The Director of Operations (DOO) role is evolving rapidly, and 2025 promises new challenges and opportunities. Staying ahead of trends is essential to leading successful teams. Many teams are in the throes of business planning, so now is the time to be looking at trends and building your 2025 Growth Plan. Here’s what DOOs need to know:
1. Embracing AI & Automation
AI and automation will become even more critical for streamlining operations, from client follow-ups to AI-driven decision-making. DOOs will need to adopt these tools to increase efficiency and remain competitive. AI is no longer “that fun shiny object to play around with”. It’s not just a tool to help write listing descriptions. It’s a necessity and a tool to give your business a leg up on the competition because many of your competitors have not yet embraced its power. (This is why we are spending time on artificial intelligence at Ops Boss® Leader Retreat 2025. Stay tuned for our new AI class!)
Trend Takeaway:
DOOs should stay informed about emerging AI tools to reduce human error, increase efficiency, drive profits and focus on high-value tasks. (Sign up for the waitlist for our new AI class led by one of our coaches who is an ACTIVE DOO of a top real estate team and who has been published nationally on this topic.)
2. Data-Driven Decision Making
In 2025, data continues to be king. The top DOOs will increasingly rely on KPIs to guide decisions and optimize team performance. From analyzing lead generation metrics to transaction cycle times, to conversion ratios to staffing ratios – data will drive strategy and team growth. Data driven decisions are not only easier to make, the results are better than those not made with data insights. Too many teams are still making “gut decisions”. Top teams will combine data and experience to come out on top.
Trend Takeaway:
DOOs will need to be proficient in data analysis to track performance and make informed decisions that enhance productivity and profitability. They also will need to ensure their systems are easily providing the data needed to do the analysis.
3. Remote & Hybrid Workflows
The shift to remote and hybrid work models is permanent. DOOs must create workflows that maintain productivity and collaboration, regardless of where team members are located. Leveraging project management tools and virtual communication platforms will be essential. This is not a new trend. And those who level up in this area will have an advantage. There has been much resistance to remote work in our industry. Workflows and processes have reflected that resistance. Those who embrace it, and become intentional to improve workflows & communication, will have an advantage over those who are still working like it’s a temporary situation.
Trend Takeaway:
DOOs must build systems that work seamlessly across remote and in-office environments, ensuring flexibility & great communication without sacrificing performance.
4. Client-Centric Systems
DOOs will need to design systems that prioritize the client experience. From streamlined onboarding to continuous communication, creating client-focused workflows will be key to delivering top-tier service and setting teams apart from competitors. Client expectations are rising and rising. While some DOOs are frustrated with the demands, the top DOOs will figure out how to not only meet expectations, but create a client experience that while systemetized, feels unique & special to the client. (Note: The clients of a DOO are not just consumers, they are also the DOO’s team members.)
Trend Takeaway:
Client experience should be at the core of every system the DOO builds, ensuring satisfaction from the first touchpoint to the final moment, AND continue to wow post-closing!
5. Leadership Development
In a more distributed, fast-paced work environment, leadership development will take on a new level of importance. DOOs will need to cultivate team culture, coach team members, and invest in the team’s growth to ensure long-term success. With so much change having come this year and more in the year to come, leadership will be paramount, This means DOOs need to invest in their own growth too. DOOs need to not only continuously learn about the industry and to work on “hard skills” like tech, data analysis, p&Ls, real estate, marketing, sales; but the soft skills as well – communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, coaching. They need to become Leaders of Change. (Sign up on the waitlist for our “Coach Them Up or Coach Them Out” class!)
Trend Takeaway:
DOOs will increasingly serve as beacons of light in a changing industry, ensuring that their teams are aligned with core values, continually developing and taking advantage of trends before others even know change has happened.
6. Measuring & Improving the ROI of Operations
One of the most critical areas for DOOs in 2025 will be measuring and improving the return on investment (ROI) of operations. This goes beyond simply managing tasks—it’s about driving results through operational efficiency. DOOs can focus on metrics like client reviews, referrals, and the percentage of business sourced from the database due to a touch program. By tracking how operational efforts contribute directly to business growth, DOOs will demonstrate their value more clearly than ever. Many of our Ops Boss® Coaching clients are already generating significantly more than half a million dollars annually by implementing and executing systems around these areas. We see this trend increasing. (Be sure to register for “Low Cost, High Return Client Events” as part of your strategy!)
Trend Takeaway:
DOOs will play a pivotal role in boosting ROI by improving systems that enhance client satisfaction, encourage referrals, and increase repeat business.
Leveling Up: How DOOs Can Prepare for the Future
To stay competitive in 2025, real estate teams should prioritize investing in their Directors of Operation. What does this look like?
There are 3 Pillars:
- Education
- Coaching
- Community
These are the pillars Ops Boss® Coaching was built on.
Education – We offer classes, webinars, a YouTube channel, newsletter and blog. Many of our webinars are free (“Coffee with Christy is one example). The top teams usually send their DOOs to EVERY class we offer – no matter the topic. Even if the class covers something the DOO is not yet handling, it’s an investment in the future of the business.
Coaching – Every top performer has at least one coach. We just witnessed the Olympics, where every athlete had multiple coaches. If your business wants to compete, not only does your DOO need a coach, they need one who is an OPERATIONS coach. One who has walked the talk, one who can be a strategic thought partner, and one who can bring the best performance out. (Schedule a call to chat about which type of coaching is the nest fit for YOU.)
Community – This is our Secret Sauce. The thing others talk about and don’t really have. We are ALL Operations, BY Operations, FOR Operations. Long established and full of life, love and care. Our community is an incredible resource, place of challenge and source of support for those in operations roles. We mastermind, teach, share and push. Our members tell us “I’ve finally found MY people”. No one succeeds alone. And a rising tide lifts all ships. Join us!