Leading the Way: The Need for Strong Industry Leaders

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to be “born leaders?” They have a certain charisma that draws positive attention, that piques the interest of others, and promotes confidence and trust. They are societal magnets whose personalities are infectious, and their reputation is beyond reproach. We’ve all heard the adage that says, “Leaders are born, not made,” and although we all have innate abilities and talents, being an effective leader is much like any other talent – it requires practice, commitment, education, and hard-earned experience to hone your craft and refine your skills. So, what is the recipe for making an effective leader, and why are they so essential in our industry?

HOW DO YOU DEFINE A GOOD LEADER?

So, first things first… what defines a good leader? This is a somewhat subjective term since leadership can come in all shapes and sizes, but RASM turned to some of our esteemed industry leaders to help quantify and clarify a few key characteristics of great leaders.

“In my opinion, a leader leads by example by offering inspiration, expertise, and influence,” said Brian J. Partie, Jr. PA., Real Estate Advisor and Executive Leader with Preferred Shore Real Estate. “A leader exemplifies integrity and realizes that they directly and indirectly serve a diverse and multi-faceted audience that stretches well beyond the buyer, seller, and investor. Leaders in the real estate industry serve the community by giving back and enriching a collective culture of live, work, and play. They serve colleague REALTORS® when it comes to exchanging best practices, collaborating on transactions, and continuing to raise the bar for excellence across the profession. They also serve business partners, such as lenders, wealth managers, inspectors, and attorneys, necessary to provide a seamless and holistic customer experience during and long after the transaction closes. Leaders are solution-based and focused on outcomes that best serve all parties involved in a fair and equitable way.”

Effective leaders help us all in countless ways, and reliable leadership in real estate is essential for success in our very competitive and dynamic industry. They possess a unique set of skills that enable them to navigate complex transactions and build strong relationships. They also encourage their teams to achieve their goals while mentoring the next generation of leaders. It’s so much more than a job title; being a great leader means having a positive and long-lasting impact on those you lead.

“When thinking of leadership, one generally thinks of positional authority by virtue of role or perhaps those leading the largest real estate organizations in the country,” said Budge Huskey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “Actually, it’s about influencing positive change, serving as an example, and elevating others to be their best around a common mission. In my over forty years, I’ve had the fortune of interacting with so many great leaders across the industry, yet I’ve also witnessed senior-level people in large companies who were anything but. I’ve also spent time with great leaders who will never be acknowledged as they will never enjoy the deserved platform of a large enterprise. Too many rankings are about how many people are below you on an org chart rather than how many lives you have changed.”

So, while there is no one-size-fits-all definition for a strong leader, there are a short handful of important skill sets that can help us define it even better:

1. Industry Knowledge: Successful real estate leaders have a deep understanding of the market, including current trends, local market conditions, and the legal and financial aspects of real estate transactions.
2. Ethical Conduct: Real estate leaders should operate with the highest ethical standards. Trust is paramount in this industry, and unethical behavior can quickly damage a reputation.
3. Adaptability: Leaders must be open to new ideas and technologies. They should be quick to adjust their strategies in response to market shifts, and keep up-to-date on changing technological advancements.
4. Vision: Leaders in real estate often have a clear vision for their business or team. They set goals and develop strategies to achieve them. This vision helps guide decision-making and motivates their team.
5. Continuous Education: A good leader makes ongoing education a top priority. Staying up to date on changing regulations and laws is essential to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.

BECOMING A LEADER

Becoming an effective leader takes a commitment of time and dedication. It doesn’t happen overnight.

“There’s a price to be paid for everything worthwhile, and if being a leader is worth it to you, then you have to be ready to put in the time, education, and commitment,” said Michael Saunders, Founder and CEO, Michael Saunders & Company. “Being a good leader takes many things, including a positive attitude, enthusiasm, empathy, grit, being a great listener, and never giving up. In addition, a leader needs to be educated and know the market inside and out. Educate yourself on the national market, the regional market, and your local market. We need to know all the inventory and all about the new construction. You need to know a good attorney and engineer that you can refer to when questions arise, and they will. And at the bottom of it all, we must truly care about making a difference in people’s lives. That is how we lead by example and prepare the leaders of tomorrow.”

