June 2025 GOOD News True leaders listen to their employees

True leaders listen to their employees

Too often, people confuse leadership with titles, positions, or popularity. But in my world—and maybe in yours, too—leadership has nothing to do with your business card or the number of people who report to you. It involves leading by example, lifting others up, and helping people believe in themselves.

Real leaders don’t just talk about what should be done—they show people how to do it. They don’t sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to step up. They are the ones who step up. Leadership is about influence, not authority. It’s about doing the right thing even when it’s hard, even when no one’s watching, and even when there’s no credit to be gained. Leaders own their mistakes, give credit to the team, and stand tall when things get tough.

A leader is a person that others want to follow—not because they have to, but because they’re inspired to. True leaders care about people, not just performance. They mentor, they serve, they encourage. And most of all, they lead with integrity. That’s the kind of leader I want to be—and I hope you feel the same way.

I have always believed the BEST leaders listen to their team. They listen to their employees because they know that their own way of doing something isn’t always the best way.  When I am suggesting new ideas or procedures in my own company I always ask for the opinions of my leadership team as well as all the associates. This helps me get better, and it helps me understand what is important to the people in my company. I lead and make decisions by committee and not just by doing what is important to me. I prefer to be around people who are not afraid to give me their opinion on the best way to get things done.

A true leader lives and breathes the 5 D’s of Success:

• Drive – They keep going even when the road gets rough.
• Desire – They genuinely want to make a difference and help others rise.
• Determination – They push through the setbacks and refuse to quit.
• Discipline – They do what needs to be done, even when they don’t feel like doing it.
• Decision – They make bold, clear choices that align with their values and mission.

Lately, I have witnessed a decline in leadership in every industry. It is the topic of conversation in most of my circles. I believe that if someone is not willing to lead by example, they should consider letting somebody else take their place. People emulate leaders, they follow leaders, they hang on to every word a leader has to say. Leaders are charged with doing the right thing. Everybody is watching!

Being a great leader isn’t about being in charge. It’s about setting an example. I have always believed in leading by example. I am one of only a few real estate brokers that I am aware of who are still helping people buy and sell homes. Why am I doing this after 42 years in the real estate business? Because I want to lead by example. I want to show my associates how it’s done, not just tell them how to do things. Leading by example makes me a better leader and also a better motivational speaker and sales trainer. I like to say that I’ve been there and done that and I’m still doing it. In my opinion, this is how you lead.

Just remember that you don’t have to be a great leader to get started, you just have to get started on your quest if you want to become a great leader.