CHICAGO 7-26-21

CHICAGO EDITION

3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WORKSPACE WORK FOR YOU

6 HABITS

CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT FUTURE CLIENTS

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Of Highly Productive Agents

FEATURED AGENTS

THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

MARTIN PANTALEON BENNY COLLESANO

COVER STORY

ALI LERNER

CHICAGO EDITION

MARTIN PANTALEON

BENNY COLLESANO

was doing cking, he ld change tate, and I ut I signed ll the next artin says.

Six years lourishing he greater ut 95% of clients and above and

the entire process to me so I was very Top Agent Benny also main 7 Collesano – of Better 11 21 with the entire transaction. He Homes & Gardens Realpleased Estate Connections handwritte went above and beyond.

He knows in Oak Forest, Illinois – is exceptionmarket well and brought so ally good at what hethe does for avery living.

Other rea much value.

I would highly recommend Hardworking, committed to his clients’ would be Martin to anyone I know who is buying wellbeing, and deeply knowledgeable his thorou or selling.

I think they will find that he about the real estate industry, there are few strategies is not and onlysellers an agent better suited to assist buyers in but looks out for sure for h each client as if they were family.” utilization the Chicagoland market. Benny’s focus on mailings. T providing top-of-the-line customer service MARTIN PANTALEON ALI LERNER BENNY COLLESANO When Martin isn’t working, he’s giving has resulted in an impeccable reputation as an honest sale for top dollar, not to back to the community through his and trustworthy real estate advocate. and referring – clients. office. “We donated about 1500 turkeys last Thanksgiving to families in need.

Benny began his real estateCONTENTS career in 2014. “I’ve always When he’s not busy he We do lots of giveaways throughout the estate goals, Benny acti been intrigued by the business,” he recalls. “Growing artin says. “I make a year.” During any free time, he can be found hanging nity through a variety up, my dad was a top producer with RE/MAX and reat them like I would out with family, including his two sons.

4) 6 HABITS OF HIGHLY 18) my CONNECT of charities that benefi widely known in his area for years. Also, grandfa- BEYOND t comes to his buyers, PRODUCTIVE REAL ESTATE ATTRACT non- profit organiz ther ownedAGENTS an apartment building and I used to helpTO local they need, develops a Looking towards the future, Martin’s sights are set FUTURE CLIENTSinvolvement. him out with property management. So, it’s something negotiates to help them on continually improving his business. “I would 9) 3 WAYS TOaround MAKE I’ve been forever. I’ve always liked the aspect For his sellers, his main like to keep up with technology, and keep evolving YOURofWORKSPACE 22) 9 THINGS THE assisting in finding their first or their “I BEST really love what I do times change.”

Wherever his home path leads, he plans ost for their property in as people WORK FORhome, YOUparticularly when they never LEADERS NEVER SAYpeople with what is dream thought they help on soaking up every minute of it.

“I love helping “I will usually advertise would be able to.”I get so much joy from seeing them start of people, a their lives is incredib ke Snapchat, Facebook, also do flyers.” After new chapter in life.”

Since getting into real estate, Benny has built a thriving tays in touch, wanting ever-growing business based on a solid foundawill go to any ofand their Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 tion of honesty and integrity. Selling nearly six million o, like birthday parties, mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com annually can do to maintain that as a solo agent – and working in both the resiNo portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine dential andPublications commercial arenas - Benny is in the process is published

by Feature GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by authors. of assembling a like-minded team of agents to itsassist To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. him throughout Published the process, in thewith U.S. the exponential growth he is experiencing. “I the word aboutwant theirmy team to have the same passion that I do,” says Benny. aid, “The best way to “I want to be able to help anyone who reaches Top Agent Magazine outand to us, regardless of the scenario.” ethic is2dependable sed with the dedication

ALI LERNER

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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6 Habits of Highly Productive Agents In a business that can be constant chaos, you’re constantly on the go and dealing with things as they hit you. It can be difficult to take a second and regroup. But there is a better and smarter way to work. If you take the time to create some better habits, in the end, you may end up being more productive. If you want to make better use of your time, as well as have more focus, here’s some habits that you’re going to want to pick up - all common to top-producing agents.

