When it comes to leadership, many top industry professionals believe the will to commandeer a group is something one is born with. However, according to those same pros, leadership is something you learn, not something that magically manifests itself.
“As leaders, it's our nature to constantly look for ways to improve,” said LeadingRE Chairman Rob Sibcy at LeadingRE's annual conference in Las Vegas on February 11.
Below are three top tips from some of the industry's leading leaders.
Offer service to others. “To be an effective leader today you have to realize that you are in a service position,” says Verl Workman, renowned speaker, trainer, consultant and coach. “The best leaders are not the most fierce managers, but through their service and desire to make others around them successful, managers become great leaders. A great leader is one who delegates and is focused on the highest value take for their skill set. Great leaders don’t hover about over every detail, they give great direction and suggestions, then they allow their team to accomplish the given tasks. See and build potential in others if you truly want to be an inspiring and effective leader.”
Influence, don't control. “People don’t want to be managed, they want to be led,” says Brian Buffini, Chairman & Founder of real estate coaching firm Buffini & Company. “Be a great model for them to follow. Leading in today’s new era of real estate is not about control, it’s all about influence.”
Take risks. “Leaders are risk takers, because when things aren't going well, you've got to make changes,” said Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and leader extraordinaire, at LeadingRE's February conference. “You have to have the courage to take the risk to do something different.”
Tell us – what are your winning leadership lessons?
Wonderful tips! I really love the tip saying “influence don’t control”. Many people are likely to follow a leader that influences them rather than telling them what to do at all times.
A leader “leads” the way in the dark pool of risk. He/she does not Mico manage and is the first one in and the last one out. It’s not about power or authority. It’s about attitude and influence.
“Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.” Les Brown
Great tips Zoe. I particularly agree with your point on taking risks. I would add that being honest and transparent is extremely important in being an effective leader. Barbara White’s report outlining the importance of honesty in management is a very useful read. In it she highlights that staff morale increased by 39% on average when they felt management was being forthcoming.