Blazing Lessons for Association Leaders

I make an effort never to begin a post with “This is me.” But this graphic reminds me of me. Driving home from the MAR leadership academy. Blazing across I-70 at 7pm. No radio, but plenty to think about.

Missouri Association of REALTORS® puts 13 leaders though a series of education, exposure to and the practice of leadership. I’m sure many of you do something similar in your state.

I presented the communications module. The sessions include a leadership simulation, PR (spokesperson) training and Writing for Leaders. Communications – after all – is a leadership challenge!

Three hours focusing on writing for the member, not about “yourself.” Three hours of energetic discussion about how to make better connections with members (or clients, or employees).

When we finished, the key learnings (from the voice of the Leadership Academy participants) ranked like this:

1. Remembering to ask “Who is the Audience?” for every piece of association (and brokerage) business
2. Simplify, simplify, simplify; Less IS MORE
3. Focus on the Benefit in writing, advertising, promoting or speaking
4. Take advantage of the R® Brand

It’s like Dale Carnegie once said: “It’s common sense, but not common practice.” These are lessons every volunteer, business person, association staff person, and emerging leaders need to hear to represent your association well.

For more information about the workshop, click here. There are versions for CE (for members), Emerging Leaders, and Associations Staff.