What does it mean to be a leader? Today's real estate executives, brokerage owners and team leaders must be able to provide strong leadership as a value proposition.
In the latest RISMedia webinar—"Lessons in Leadership With Dermot Buffini"—sponsored by Buffini & Company and moderated by RISMedia's Founder, President and CEO John Featherston—our audience learned what it takes to be a leader in today's real estate environment.
In this discussion between JB Goodwin, CEO, JB Goodwin REALTORS®, and Dermot Buffini, CEO of Buffini & Company, the webinar covered everything from leadership traits to advice for those seeking leadership positions and how to treat successes and failures.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into leadership today?
"First and foremost, be yourself. You can't lead reading a book and then deciding you want to be just like Dermot Buffini. You can read and adapt principles that relate to your personality, but you've got to have a genuine foundation and platform," said Buffini. "And you've got to understand yourself enough to know your strengths and your weaknesses."
"Decide who you are as an organization," added Buffini. "Know where you are headed and understand your value proposition and what's the benefit to the people in your organization to get to where you're headed. Work tirelessly to explain that story and execute on that story."
What are the qualities of a good leader?
"Someone who is energetic. That doesn't mean they have to be an extrovert, but they have a high-energy level," said Goodwin. "[Someone who is] ambitious and is willing to do things that make them feel uncomfortable and someone who shows respect. Consistency to me is so important."
And according to Buffini, keeping in mind that not all those who boast powerful coaching programs or who have written books on the topic are effective leaders. "There are people who've written books and have not led. There's fool's gold out there," said Buffini.
What are some of the investments you've made for yourself?
"I've attended several hundred seminars to help me become a better person. I've read countless self-improvement books. I then bring that knowledge to my company through our training and coaching programs," said Goodwin.
"Network outside of the industries you are in," said Buffini. "You're going to be attracted to people who are similar to yourself. It's amazing what's around us if you're looking for it."
What do you think people need to hear?
"In a world that's become ever-more self-absorbed, what I hear is 'pay attention to the person in front of you.' Be able to adjust your leadership style to bring out the best in them," said Buffini.
"You help people and do a good job? The money's going to come," said Goodwin. "Measure a person or leader by helping someone who could never help them back. Having gratitude in your heart is what are you willing to do for someone that may never be able to do something for you."
Watch the full webinar below:
To view more webinars from RISMedia, subscribe to our YouTube playlist.