WHY ARE STRONG LEADERS NEEDED?

Leaders provide a roadmap of guidelines and warnings of potential pitfalls that could, at the least, result in losing the deal but, at worst, could land a REALTOR® in hot water with an ethical complaint.

“Quite simply, they are the ones required to envision a better future and inspire others to accomplish more than they otherwise would,” said Huskey. “They are vital as a moral compass for their organizations and to articulate the expected values. Ultimately, it is with great leaders that the needed things consistently get done.”

Like so many other industries, real estate has become more and more competitive over the past few years. The demand to be the best in your field is stronger than ever, and any advantage we receive could mean all the difference.

“Strong leaders are the future of ANY industry, and ANY industry is ONLY as good as their pipeline of future talent… those committed to their craft and becoming more effective serving their constituents,” added Partie. “Real estate, at its basic level, is a place of shelter. At its more complex level, it is an investment pathway to wealth building. For most, real estate is the single most expensive transaction they’ll experience in their lives, and as such, the transaction cycle can be emotionally charged. As Realtors®, we serve as advisors in a fast-paced, tech-enabled, ever-evolving industry, and as such, strong leaders are needed who can stay ahead of the trends, forecast shifting markets and needs, balance the legalities associated with ethically conducting business while also offering the critical human component demanded by customers.”

RASM’S PATHWAY TO LEADERSHIP

At RASM, leadership is such a pivotal subject that we have devoted resources to creating a Pathway to Leadership program to help train the leaders of tomorrow. RASM is committed to cultivating a future that thrives on effective leadership. Our mission is to empower individuals by offering comprehensive resources and a well-defined framework, enabling them to nurture their skills and emerge as dynamic leaders. Whether your aspiration is to assume a leadership role within RASM or to make a difference wherever your passion lies, we provide numerous avenues for involvement that will guide you on a transformative path to leadership.

RASM Leadership Academy. One of the possible steps towards leadership is taking advantage of RASM’s Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is a rigorous program designed to train emerging REALTOR® leaders who want to get involved, make a difference, grow their business, and expand their leadership skills. Our Leadership Academy offers REALTOR® members the opportunity to learn new skills and prepare for future leadership roles on committees, the RASM Board of Directors, as well as leadership positions with Florida REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This program requires dedicating at least 3-5 hours a month and includes an application process. For more information, visit www.myrasm.com/leadership-academy.

Committee Work. Committees are, in a sense, what keeps the organization running. Committees are responsible for developing education sessions, community involvement, recommending new programs and services to the Board of Directors, event planning, and much more.

Involvement & Participation. Learning begins through participation, so don’t just sit on the sidelines; get out there and participate. Become an ambassador and connect with career-minded members by participating in Specialty Groups such as YPN, GBC, and CREA. Join RASM meetings, networking events, or socials posted monthly on the RASM website calendar.

Getting Noticed. Put yourself where leadership will notice you and appreciate what you do. RASM has opportunities to give back through Community Outreach and our RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. Award programs show dedication and prestige with an annual recognition for REALTOR® of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Distinguished Service, and more. The Young Professionals Network also features an annual REALTORS® to Watch under 40 recognition. The benefits are endless, with business opportunities, friendships, and personal growth.

Finding a Mentor. Look for a potential mentor who can guide you from membership to leadership. Reach out to current leadership or past presidents, committee chairs, your office Broker, or manager. All are great examples of potential mentors.

