Here are thoughts from current Academy participants on their roles as liaison and when asked: “What role has your participation played in building better relationships and building business opportunities between REALTORS here and outside the U.S.”

Hanne Sagalowsky, Liaison to Denmark

For Hanne Sagalowsky, the international real estate environment was a natural fit. “I grew up in Denmark, but I’ve lived here for more of my life,” she said. “I was partly educated in a different culture.

“I think that we’re still waiting for more business opportunities to open up with Denmark,” she said. “My involvement with the Academy gives everyone involved a better understanding of how NAR works. That’s really the main thing: You get all the connections together and figure out how the wheels work together.”

Sagalowsky’s previous volunteer leadership positions provided the ideal experience to maximize her role as liaison. “The work I’ve done on the state and local levels made me better informed,” she said. “And that, obviously, makes me a better REALTOR.”

Baryalai (Baro) K. Shalizi, Liaison to India

Baro Shalizi is liaison to a nation with a rapidly growing economy, and one that adopted the REALTOR name as part of its emerging national real estate organization. He found Academy training helped sharpen skills he had in place.

“The key benefit of the Academy is the leadership skills it provides added to the knowledge of the workings of a national association,” he said. “I always was aware of what it meant to be a leader, but the training really helped polish those skills.

“To me, one of the key elements of being a REALTOR is helping people. I’ve learned to look beyond myself and work within the team. I learned how to mediate and help act as that magnet that pulls individuals together. That’s one way the Academy training and experience will help me develop business opportunities for REALTORS in India.”

Francisco Angulo, Liaison to Venezuela

A native of Venezuela, Francisco Angulo literally made his presence known on the international stage as part of a REALTOR delegation that was visiting Argentina.

“I was asked to be the translator for (2009 REALTOR President) Charles McMillan,” Angulo recalled. “After lunch, I found myself onstage translating before a group of 700 people.”

Angulo praised the Academy program for the “bonding and friendship” built among participants the examples set within the real estate community here and outside the U.S. “One great benefit of the Academy, at least for me, is that it has enhanced the reputation of U.S. Realtors everywhere,” he said. “We’re leading by example, and we’re becoming more engaged and knowledgeable to compete in the international arena.”

2010 Chair, Leadership Academy Advisory Board
Santa Fe Property Plaza de Peralta
Santa Fe, NM

REALTOR® Volunteer Leadership is an Important Part of Professional Development
One of the big challenges I see in today’s real estate market is that REALTOR^® members are taking a long, hard look at how and where they want to make volunteer time commitments.

 When I first got involved in real estate in 1975, I was a young mother who was new to the industry and new to the REALTOR^® organization. However, my first broker, the late Ray Spinelli, past president of the California Association of REALTORS^®, and a big proponent of the positive impact REALTORS^® have on their communities and homeowners. I learned a lot about the value of the REALTOR^® network and the benefits of participating in the association.  A challenge we have today is in how to enhance our efforts to reach REALTORS^® with the message of the benefits of volunteer service on the national level, as well as through the local and state associations.

 It all starts with the local and state associations.  Volunteers can get a flavor of what is involved and from there get an introduction to the opportunities within the national organization. The Leadership Academy is the perfect stepping stone from local and state associations to the national level.  Volunteering is an education in the profession.  Those who give their time gain more knowledge about the role REALTORS^® play in the local real estate industry, grow their network, and increase their professionalism, all which benefits their businesses and clients.

The Leadership Academy was conceived to nurture those emerging leaders who want to make greater volunteer contributions to the National Association of REALTORS^®.

As the 2010 chair of the Academy Advisory Board, my goal is to work with NAR staff and to keep program objectives critical to our overall success in place. A key objective is to communicate with those up-and-coming potential leaders and point out the benefits of volunteer leadership. The Advisory Board members are all actively involved in their regions and are on the lookout for the next generation of REALTOR^® association leaders.  The board’s specific assignment is to provide input to staff on the content of the program and the application process, and ultimately to review and select applicants to participate in the Academy.

During my career, I’ve served on many REALTOR^® committees nationally and in my home state of New Mexico, the challenge is making sure our industry stays relevant and making sure we continue to build our business and create new business. 

The personal benefit to me as a volunteer is gaining knowledge on issues facing our industry and our customers. By being involved, I have timely information and resources to call upon to better serve my clients and my community. The networking opportunities are huge. Getting to know other REALTORS^® from around the country gives me an incredible base for information and sources.

