“If you don’t change, others will change you,” says Gurcharan (Garry) Bhaura, president and broker of record at ReMax President Realty. In a rapidly evolving industry, Bhaura says this mindset has guided him for over 25 years, helping him stay ahead in a market shaped by technological disruption and shifting consumer expectations.
Embracing disruptive innovation
Bhaura’s guiding principle is rooted in experience. It aligns with the core message of Clayton Christensen’s book, The Innovator’s Dilemma, which warns that even successful companies can fall behind by failing to embrace disruptive technologies. Bhaura’s brokerage, however, has thrived by adopting a “disrupt before being disrupted” approach.
Examples of Bhaura’s proactive approach are his early adoption of customer relationship management (CRM) software, electronic transfers of commission payments (versus paper cheques) and paperless office systems — well before the COVID-19 pandemic made such tools essential. By anticipating industry shifts, Bhaura positioned his team at the forefront of the real estate sector, demonstrating the power of technological foresight.
Christensen’s work emphasizes that disruptive innovations often start as seemingly inferior alternatives to established products or services. However, they gradually improve and eventually overtake traditional offerings. In real estate, we see this playing out with technologies like virtual property tours and blockchain-based transactions. Bhaura’s willingness to explore and implement these emerging tools aligns perfectly with the behaviours adopted by companies that successfully ride the waves of an evolving market.
Fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning
At the heart of Bhaura’s success lies a culture that values teamwork and shared knowledge as much as technological innovation. “Any agent in my brokerage can ask questions without fear,” he notes, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive and open environment.
This leadership style resonates with Simon Sinek’s concept of Leaders Eat Last. In his book, Sinek argues that the most effective leaders create environments of trust and collaboration where team members feel safe to share ideas and support one another. By promoting this culture, Bhaura has cultivated a diverse team of agents, each contributing unique skills to the brokerage’s success.
Counterintuitive to sales competition? Collaboration can boost performance
It might seem counterintuitive, however, to foster collaboration in the highly competitive world of real estate sales. Despite this, Bhaura’s approach demonstrates that a collaborative environment can actually enhance individual and team performance. He explains the reason is that in a rapidly changing industry, no single agent can stay on top of every new development, technology or market trend. By encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing, the entire team benefits from each member’s experiences and insights.
By fostering this collaborative culture, Bhaura has created a brokerage where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This approach not only improves individual agent performance but also strengthens the brokerage’s overall market position and resilience to industry changes.
An emphasis on professional development
Bhaura’s emphasis on professional development further reinforces this collaborative culture. His team regularly participates in forward-thinking education, including everything from AI workshops to mindfulness training. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that his team is always ready to adapt to new challenges and opportunities in the real estate market.
Before moving to ReMax in July, Bhaura was with Century 21, where his team consistently ranked among the company’s top offices. Bharua is currently serving as vice chair for the Canadian Real Estate Association’s board of directors.
As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Bhaura not only frequently quotes this wisdom but has also taken it to heart. He’s made ongoing education a cornerstone of his brokerage’s success strategy. By investing in the team’s knowledge and skills, Bhaura is not just changing his brokerage— he’s helping to shape the future of the real estate industry.
Leveraging technology for enhanced client service
Bhaura’s vision for the future of real estate is deeply intertwined with technological advancement. He sees artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and virtual reality (VR) as game-changing technologies that will reshape the industry landscape. His belief that “AI will play a very, very large role” in real estate is already being realized through the implementation of AI tools for market analysis and transaction management.
However, Bhaura’s approach to technology is not about replacement, but…
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