That sounds obvious, doesn’t it? And, theoretically, it is. But in the real world of real estate management things don’t always work out that way.

Have you ever worked for a manger that couldn’t make a decision? Or, when presented with a failure, sought to deflect responsibility?

There is nothing more unsettling to agents and employees than being under the command of a manager who shows a lack of commitment in his or her responsibility as a leader. Someone who wants the perks of leadership without the challenges.

These failed leaders don’t understand that it is better to make a bad decision than no decision; more admirable to accept responsibility than to avoid it.

In accepting responsibility for the Bay of Pigs fiasco – a military disaster of massive proportions – President Kennedy said, “Success has a thousand fathers; failure is an orphan.”

It’s true. But leaders accept the good with the bad.

Bob Moles has always said, “Show me a great leader and I will show you a successful office.” Realtors will choose to follow only those managers who demonstrate a desire to lead.

Such leaders may be as different from one another as agents are different from one another. They will not have every human virtue, nor will they possess a flawless character.

But they will be distinguished by their good judgment, sincerity, compassion, authority and courage. They have a human quality, a strong commitment to their cause – and to those they serve.

In the next issue of Thursday Thoughts on Leadership, we will examine the question: “How do you know if you Possess Sufficient Desire to be a Leader?”