1. Learn how to prioritize Although it might be your instinct to get some of the boring work out of the way first, things 4

that actually generate income (or are time-sensitive!) should be the first thing you focus on when you start your day.

Lists are your friend! Make a list of things you want to accomplish for the day, the week, and even the month. Always list them in the order of priority. If things get cut off when you run out of time at the end of the day, at least it’ll be the things that are not as important or time sensitive. As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list, you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as Top Agent Magazine

well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s and don’t ever waste it.

As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s, and don’t ever waste it.

to accomplish it? Write it out and then incorporate that into your prioritized ‘to do’ list.

You’ll be amazed at how driven you become to reach that goal when you actually write it out with clarity. And, the sense of accomplishment you get upon completing it will carry over to the next day. It’s important to remember to be specific. Once you get into the habit of meeting your goals, exceeding them won’t be far behind.

2. Remove distractions

when you need to focus This is especially hard when you’re a Realtor®. Most are constantly connected to their phones. But, unnecessary distractions can get you off schedule and make you lose your focus instantly. If you can, turn your phone off for the half hour it takes to do a task. Interruptions make everything take twice as long, especially when you take that text and then decide to check Facebook for a second.

We all do it!

Complete your task, then take ten minutes to respond to all texts and messages before you start up the next thing on your list. You can even schedule those ‘text backs’ into your schedule. A concentrated effort is always more effective than going back and forth between things.

3. Set daily goals This is so key. What do you want to accomplish for the day and what do you need to do

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4. Don’t make excuses There’s that old saying, “The buck stops here”. Well, take it to heart. This is your business and you are responsible for doing everything you can to make it successful.

Sure, there are reasons for why you didn’t get a listing or why your business is slow, but what are you doing to change things and make them better? Successful Realtors® work harder and come up with innova-

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tive ways to stand out when times are tough. They don’t look for excuses, they look for solutions.

5. Be deliberate

about everything you do When you’re making your list, it helps to have a goal in mind for even the smallest task. If you’re calling past clients to touch base, have a specific reason why you’re calling. Are you letting them know some market news?

Thanking them for a referral? When you’re meeting a referral partner for lunch, have a goal in mind for what the outcome of that meeting will be as well. Yes it’s good to socialize and build relationships, but if you have a reason, make sure it isn’t put off until the final moments, when things are wrapping up. Always having a purpose in mind will also help you prioritize your list better.

6. Always look for ways to

get out of your comfort zone Yes, you are prioritizing what is most important or urgent to your business, but it’s also important to make an effort to break out

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of your routine as much as you’re comfortable doing. Trying out new things or taking some time to learn about new and innovative real estate techniques and technology, can have an energizing effect on your business.

Not only might they lead to things that make you more productive, but it keeps you sharp and engaged. And, ultimately keeping yourself at the top of your game is what it’s all about.

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MARTIN PANTALEON When Martin Pantaleon was doing some midnight email checking, he came across one that would change his life. “It was about real estate, and I thought it was spam at first, but I signed up for the classes and got a call the next day from Century 21,” Martin says.

“It just took off from there.” Six years later, Martin now has a flourishing career in real estate serving the greater Chicagoland area. With about 95% of his business based on repeat clients and referrals, it’s clear he’s going above and beyond expectations.

“I put my clients first,” Martin says. “I make a connection with them and treat them like I would like to be treated.” When it comes to his buyers, he listens carefully to what they need, develops a plan to get them there, and negotiates to help them obtain the best deal possible. For his sellers, his main priority is getting them the most for their property in the shortest amount of time. “I will usually advertise them through social media, like Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and more. I will also do flyers.” After the transaction, he always stays in touch, wanting his connections to last. “I will go to any of their special events I’m invited to, like birthday parties, retirement parties, anything I can do to maintain that relationship.”

