By Tami Bonnell, Co-Chair, EXIT Realty Corp. International
Every time I am asked to speak two things happen: I feel honored, like I’m on the right path, and then I feel pressure to make sure whatever I speak about does the most good. There are a great many stressors in the world today. What can I say that has an impact? If so many are struggling to make ends meet, is it appropriate to talk about those who are thriving? Problems will always exist, but I genuinely hope that this information can lead you towards your greatest potential.
There are endless quotes, books, and information available on leadership. Like most things, the approach isn’t one size fits all. To truly find what resonates you need to know what you want, why you want it and how bad you want it. How bad you want it will tell you if you’re heading in the right direction.
Growing as a leader is incredibly important. As a community leader, in your office, on a team, here are some tips that will help you wherever you lead.
- Get to know the people you serve – We’re all different, knowing your people helps you to best serve them. Maybe they prefer text over email. Maybe they want to discuss their weekend, maybe they want to get right down to business. Knowing the difference is one thing, using that information is key.
- Rate yourself on relationships from 1-10 – If you are at a 7, how do you get to an 8? It doesn’t have to be a long jump. You don’t have to go from 7 to 10, but you should be looking at what you can improve upon. More often than not it’s simpler than you think.
- Take two minutes a day to focus on how you want the day to go – intentional focus gives your mind a guide. You imagine what you want, truly envision it and that helps you set a plan in motion.
- Meet with one leader a week – Find ways to help. Sometimes it can be connecting people that can benefit from one another. Other times you can sit back and absorb what is working for them and try implementing that in your own systems.
- Have a dirty dozen – This is a dozen people that work on or in the business, so you are constantly aware of every facet.
- Invest in your strengths – we are all really good at a few specific things, focusing on those areas will help you lead better and give you your biggest return.
- Catch people doing something good – Have you ever seen someone in the most beautiful outfit and wanted to tell them how great they looked? This is similar. When you see somebody doing something that impacts you in a good way, let them know! Let other people know! You won’t regret it.
- Have an action plan – This helps you to maximize on your time and every opportunity. Book off four hours a month to plan in advance.
- Lead with compassion – Because you can.
