Netflix’s smash hit docusoap, Selling Sunset, follows a group of luxury estate realtors selling some of the opulent homes in Los Angeles. Yet its real draw card is the interpersonal discord and how it resounds with day-to-day workplace relationships. Whether you have or haven’t watched it, this series, now in its fifth season, has become somewhat of a cultural sensation. Garnering over two million subscribers on Instagram alone.
It’s safe to say that if you haven’t watched it, someone in your immediate or close circles has. If not for the drama, gossip, and entertainment factor that pervade the lives of the actors, then for the insights into real workplace issues.
Here are some key takeaways HR cans steal from Selling Sunset.
No drama/ Mind your own Business
Within the show, Maya stands out as being the straightforward and no-nonsense realtor. She has the poise of a person who has figured out of relating with her clients and colleagues amidst all the chaos. This makes her approachable by all parties even when there was a clear split among the cast. Events in her personal life, i.e., losing her baby, have not affected her demeanour. Instead, they have allowed her to have the candour to survive the drama all around her. Her demeanour sets the tone for professional relationships and which means her work does not spill into her individual life.
Don’t put other women down
Much can be said about the running of Oppenheimer Group, but one of its dynamics has always been Chrishell Stause. She is ex-wife to Jason—one of Oppenheimer’s founding partners. Despite her best attempts to appear nice, her subtle hand in most of the drama is clear. From swaying her power to have Christine fired to openly being cold to her after her maternity leave, her behaviour creates vicious toxicity that dogs the company’s administration. Chrishell’ s attitude towards Chelsea’s hiring is also the perfect case study of all the wrong things to do as an HR practitioner.
Never Down Play Yourself
Seeing those agents celebrate even the smallest margins when making deals worth tens of millions is an important lesson in self-worth. Everything you do matters and even the smallest wins help you build up the confidence to go for bigger deals. Seeing them push harder and go beyond expectations to reach personal milestones is a clear message to HR about having employee rewards schemes at work.
Office relationships are never a brilliant idea
Witnessing the dynamics of Jason and Chrishell’s relationship gives a unique perspective into office relationships. Such relationships complicate the hierarchy but also cause a split among those for and against it. While giving assurances about professionalism at work will silence nepotism allegations, it doesn’t do away with the skepticism. This can eventually undermine your leadership. So, if you are yet to be embroiled in one, try to stay like that. However, if already in one, disclosing it will allow the company to get ahead of it and prevent it from affecting work functions.
