Leadership is honesty and integrity and hard work. It’s not a mystery. All over the world, the most revered leaders are those who demonstrate a consistent set of values and inspire others to do the same.
Let’s take a look at some leadership proverbs from around the world and see how they might relate to your brokerage.
1. Great chiefs prove their worthiness – Seneca
Meaning: Leadership is not a hand out. A leader is one who has earned the title and must continue to earn it by proving their worth to the people they seek to lead.
What this means to you: To recruit and retain top agents, a broker must continually reinforce their value proposition to their agents. Take a look at your numbers and recognize top producers at regular sales meetings, reward agents who best embody your company standards, coach agents who have trouble closing deals. Show them that you value them and they will value you in return.
2. Never cut what can be untied—Portugal
Meaning: Don’t destroy something if you can fix it first.
What this means to you: Just because an agent is struggling, doesn’t mean s/he is a lost cause. When you are able to identify an agent’s weaknesses—whether it’s presentation, negotiation, or communication skills—you’re also able to do something about it. Think of their weaknesses like a muscle. With the right attention and training, even a weak muscle will gain strength.
3. High trees catch a lot of wind—The Netherlands
Meaning: Success will garner much attention—which may be troublesome.
What this means to you: The broker is in the highest position in the company and, good or bad, will catch flak from agents, admins, vendors and anybody else with your email address. There is no sense fighting this—it’s inevitable. The only way to overcome this flak is to embrace it. Listen to your staff. Listen to your vendors. Their issues are real to them and should be vetted accordingly. Only when the issue is heard can it be interpreted and acted on. Your fairness in these matters will be noticed by all.
4. Example is the best precept - Aesop
Meaning: ‘Precept’ is a “general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.” This proverb is saying that advice can only take you so far. It is far more useful to do something as an example to others than it is to tell them.
What this means to you: You’re in control of your own actions. When you show your team how hard you work, they will do the same. Help your admins when they need you. Change the paper in the printer. Sweep the floor when it’s dirty. Empty the dishwasher when it’s full. Don’t just tell your agents that you value them: show them. Don’t just expect your agents to be busy: give them more leads.
Don’t just read this blog about being a leader: be one!
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