by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
The final quarter of 2006 was not good for the real estate industry but some say the hardships will produce the best leaders.
There are plenty in this area - 17, in fact, who have been elected to lead area councils and associations in the real estate and construction industries.
Maxine McBride, president of Clockwork Marketing, spends a lot of time paying attention to area leaders in the industry and says the best leaders are people who have gone through hard times.
“A lot of people in the industry feel beaten up, especially after the last quarter,” said McBride. “We look to leaders and feel supported. When we see our strong leaders say ‘It will come to an end’ and ‘It will be good,’ we’re assured.
“There’s a handful that are really good at it like Linda Sherrer (of Prudential) and Bryan Lendry ( of Brylen Homes). He’s taken the industry’s issues a level above and really stood out in this quarter. I admire him for that.”
McBride said real estate is a risk-taking business and smart business people and leaders should have share instincts strength.
“Residential real estate in the most important purchase anybody makes in life, and the market was a challenge in 2006,” said McBride. “Strong leaders are those who can be open minded, look at data and present what’s happening. It’s important for consumers.”
The role of leaders has been analyzed and discussed for years and there are numerous definitions of what a leader is.
Theodore Hesburgh, past president of the University of Notre Dame, said, As a manager, director of sales for Hines and oldest of six children, Naomi Lumley said she was born into leadership. She had more ideas about what a leader’s role is.
“I believe that to be a good and effective leader you must own certain qualities,” said Lumley. “The number one clue to be a good leader is: Are you comfortable with putting others before yourself? As a leader you must be willing to become the coach.
“Patience and good communication is a must have. A leader must always be ethical 24 hours a day, set high goals for her team, involve the team in decisions - but be strong enough to overrule when necessary, learn to listen and know how to give constructive feedback.”
Meet the new leaders in profiles compiled by Michele Newbern Gillis and Miranda G. McLeod.