We are fortunate to have an organization (NAR) and staff that on a daily and sometimes an hourly basis provide valuable information and resources for the REALTOR^® to continue giving the customer or client the best service possible in the real estate transaction and to protect private property rights.

Catrina’s professional career includes successful management positions at both ends of the restaurant business – regional manager for a group of fast-food restaurants and operating a white-tablecloth eatery in the Bay Area. Today he manages his own real estate practice in Castro Valley, California. He was most recently honored with the John Diedrich award for outstanding leadership by the Bay East Association and serves on the NAR Leadership Academy advisory board.

Throughout his career, Catrina learned that leadership is an evolving process, one that requires leaders to be consistently open to new challenges and ideas. Here he shares some thoughts on the subject.

“For me, a key aspect of being a leader centered on creating teams. When I was in the foodservice industry, I worked as a regional manager for Taco Bell. I had many restaurants in my region, and I learned that I had to enhance the trust factor with the line workers as well as the managers. So I made a commitment to working with the line works as much as possible to set a positive example.

“A good leader creates a model and inspires a shared vision for the organization. You have to put your personal agendas aside and do what’s right for the membership to move the organization forward. And, you have to advance initiatives while respecting the opinions of others, almost to the point of mediation.

“Leaders also have to challenge the existing processes in place. I’m not saying just go against a new idea, but rather explore new ways of doing things. A good leader has the ability to enable others and not shut them down, not stifle their creativity. Let people offer their opinion, but don’t let them dominate the meeting. Leaders have to get out there and get to know people; they should always be visible and willing to meet with people.

“Being a leader is more than just holding a title. It is something that is earned. When an organization elevates a person with potential to be a leader, there may not always be someone there to guide or mentor that person. My commitment as a leader is to mentor those who are working with me and let them reach their potential. My commitment is to draw out people’s potential.

“Some final thoughts on leadership: Stay away from gossip. Make decisions and don’t worry about making a mistake. Have total transparency, and surround yourself with those who want to be on a winning team.”

UCAR members work to enhance the public perception of REALTORS® through a new web site WhyREALTORSCare. They can proudly highlight one of their members who has made extraordinary commitments to improving the quality of life in their community.

One of the cornerstones of NAR is political involvement. As a member of the Government Affairs Committee at the Utah County Association of REALTORS® (UCAR), we spent many hours in the fall of 2009 reviewing local candidates and making decisions as to who we would endorse and support in the November elections. We developed a new Statement of Policy (SOP) to serve as the guiding document for these decisions.

The Association’s main concern focused on Provo, the county seat and largest city. The challenge we faced was a popular mayoral candidate and a 12-year city council member; who’s record of actions and votes adversely impacted property rights.

UCAR leadership publicly endorsed three city council candidates and a new mayoral candidate based on their alignment with the SOP. When the results were tabulated, the endorsed mayor as well as all three council candidates was elected.

But these victories came with a price: grassroots and neighborhood backlash spreading concern that REALTORS® played too active a role in the election and were only motivated by greed. Some association members even questioned our actions.

Thus the idea was developed to educate and inform the public, as well as association members, why we got involved. The result is Why Realtors Care, a website whyREALTORScare.com and Public Relations campaign to highlight how UCAR members actively participate in their community through service and outreach to make a positive difference.

The site covers UCAR efforts to create housing opportunities, community service projects, and political involvement efforts by using the Preamble of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, as our foundation for protecting property rights.

This year we were fortunate that UCAR member Greg Adamson was selected as a 2009 REALTOR® Magazine Good Neighbor Award winner. Greg created a foundation in 2004 called Utah Heart 2 Home, which completes home make over projects for families in need. The site includes video showcasing how two Utah Valley families had their lives changed for the better through Greg’s efforts. The stories are heart-rending and compelling but are great examples of how REALTORS® make their communities better places to live.
It’s my hope that this site will continue to grow and develop as we add more examples of local and national efforts to make our communities stronger, make housing affordable, and encourage the political efforts of REALTORS® for years to come.

One belief I’ve maintained during my years in real estate is this: If you want to advance your career, get involved in your profession on a volunteer basis. Because when you give back to the profession, you grow even more. Growing as a professional is a circular thing, and it’s crucial to complete that circle.

In 2010, I will embark on a new volunteer position with the REALTOR® organization as Region 3 Regional Vice President. The Region is comprised of Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, and my home state of West Virginia.

As RVP, my main responsibility will be to serve as the “eyes and ears” in Region 3 for NAR 2010 President Vicki Cox Golder and her leadership team. The RVPs are there to make sure goals for the REALTOR® organization are communicated on the local level. We’re there to be front and center within our regions, to be out there, to attend meetings and get to know the members.

