A couple of totally independent events recently have had me thinking.
The first was a lunch I had with NEFAR’s outgoing president, Millie Kanyar, and past president Selby Kaiser. At Bailey Publishing & Communications we’re always examining what we do; looking for a better way and seeking new ideas, and I wanted to talk with Millie and Selby about how Realty/Builder Connection might better serve realtors and builders in North Florida.
About a year ago, our team at Bailey Publishing spent time reflecting on what we do as a company and how we can improve. One result of this self-examination is how we now identify ourselves. Our job at Bailey: We make you better.
And, it was with that premise in mind that I asked Millie and Selby: What can we do at Realty/Builder Connection to make you better?
It was a lively discussion, and perhaps the most interesting part of the conversation focused on the importance of continually seeking and training new leaders for NEFAR. There’s always a great need for leadership in any organization, especially in bringing fresh faces and energy into position of responsibility.
It’s my experience that when an organization tends to depend on the same people all of the time, it tends to grow stale and eventually it can become irrelevant.
That’s not to discount the great importance of institutional knowledge and people who provide strong continuous leadership as part of their everyday lives, which leads me to the second event: the passing of our great friend George Linville, an uncommon human being.
George not only touched everyone who knew him, but he also left his positive mark on the lives of thousands upon thousands of strangers.
His business was real estate and he was an iconic figure in our industry. His contributions to improving education for our children are legendary. As a Rotarian, George was a giant in his embodiment of the civic club’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Former Mayor Hans Tanzler called him “Mr. Enthusiasm.”
But, most of all George Linville was a leader in the truest sense.
I first met George in 1978 when I bought my first home. Not only did he sell me the home, his mother held the mortgage. George took a young couple and led them through the process of home buying.
That experience made me understand the importance of Realtors and how they can make a difference.
His compassion and experience led to a 30-year friendship that I will always cherish.
The story in The Florida Times-Union about his death said that George had been active in more than 60 clubs and civic organizations. “Active” is the key word when you’re taking about George.
Heading an organization was not a titular or passive experience for George.
He believed that if he accepted a position of leadership, it was his responsibility to see that organization succeed. If George was handed the gavel, he used it focus everyone’s attention on the goals and objectives.
And, like all great leaders, George believed in sharing his values with others in hopes that he could inspire them to become leaders themselves.
I probably have a hundred different stories I could share about George, but suffice it to say that when he was in charge, he not only expected you to participate, he almost demanded it. George didn’t just invite you to a meeting; he reminded you, and if necessary, he’d find transportation to get you there.
Like George Linville, I’m a strong believer in leadership. And, like George, I also believe that leadership alone is nothing without teamwork.
Believe me. George Linville knew that working together and sharing positive attitudes are the keys to any successful organization like NEFAR or NEFBA.
As we move into the final days of 2009 and begin to look forward to what we all hope will be a better year, I hope you’ll keep in mind that NEFAR and NEFBA need you to step up and take responsibility for the success and sustainability of the organizations.
In the name of George Linville, join a committee and make a difference. Then become a chair and make a real mark. And don’t stop there in your involvement and join people like Millie and Selby and our late friend George on the roster of leadership.
We’ll all be better off for it.
— Jim Bailey is president of Bailey Publishing & Communications Inc. and publisher of Realty/Builder Connection.