a leader was “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. This book taught me the importance of being proactive, having a clear vision of my goals, and prioritizing my time and energy effectively. It also emphasized the importance of building positive relationships and effective communication skills. I remember reading this book during a particularly challenging time in my career and feeling inspired to take action and make positive changes in my leadership style. It continues to be a source of guidance and inspiration for me to this day.
What would you say is the most critical role of a leader during challenging times?
In my opinion, the most critical role of a leader during challenging times is to provide a sense of direction and stability to their team. When faced with uncertainty and adversity, it’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed and lose focus. A good leader needs to step up and provide a clear vision of where the team is heading and how they will get there. Additionally, a leader should maintain open lines of communication with their team, provide support and guidance, and foster a sense of unity and purpose. By doing so, a leader can help their team navigate through tough times and emerge stronger on the other side.
When the future seems so uncertain, what is the best way to boost morale? What can a leader do to inspire, motivate and engage their team?
As a leader, I believe that the best way to boost morale during uncertain times is through communication and empathy. It’s essential to keep the team informed of the situation and the steps being taken to address it. Regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings can help team members feel heard and supported.
It’s also important to acknowledge the challenges and difficulties that the team is facing and to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Celebrating small wins and milestones can also help to keep morale up and motivate the team to keep pushing forward.
As a leader, it’s essential to lead by example and maintain a positive attitude even when things are tough. Encouraging team members to take care of their physical and mental health is also important, as this can help them to stay resilient and focused during challenging times.
What is the best way to communicate difficult news to one’s team and customers?
When communicating difficult news, honesty, transparency, and empathy are essential. As a leader, it’s important to be upfront about the situation and explain the reasons behind the decision or announcement. It’s also important to acknowledge the impact that the news may have on team members or customers and express empathy for their situation.
Additionally, it’s important to give people space to process the news and provide support in any way possible. This may involve offering resources or guidance, answering questions, or simply being available to listen. It’s also important to follow up and provide updates as the situation develops, to ensure that people are kept in the loop and feel informed.
How can a leader make plans when the future is so unpredictable?
Leaders can make plans when the future is unpredictable by being agile and adaptable. This means being open to changing course when necessary and being able to pivot quickly in response to changing circumstances. It also means creating contingency plans and regularly reassessing the situation to ensure that plans remain relevant and effective. Additionally, leaders can seek input and feedback from their team and other stakeholders to gain different perspectives and insights that can help inform their decision-making. By being flexible and responsive, leaders can navigate uncertain times with more confidence and achieve better outcomes for their organization.
Is there a “number one principle” that can help guide a company through the ups and downs of turbulent times?
One principle that can guide a company through turbulent times is adaptability. Being able to adapt to changing circumstances is essential for survival and growth, particularly during challenging times. This includes being willing to pivot strategies and plans quickly and effectively, as well as being open to new ideas and perspectives. Additionally, having a solid foundation of values and a clear mission can provide direction and purpose during uncertain times, helping a company to stay focused on its goals and maintain a sense of unity and purpose among team members.
Can you share 3 or 4 of the most common mistakes you have seen other businesses make during difficult times? What should one keep in mind to avoid that?
Failing to adapt to changing market conditions: Businesses that refuse to adjust their strategies or offerings to meet the evolving demands of the market are likely to lose customers and revenue.
Cutting costs too aggressively: While cost-cutting measures are often necessary during tough times, companies that cut too deeply may end up sacrificing important resources, including skilled employees, essential equipment, and key suppliers.
Focusing too much on short-term results: In an effort to survive, businesses may become too focused on immediate gains, sacrificing long-term planning and strategy.
Failure to communicate with stakeholders: Companies that fail to communicate openly and transparently with stakeholders such as employees, customers, and investors may end up losing trust and support.
To avoid these mistakes, businesses should be proactive in monitoring and adapting to market conditions, balance cost-cutting with maintaining essential resources, balance short-term and long-term goals, and maintain open and transparent communication with all stakeholders.
Here is the primary question of our discussion. Based on your experience and success, what are the five most important things a business leader should do to lead effectively during uncertain and turbulent times? Please share a story or an example for each.
Here are five important things a business leader should do to lead effectively during uncertain and turbulent times:
Stay calm and confident: A leader should maintain a sense of calmness and confidence in times of uncertainty. Employees and stakeholders look to their leaders for guidance, and a calm and confident demeanor can help instill a sense of stability and direction. For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, Warren Buffet reassured his employees and investors by maintaining his calm and confident attitude, which helped him to navigate through the crisis.
Communicate effectively: Communication is critical during times of uncertainty. Leaders should be transparent and honest about the situation, and provide clear guidance and updates to their team. They should also actively listen to their employees and stakeholders, and address their concerns and questions. A good example of effective communication during a crisis is when Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz communicated openly with his employees during the 2008 recession, which helped to build trust and maintain morale.
Focus on priorities: During turbulent times, leaders should focus on their core priorities and objectives, and make tough decisions if necessary. They should assess their business operations, identify areas that need improvement, and allocate resources accordingly. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses had to pivot their operations and adjust their priorities to remain viable. The CEO of Zoom, Eric Yuan, made tough decisions to prioritize the security of their platform during the pandemic, which helped to maintain customer trust and confidence.
Empower your team: A good leader should empower their team members and encourage them to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. This can help to build resilience and creativity within the team, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. For example, during the 2010 BP oil spill, Bob Dudley, the CEO of BP, empowered his team to take decisive action to stop the oil leak, which helped to minimize the environmental damage.
Stay adaptable: In uncertain and turbulent times, leaders should remain flexible and adaptable, and be willing to adjust their plans and strategies as the situation evolves. They should also anticipate potential challenges and risks, and have contingency plans in place. For example, during the 2001 terrorist attacks, Rudy Giuliani, the mayor of New York City, showed exceptional adaptability and leadership by quickly mobilizing emergency services and ensuring public safety.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes is from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote has been relevant in my life because it has taught me the importance of empathy and kindness. I strive to provide helpful and informative responses to all inquiries, but I also try to do so in a way that is respectful and considerate of the person asking the question. I believe that showing empathy and kindness in all interactions, whether with humans or machines, can have a positive impact on people’s lives and create a better world for all.
How can our readers further follow your work?
I can be followed on Instagram @thematthewmartinez or readers can connect with me and follow my blog at https://www.diamondgroupestates.com
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Matthew Martinez of Diamond Real Estate Group On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.