Well, Dane Leslie has his hands full, and I’m sure he knows that his life is about to change, at least a little, as he takes the helm of NEFAR as its president.
NEFAR’s membership is down because the number of agents is down. And, there’s little doubt that given the steady drum beat of a flailing economy, the agents and members who remain are down in their spirits and probably feeling a little beat up. It’s been a very long search for the light at the end of the tunnel, and the continuing uncertainty is very tiring.
One of Dane’s challenges will be to position NEFAR so that it’s ready for that day when the prosperity returns; when people will again have faith in our economy and begin buying homes. He must continue to row the boat he’s in, but he can’t afford to just focus on the status quo. He must always have an eye on a better future and be prepared when it comes.
That’s what leaders do.
One reason that I feel good about the real estate future in North Florida is because of the strong leaders on the ladder. Carol Hill is doing a wonderful job this year and there’s no question that despite the challenges, Dane will keep things rolling.
It’s very seldom that a leader takes over a business or an organization that’s in a perfect situation where everything is running fine and the leader’s job is to just not screw up. It does happen, but not often.
Instead, more often than not, new leaders must always face the great challenges of change; what can I do to make things better? How do I make sure I have the right people in the right seats on the bus? How do I set a vision and direction and get everyone to buy-in?
How can Dane take hold of NEFAR and lift its spirits and lead it to a better day?
Well, he hasn’t asked my advice, but I want to share five things that I’ve often used, recognizing that Dane is just one person, and that success is a team effort. How, given the current environment, does he get everyone in NEFAR to step up and work together?
1. Work as a team.
Now is the time when we must stand united and be supportive of each other.
2. Collaborate with each other to resolve problems.
3. Communicate now more with ever.
4. Everyone should become involved to help find solutions and plan for the future.
5. And, BELIEVE!
If we work together and we’re committed to each other’s success, we’ll not only survive, NEFAR will achieve excellence.
— Jim Bailey is president of Bailey Publishing & Communications and publisher of Realty/Builder Connection.