Be a Leader, not a Follower

Bob Walters True PM

An article by Bob Walters.

As a leader you will be required to implement and administer strategies, as well as master the skills needed to inspire others to achieve excellence. To be an effective leader a wide range of skills need to be mastered. In property management you will not only use your leadership skills when dealing with staff, but also a wide range of skills when you are dealing with landlords, tenants, tradespeople, accountants, solicitors, valuers and salespeople.

To overcome the hurdles in your day to day life and achieve desired results you need to make maximum use of your leadership skills.

For great success, always work on improving yourself. Build your confidence by reflecting on your success stories when you notice that you are starting to become anxious. For example, if you normally become nervous with a new client, reflect on past success stories and then imagine doing well this time around.

Great leaders look, sound and act convincing. They take steps to increase their confidence, improve their ability to empathise with others, and build trusting relationships.

Building on your strengths:

1.Persistence – Don't give up, don't take no for an answer.

2.Consistency – Deliver an exceptional level of work each and every time you are asked to do something.

3.Commitment – Always totally engage in everything you do.

4.Discerning – Make good judgements, know what is good for you and what is not.

5.Understanding – Always show empathy to other people's situations and actions.

6.Knowledge - Keep up with current affairs, real estate topics and organisational matters and subtly display your in-depth knowledge.

Promote a positive team culture, so that in the hard times your team can synergise to increase productivity. As a leader be aware of people's needs and interests, so that you can work together to reach mutually beneficial goals and solutions.

  • If you are going to achieve your goals, teamwork is essential.
  • Always aim to understand other people's feelings, understand that effective influence stems from two way dialogue.
  • Emphasise what you have in common with others, rather than what divides you.
  • Showing interest in other people will make them more receptive to what you say.

As a leader try not to force other people to accept your ideas as this can result in resentment. To engage people more effectively sometimes you will need to adapt your ideas to their needs. Never ask people to accept your ideas before getting their opinion. Take on board other people's body language when you suggest an idea.

It is always a good idea to create a list, prior to a meeting or appointment of the reasons why you think people will or will not go along with your ideas. Use these points to pre-empt any objections then prepare your response based on the person's view.

You will win people's hearts along the way when you respect their aspirations, interests and concerns.