Leading by Example: Power Team Tips

The topic of leadership is complex, and one that many of us struggle to understand. More importantly, many of us struggle to even become effective leaders. I’ve been a team leader for more than 30 years, in addition to a franchise owner for the past 16. As I’ve evolved in my career, I’ve come to understand that there are a few key components to good leadership.

The right person in the right seat. This is a concept you can read more about in Jim Collins’ “Good to Great.” It’s essential that you have the right person in the right job within your company or on your team. You may have a great hire, but if they lack the skill or passion for the specific job function, there may be a different seat they can be moved to that would provide a better fit. A DISC assessment will help you determine if their natural abilities and traits are right for the job. Keeping someone in a position that isn’t rewarding for them will bring your whole organization down. Be quick to fire, but slow to hire. A good leader will make the tough decisions when no one else will because it’s what’s in the best interest of the whole company.

Trust. If you don’t trust the person on your payroll, you need to take a closer look as to why. Sometimes trust is a matter of additional training, better systems or learning to let go of the need to be in control. In order to leverage your team, those people working for you have to believe that you trust them, and that they can trust you to be the leader they need you to be.

Delegation. I used to believe that I was the best at installing a yard sign. In fact, no one else could do it like me. And I was right. But I also learned that installing a sign was not the highest and best use of my time. I had to delegate the task and let go of the need to do it my way. Empowering your people to make decisions and think outside the box is part of effective leadership. With the right training, and trust in the person to do the job, delegation is easy.

Lead by example. The most important and quickest way to leverage leadership is to lead by example. You must intentionally and consistently walk your talk if you want those around you to respect you as a good leader.

Nate Martinez is the broker/co-owner at RE/MAX Professionals located in Glendale, Ariz. Nate has 30 years of experience in real estate, is seasoned in negotiations and a designated ABR®, CRS, GRI, e-PRO® and SFR®, among other certifications. Martinez firmly believes in the value of education, having trained hundreds of real estate professionals as a speaker, and is currently a coach with Workman Success Systems. Contact him at natem@remax.net.