There are a couple of goals that I have on the agenda, and these are among Vicki’s goals, too. We’ve established a new credit union for NAR, and I want to make sure that my entire region participates. I hope we can show solidarity and really grow this credit union.

Also, there’s the Broker Involvement Program. This online initiative lets REALTOR® members opt in to receive an email alert branded from their broker when there’s proposed legislation that has an impact on real estate. The purpose is to get REALTORS® to contact their Senators and Congressmen. We really want to expand this program and get the word out. The best way is to do this is for RVPs to meet and greet with the members, which I plan to do.

Prior to getting the nomination for RVP, I had not intended to apply for the NAR Leadership Academy. But I’m glad I did. Participation in the Academy is an invaluable tool for any REALTOR®, whether he or she is planning to run for RVP, state association president or another elected position. I learned much more about how NAR operates on a large stage. At first it was somewhat intimidating, but it’s really not much different than participation in a state association.

I believe a lot of REALTORS® are intimidated and therefore reluctant to volunteer. I say, take that first step. You’ll learn, and you’ll grow.

The video is about 20 minutes long and well worth the time as Coach John Wooden redefines success and urges us all to pursue the best in ourselves. In this inspiring talk he shares his advice to his players, his favorite poetry and his father’s wisdom. And note – that John Wooden will celebrate his 100th birthday in 2010 – what an inspiration on so many levels. Enjoy! Whether you’re looking to the the road ahead or the road behind we define our own success.
Enjoy the journey.

Q. How long have you been a REALTOR® ?

A. I originally earned my California sales license in 1988, but my background was in the hospitality and food service industry. When there was a downturn in the market in the 1990s, I went back into the restaurant business for a while. I got back in the business for good in 2001, and earned my broker’s license in 2002. In fact, some of my restaurant customers were the first to encourage me to enter real estate.

Q. How did you get involved with REALTOR® association work?

A. That started very soon after I got back into the industry. I first was appointed to the Professional Standards Committee at my local association, the Bay East Area Association of REALTORS® .

I always felt it was important to support some form of education to help the REALTORS®, whether it was a new legal issue on the state or federal level, some change in the forms we are required to complete or a transaction-related issue. I then became president of the Marketing Committee and served on the Executive Team.

Q. Tell us about your experience with the NAR Leadership Academy.

A. It was a defining moment in my career. I’ve always strived to hold leadership positions because I find it to be a learning process. At our first meeting, I was in a room REALTORS® who were association presidents and committee chairs – it was kind of intimidating. But I looked past the titles and saw them as professionals. We stay in contact through FaceBook. The class continues to communicate because we developed a really strong bond over the five-module period.

Q. Tell us about your experience on NAR committees – your past and current roles

A. On the state level, I serve on the Legislative and Property Management committees, and was 2009 vice chair of the REALTOR® Expo committee. In 2010, I’ll be chair of the Expo committee. Nationally, I will serve on the Land Use committee, and my Academy class nominated me to be the liaison on the Leadership Advisory team.

Q. What do you see as the most important leadership challenge in leading (working in) a committee?

A. One has to put forth the effort to be a leader. The challenges include getting volunteers, growing their teams and identifying who are the future leaders by recognizing strengths. A leader makes decisions that will benefit the membership as a whole and inspires a shared vision.

Q. Any tips you want to share for those new to committee leadership?

A. The main thing is to not just focus on getting an appointment, but to focus on the content. Be teachable, open and transparent. Understand that people have different leadership styles. And above all, have a good time.

Jared Martin, 2009 President of the Fresno Association of REALTORS and Member of 2010 NAR Leadership Academy

I was inspired by the funeral for my Great Uncle last week. Tom Chamberlin or “TO” as he was affectionately referred to, was a Tail Gunner in B17 Bombers in World War II. He was one of four brothers that grew up in Kirkland, Washington and when it was time for him to serve his country he proudly did so.

I enjoyed his memorial service. The Priest referred to Uncle Tom as a member of the “Great Generation”. She went on to say that what made this generation great was their desire to serve. To serve God, to serve Family, and to serve Country. This weighed heavily on me for several days. I would like my generation to be referred to as “Great”. The question is, “How do we become great?”

“Greatness” comes from service.

