No Matter the Industry – Leadership is Sharing a Vision

Perspectives on Leadership from Otto Catrina, REALTOR

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.”