The FVREB Professional Standards Department published the article “What is Professionalism?” in August 2024. That article focused on being professional with clients. However, professionalism goes beyond clients and extends to interactions with FVREB staff (staff).
Since publication of that article, there have been two separate concerning interactions between members and staff.
The first involved a member who attended the FVREB office to discuss a matter with staff. During the interaction, the member raised their voice and threatened violence. It is understandable that members may sometimes become frustrated over situations, but under no circumstances is it professional or appropriate to raise your voice to staff or make statements referencing violence.
The second interaction was a member’s email response to an email inquiry from staff about transferring an unlicensed assistant and the requirement to complete a Non-Licensee Application. In response, the member stated that they had fired their elderly assistant and would have to hire someone younger. Staff were concerned and shocked by the unprofessional and potentially discriminatory nature of the response. The member and their Managing Broker were contacted and stated that the response was written “in jest”.
Members are reminded that professionalism is one of the FVREB’s strategic pillars. Being professional extends to all interactions with the FVREB and its staff. The FVREB is a professional organization and its staff and members endeavour to uphold and execute its Bylaws, policies and the REALTOR® Code, which provides, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Further, the FVREB has an anti-bullying and harassment policy in place to protect its staff. It is therefore unacceptable for members to act unprofessionally with staff. Instances of such unprofessional interactions will be reviewed by the FVREB’s Professional Conduct Committee.
Source: Professional Standards