“Becoming a leader is a lifelong process that involves personal growth, skill development, and gaining experience,” said Amy Worth, Broker Associate with RE/MAX Platinum Realty, and current Florida REALTORS® District 13 Vice President. “Leadership is a continuous journey. There is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a leader. Your leadership style will evolve over time, and adaptability is a key attribute of effective leaders. Stay committed to personal growth and improvement, and embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way. Continuously seek opportunities to learn, grow, and adapt to changing circumstances. Demonstrate the qualities you want to see in others. Integrity, accountability, and professionalism are vital.”

RASM STRUCTURE: LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

There are several leadership opportunities at RASM. We believe that leadership is the driving force behind our organization’s success. As a member, you can engage with our esteemed Executive Committee, serve on the Board of Directors, contribute to impactful committees, and be an essential part of our vibrant community. Together, we shape the future of the association.

Executive Committee

Guiding our Path: Our Executive Committee comprises influential leaders, including the President, President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer, Immediate Past President, and the CEO. This esteemed group reports to the Board of Directors and plays a crucial role in the development of our strategic plan and the oversight of our organization’s activities.

Board Of Directors

Your Seat at the Decision-Making Table: As a member of the Board of Directors, you hold a pivotal role in shaping the future of RASM and making significant contributions to the industry. Members from various firms come together to supervise our organization’s activities, ensuring financial stability, overseeing budgeting processes, and addressing committee needs. Members are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors after two years of active membership within RASM.

Committees

The Heartbeat of Our Association: Our committees are the lifeblood of RASM, driving progress, and innovation. Led by a Chair, Vice Chair, and dedicated members, these committees are responsible for recommending and implementing actions that enhance our organization and align with our strategic plan. From developing educational sessions to community involvement, advocating for policy issues to planning events, our committees play a vital role in shaping the direction and services we offer to our members.

“Leadership is not a popularity contest, and true leaders mostly emerge over the years by challenging themselves to grow into something they weren’t before,” said Huskey. “To lead, you must seek out positions of leadership. Whether it’s business, community, charitable, etc., you must earn the right to demonstrate your capabilities and gain the confidence and trust of others. Yet, to do so, you must first prove your value in a role without authority. Too many people want accolades and attention without first shining as a common member of a team. Those seeking leadership should focus on long-term relationships and meaningful connections rather than short-term rewards and high visibility. And above all, they must be willing to put in what it takes to gain the respect of others who will be asked to go above and beyond. In the end, it is work!”

ADVICE FOR TOMORROW: STEP IT UP

Preparation, planning, and focusing on the needs of tomorrow are keys to a successful future. Just like we save our money for retirement, we need to plan now and invest in the leaders of tomorrow. And that investment needs to start today. Our leaders of today have the added pressure of preparing the next generation of leaders. Sometimes it feels more comfortable to sit back and let someone else take the lead, but if we all have that mindset, we fail to prepare for tomorrow.

“Leadership is not simply about your path to realizing your personal goals, but the long-term sustainability of your organization long after you’re gone,” said Huskey. “Too many times, there are insufficient plans in place for succession. The world needs leaders to step up if we are to navigate not only the complex challenges of the business world but also within our overarching macro and political environment. None of the great problems are solved, nor opportunities realized, without leaders. Ultimately, we all need to be keen observers of the future leaders within our midst and encourage them to pursue the opportunities that will allow them to be tested and prepared to take over where we left off.”

We owe a great deal to our respected leaders. They empower countless others to reach more than they thought possible. They lead by example and use everyday experiences as teachable moments. They also conduct themselves with respect in all regards, whether speaking in public, posting on social media, or interacting one-on-one.

“I would encourage our leaders of tomorrow to balance your personal and professional life,” said Worth. “Taking care of your well-being is crucial for long-term leadership success. Build strong relationships. Invest in building and nurturing relationships with colleagues and mentors. These connections are invaluable. Remember that leadership is not about a title or a position. It is about the impact you have on others and the positive change you can bring to an organization and those around you. As a leader of tomorrow, your potential to make a difference is without limit. Embrace these principles and continue to evolve as a leader, and you will be well-equipped to face challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”