Reflections On Leadership For Real Estate Professionals
This is the time of year when many real estate professionals begin to reflect on their current situation and how they got there. Some are reflecting on charity and their contributions to society while others are focusing on the direction they intend to head. Either way, they are most likely trying to figure out how to achieve more of what they really want in the New Year. They will often contrast what they want with what they have previously done. Whether real estate agent, owner of a title insurance business, a real estate attorney, coach, or even a solo real estate investor, a lot of these titles correlate to a leadership role. All of these individuals are leaders whether they realize it or not. This title brings up many questions. For instance, what does it mean to be a leader? What responsibilities come with the leadership role? How do you find a better balance? More importantly, however, how do you ensure a longer and more significant reign in that leadership position? The very nature of the term ‘leader’ infers certain responsibilities and obligations. However, the meaning of being a leader has been evolving over time. The world, and especially the global business community, seems to have little patience or tolerance for dictators. In essence, leadership is becoming more about not just leading by example, but guiding and nurturing a tribe instead. Leaders that don’t get this, or that refuse to conform, don’t seem to get to enjoy their thrones for as long as they did in the past. Leaders must be invested in and working towards the common good if they expect to remain in power. In the case of a real estate agent, this may just mean the interest of home buyers and sellers. For mortgage company owners, it might be their shareholders and the national economy. For a real estate investors, there can be increased pressure to help society on a broader level and to fight for social good in their neighborhoods. Some may argue this an unfair or unequal burden. Yet, others may see this as a privilege. Whichever way you feel, there is a necessity to maintain certain public and private balances. This is in addition to balancing the age old work-life adage. This really comes down to real estate pros effectively balancing what is in the best interest of their teams, clients, investors, neighbors, the planet and families. This almost seems like it puts a real estate career on par with being a superhero. However, it doesn’t have to be that daunting. It’s really just a matter of planning and coordinating to the best of your ability. You don’t have to save the planet tomorrow, solve all of your city’s social issues by next month or be a multimillionaire. In fact, take on too much and you could burn out or go broke before you get there. Look for ways to leverage those you lead to accomplish these goals and stick to sound time management and financial principles in order to have a bigger impact.