Our industry is filled with capable leaders. Whether you’re a corporate executive, board or association officer, broker, sales agent, business owner or manager at any level, your actions and attitudes help define the way you lead people. It’s an equation you should never forget, and a responsibility you should never take lightly.
Not Always Obvious
It’s easy to overlook strong leadership. When an organization, a team or virtually any group of people is operating on all cylinders, its success can seem effortless or automatic. But collective achievement very rarely comes without great leadership.
Leaders set the tone. They create a winning environment. They foster motivation, a productive spirit and a collective positive attitude.
I’ve had the good fortune to work with, for, or alongside some truly amazing leaders. Some of them lead massive organizations. Others manage smaller operations. Some have coached my kids’ basketball teams. I’ve tried to take note of their actions. I’ve tried to learn from them all.
A Great Example
One of the very best leaders I know owns a thriving brokerage in the Midwest. A few months ago, I had the pleasure of attending a party honoring his 35th anniversary as a RE/MAX broker.
This gentleman was just 30 years old when he signed his franchise agreement in 1979. It was a huge leap of faith. He had a bit of real estate experience on the sales side, but his main attributes at the time were ambition, guts, vision and a belief in people. He also had a deep commitment to making his brokerage a place through which the lives of his agents—and the lives of the buyers and sellers they served—would be improved.
From day one, he was a maverick. And he was a clear leader. He set the tone. He created the environment. He fostered a spirit of achievement. From day one, he stood for excellence and attracted brilliance.
Fast forward 35 years and you find a legacy of absolute success. This man’s agents have helped literally tens of thousands of people. They’ve established themselves as reliable, trustworthy professionals and valued members of the community.
That’s a success story worth repeating. And the truth is, it’s very repeatable within our industry.
Ask Yourself
If you’re a broker, ask yourself if you’re doing all you can to support your agents in the way they deserve. The question goes beyond technology, leads and advertising. It goes to whether you’re setting the tone and fostering an environment that builds collective success. You should be. You’re the leader. That’s your job.
If you’re an agent, are you seeing that type of framework around you? Are your broker and colleagues positive and productive? Do your day-to-day interactions at the office invigorate you and push you higher?
Regardless of your position, consider the leadership roles you find yourself in. Are you helping those who look to you for guidance and direction? Are you providing value and putting the best interests of the group before your own?
The answer to both of these questions needs to be yes. Because when great leadership is present, great things happen.
Vinnie Tracey is president of RE/MAX, LLC. For more information, visit www.remax.com.