I noticed that Uncle Tom’s service was not necessarily pleasant, or fit easily into his life. As a matter of fact he was separated from his family, had education and career plans delayed, not to mention the fact that he was constantly under the threat of death. It’s not likely that your life will be threatened, but your service is likely to be costly nevertheless.
Costly service is what makes generations great. I would like to invite you to the world of costly service; that is where the greatness is. Many of you already serve at your place of worship, non-profits like Habitat for Humanity, or serving your Country in the reserves. Congratulations, you are contributing to our collective greatness.

The trouble with service is that it can lead to controversy. I have plenty of experience with controversy during my tenure as Fresno Association of REALTORS President. I’d like to invite you to coffee sometime to share my experience with you. One thing I discovered in consulting with leaders in various industries is that it goes with the territory. But the controversy is only a small part. What most people don’t realize is the personal benefits of service.

I have discovered that service leads to incredible friendship and collaborative learning. More than that, serving with gifted people is its own reward. As I filter through the haze of the controversies I have experienced during my service I can see sparks of greatness in the others who volunteer their time.

Which leads me to this final point; our Association needs your service. I doubt that controversy will end, but I know with a certainty that your service will do nothing but add to the well-being of the Real Estate Community. Consider serving your fellow REALTORS®. It is a path to greatness that my Uncle Tom would admire and respect.
Thank you to those of you who are serving as a Committee Member, a Committee Chairperson, a Board Member for the Local, State, or National Association of REALTORS®.

Your service is valued and appreciated.

Jared is currently serving as 2009 President of the Fresno Association of REALTORS, he recently completed his duties as the Chairman for The California Association of REALTORS, REALTOR Commercial Alliance Committee, In 2010 he will be serving at the pleasure of Steve Goddard on The California Association of REALTORS Executive Committee. He is a NAR Crystal R and a member of the President’s Circle. Jared also services as a Director for Fresno First Bank, a community Bank located in Fresno California. Jared has lived in Fresno for 26 years. He graduated from the Sid Craig School of Business at Fresno State with a emphasis in management. Jared was raised in this business, his mother Jennifer Martin has been a REALTOR since 1986 and his Grandfather since 1975. Jared knows the rigors of real estate and has worked as a REALTOR with Westland Realty or Keller Williams Westland Realty for the past eight years. Before working as a REALTOR Jared worked in commercial lending and in outside sales.

In reviewing many of the posts the LAB has made about leadership and motivation, we have tried to keep things as upbeat and cheerful as possible. We don’t want to be the ones to tell people that times are tough; we hate broken records as much as the next person.

But as we were scouring the nation’s newspapers, we came across the following story in the Washington Post that discussed the costs associated with bad leadership. This particular column talked about, among other things, how bad leadership can be harmful to one’s health. At the LAB we immediately thought of Daniel Goleman’s theory of emotional intelligence; great leadership works through emotions. It’s all about relationships. REALTORS® know that better than anyone.

We hope the Leadership Academy creates the kind of leadership that people want – to be around, and want to learn from – people with a high degree of emotional intelligence; people who understand and improve on how they handle their own and other’s emotions.

One of our goals is to groom people in the Academy to be viewed as role models. At NAR, we expect graduates of the Academy to not just adhere to standards, but to exceed them. As all of you look for sources of inspiring leadership, also keep in mind the people who don’t inspire you, there is something positive to learn. As this article points out, to master change, first dread it. Optimists know that what causes pain, may present an opportunity and isn’t there always more for everyone when the glass is half full?

By Bob de Camara, CRS, GRI, broker/owner of Prudential Mountain Properties, Boone, N. C.

Welcome to one of the greatest professional experiences of your life! You have been identified as a leader of the National Association of REALTORS®. You have answered the call to leadership. Before you lies a marvelous adventure. Savor the opportunity. Cement bonds of affection with your colleagues. Recognize the fleeting nature of this moment. Pour your heart and mind into it. The time and effort you invest will yield dividends tenfold. Prepare yourselves for responsibility. As a leader of the National Association of REALTORS® you stand for the interests of more than a million members and will shape the destiny of the American Homeowner. NAR is investing in you. There is the understanding that to whom much is given, much is expected. Be there with us when the call comes.

Learn and grow. Cultivate camaraderie amongst yourselves. Share openly with each other. Expose your weaknesses, trust one another, lean and be leaned upon. Listen for your inner voice; hear your communal heart; think deeply; reflect much. Learn yourself as a person to lead others from strength of self. Become a force, the Class of 2010, far more than the sum of 28 individuals. Become the heart and soul of our association. In the years ahead let our standard be the excellence of our work, our legacy that this organization through its leadership left our world a better place.