Leaders....are you one?

Leading is about commitment. You must be committed to learning, communication, team building, accountability, adaptability, persistence and focus.

To be a leader in our field, you must know what you are talking about. Clients and customers today are more savvy than they were in the past. With 24 hour news channels, the internet, and “water cooler” talk people have access to more information and are better educated than ever before. It is your job as an industry leader to disseminate this information and relay if the information is accurate, up to date, or relevant to our market. Your education process can differentiate you from others in the field. Start learning and start earning!

Communication on all levels is critical to being a leader as well. You need to have the ability to communicate your value to the public, your differentiating factor to those you encounter with sincerity, and have consistency in your message. Additionally, communication with your team is paramount. The people on your team need to know where you are leading them and why. Meet with your team regularly to share your ideas, concepts and plans for the future. The best leaders encourage and solicit feedback to facilitate growth.



Team building enhances productivity, creates efficiencies in your business, and helps not only you, but those on your team grow by exploiting strengths everyone possesses. Take the time to analyze your team’s systems and process to eliminate duplication and streamline processes to make everyone more effective and productive. A well organized, top performing team that allows everyone to utilize their strengths will operate at their peak performance and attain success in any market.

Leading by example is critical in any organization – walk your talk and they will follow. The phrase, “do as I say, not as I do” is one reason many organizations fail – avoid this trap. One way to accomplish this is to hold yourself accountable to your team and your team with you with written goals, to do lists and task sheets and review them regularly. People will follow those who practice what they preach. The sense of accomplishment is a huge motivator.



As the market adjusts, it is critical for you to recognize how it has changed and revise your plan accordingly for success. Your ability to adapt to your market quickly and in the right direction will propel your business forward and others will follow.

Your efforts need to be consistent and persistent. You must recognize that race to success is a marathon and not a sprint and your efforts need to reflect this belief. In the regular analysis of your business, determine which efforts reap you the greatest results and put more energy, resources and time into taking advantage of these opportunities. Trying something once in a while or inconsistently won’t produce you results that you can build upon to grow your business. Additionally, the message you convey must be consistent and portray your core values, and mission statement. Consistency is a key to success and leadership.

Your focus is another area to concentrate your energy on as a successful leader. Focus on your commitment to your clients, your team, your business, your efforts, the message you deliver and you will develop into a leader. Focus on your daily activities and what matters most to produce results and success will follow. Focus on starting every day with a positive attitude, a high energy level, and the mindset of giving your best effort in every situation and people will follow. Focus will carry you through on completion of your goals and objectives and will aid in your development as a leader in any market.