Event Coverage
Leadership Workshop Focuses on Core Values, Consensus Building, Political Advocacy
Yesterday's "Learn to be a Leader" workshop, whose goal was to aspire and mentor REALTORS® to be leaders in real estate and in their respective communities, included participants from SILVAR, the Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS®, the Filipino American Real Estate Professionals Association (FAREPA) and Women's Council of REALTORS® (WCR).
The workshop began with a presentation by Linda Lee, National Association of REALTORS® President Liaison to China and Hong Kong and past state president of WCR and the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®. Lee set the tone by relating how she got involved and took on numerous leadership roles in local, state and national associations. Lee explained getting involved was her way of giving back to the community and not to obtain titles to add to her name. The return has been tenfold personally and professionally. Involvement expanded her horizon, made her more educated, resourceful and knowledgeable.
"Get involved in something you are passionate about," urged Lee.
Lee said associations need the right leadership to foster, with leaders giving their best effort at all times with 100 percent transparency "because people need to believe you are watching over their interests."
"My core belief is to be real and be authentic. Don't let your ego overtake you, be very respectful to staff. Take the high road and don't engage in negativity. Above all else, stay away from drama," said Lee.
Abiding by these tenets, Lee has risen to the top of her business. Asked how she can do both - volunteer and be successful as a top producer, Lee replied she focuses 100 percent on what she is doing at that point in time, despite being in another part of the world, whether it is helping a client or at dinner with friends and family. She uses the latest apps and has help from her personal assistant.
She noted, "No matter where I am, I'm always working."
Lee said real estate can be a very rewarding career, but it depends on how you manage it. What is important in leadership, as well as being a good agent, are your core values.
In closing, Lee advised REALTORS®, "Invest in yourselves and in your retirement. Don't be a burden to anybody."
NAR Leadership Academy facilitator Suzanne Yost conducted the REALTOR® Leadership 200 course, which touched on many topics relating to governance, fairness, transparency. The interactive course included group discussions and several exercises that highlighted building consensus, including behavior at meetings and conflict resolution.
One exercise demonstrated two basic tools of consensus. Yost asked participants grouped in pairs to repeat what the other person is saying so they are able to actually listen and clarify. Yost asked, "Are you listening to what the other person is saying, or are you merely waiting to speak?" She said the exercise is a standard mediation technique and can also be helpful when working with clients.
Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian's talk on political advocacy ended the workshop on a high note. He shared his 13 tips for successful political advocacy, weaving in his experiences as a Santa Clara County Supervisor, as a member of the California State Senate and California State Assembly, mayor of Palo Alto, and president of the Palo Alto School Board.
Simitian's 13 tips include: develop a relationship with the Member or staff before you arrive; understand what motivates them and why you care; understand what is possible and what is not; find a "floor manager"; tell them what you want; bring them solutions, not problems; describe elements of a solution rather than insist on your solution; do not chastise, insult or threaten a Member or his staff; sometimes less is more; layer your campaign; persistence pays off; make it easy to say yes; and always thank the member and his staff.
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The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.