What we can learn from Sue Bird.

Author

Jason Farris
January 02, 2025

Sue Bird, one of the most accomplished basketball players in WNBA history, is renowned not only for her athletic skills but also for her exceptional communication abilities. Her approach to communication offers valuable lessons for real estate agents striving for excellence in their field. Here’s how:

1. Clear and Direct Communication

Sue Bird: As a point guard, Bird’s role required clear, concise communication on the court. She needed to direct her teammates, call plays, and make split-second decisions, all while ensuring everyone was on the same page.

Real Estate Agents: Clear communication is key in real estate. Whether you're negotiating a deal, explaining market trends to clients, or coordinating with your team, being direct and straightforward builds trust and ensures everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

2. Active Listening

Sue Bird: Bird is known for listening to her teammates, coaches, and opponents, understanding their perspectives to anticipate plays and respond effectively.

Real Estate Agents: Active listening to clients helps uncover their true needs and concerns. For example, instead of just hearing “I need a big backyard,” you might dig deeper to understand they envision space for hosting family events, which can help you identify the perfect property.

3. Emotional Intelligence

Sue Bird: Bird demonstrates high emotional intelligence, maintaining composure under pressure and reading the emotional states of her teammates to offer encouragement or guidance.

Real Estate Agents: Emotional intelligence is critical in real estate, where emotions often run high. Understanding and managing your clients’ anxieties, excitement, or doubts can make or break a transaction. A calm, empathetic approach reassures clients and fosters long-term relationships.

4. Building Trust Through Consistency

Sue Bird: Bird’s leadership style was rooted in reliability. Teammates knew they could count on her to deliver, whether in the final seconds of a game or during a critical practice session.

Real Estate Agents: Consistency builds trust. Show up prepared, deliver on promises, and maintain regular communication with clients. A predictable and professional approach helps clients feel secure during what can be a stressful process.

5. Collaboration and Teamwork

Sue Bird: Bird prioritized teamwork, ensuring every player felt valued and understood their role. She adjusted her communication style to fit different personalities and skill levels.

Real Estate Agents: Collaboration with clients, other agents, and service providers is essential. Tailor your approach to suit different stakeholders—whether it’s a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or a contractor—ensuring everyone feels part of a cohesive team working toward a common goal.

6. Vision and Strategic Thinking

Sue Bird: Bird was a master of anticipating plays and seeing the big picture, directing her team with a clear strategy.

Real Estate Agents: Effective communication isn’t just about the present; it’s about setting expectations and helping clients envision the future. Whether it’s a buyer imagining life in a home or a seller planning their next steps, strategic communication helps clients feel confident in their decisions.

7. Leading by Example

Sue Bird: Bird’s actions often spoke louder than her words. Her work ethic, preparation, and dedication set a standard for others to follow.

Real Estate Agents: Clients and team members take cues from your behavior. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and diligence in all interactions to inspire trust and cooperation.