Receiving thorough guidance throughout the process, past clients love to spread the word about their experience. One recently said, “The best way to describe Martin and his work ethic is dependable and outstanding. I was very pleased with the dedication he had to help me sell my home. Like many people who are selling for the first time, there are many questions and doubts that come to mind. But Martin was there every step of the way. He answered ALL my questions and picked up every call. He explained Top Agent Magazine

the entire process to me so I was very pleased with the entire transaction. He went above and beyond. He knows the market very well and brought so much value. I would highly recommend Martin to anyone I know who is buying or selling. I think they will find that he is not only an agent but looks out for each client as if they were family.”

When Martin isn’t working, he’s giving back to the community through his office. “We donated about 1500 turkeys last Thanksgiving to families in need.

We do lots of giveaways throughout the year.” During any free time, he can be found hanging out with family, including his two sons.

Looking towards the future, Martin’s sights are set on continually improving his business. “I would like to keep up with technology, and keep evolving as times change.” Wherever his path leads, he plans on soaking up every minute of it. “I love helping people, I get so much joy from seeing them start a new chapter in life.”

For more information about Martin Pantaleon, please call 708-224-9052 or email martin@realtyofchicago.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 7

The Law Office Of Robert A. Cheely & Associates is proud to congratulate

MARTIN PANTALEON

on being featured for the State of Illinois in Top Agent Magazine!

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Law Office Of Robert A. Cheely & Associates Phone: 708-795-5200 | Fax: 708-795-9255 rcheely@cheelylaw.com | cheelylaw.com http://

6446 W. Cermak Road, Berwyn, IL 60402 8

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3 Ways to Make Your Workspace Work for You Productivity experts agree that a curated workspace positively impacts productivity and mood, but oftentimes we settle for bland desks and cubicles that lack personalized details or considerations for workflow. Why miss out on the opportunity to optimize your surroundings when it could brighten your day—and boost your performance? Keep in mind some of these tactics to make your workspace your own and reap the benefits along the way.

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DETERMINE YOUR WORKING STYLE AND DECORATE ACCORDINGLY For the creative set, a colorful and art-filled workspace can inspire fresh ideas and reduce stress. Likewise, casual yet aesthetically pleasing furniture, accessories, and décor set an inviting yet functional mood. A pop of color from an office tool—even something as basic as a stapler—can inject a sense of fun and modernism into your daily tasks. For the more analytical, right-brained worker, clean

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lines and zero clutter go a long way. A few well-chosen personal photos in tasteful, unassuming frames can provide a motivating connection to the world beyond the office, while accessories and supplies that are sleek, monochrome, and contemporary inspire a sense of calm efficiency.

BUILD A WORKSPACE WITH YOUR DAILY ROUTINE IN MIND If you find yourself spending hours on the phone per day, or assembling stacks of documents and brochures, or even coming and going from the office with frequency—there are simple adjustments you can make to your workspace that will save you time and energy. If you sit for long hours—responding to e-mails or making calls—try incorporating an ergonomic chair or keyboard wrist-pad to maximize comfort. If you spend a long time assembling presentation materials, then file organizers, trays, and easy-to-pull labels can shave valuable time off your efforts. Lastly, those who step out for frequent meetings can reduce the hassle of being on-the-go by making your space mindfully organized—a coatrack and a dish for your keys by the door, an auto-brew coffeemaker, or an easily edited whiteboard calendar can make jet-setting simpler.

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ADD EASY DETAILS THAT ENRICH YOUR WORKING EXPERIENCE While organization and décor can rally productivity and mood, there are also a few extra details you can introduce to your workspace to improve the quality of your working life.

Healthy, easy to grab-and-go snacks—think nuts, homemade trail mix, and fresh fruit— can keep your energy up without the sugar crush or guilt. If there’s a window nearby, a hard-to-kill plant like a philodendron or a fern not only cleanse the air around you, but also provide a welcome connection to the natural world. Being prepared in a pinch is another great way to make your workspace work for you: a spare tie, a tube of lip balm, hand sanitizer, or a box of Band-Aids can save you a trip to the store when an unexpected need arises.

While we take great pains to make our homes our sanctuaries—complete with the decorations, furniture, and food we favor—we often overlook our work areas, even though we spend a sizable portion of our week sitting at the same desk. Challenge yourself to add a few of these personalizing, productivity-boosting details to your work area and bring the comfort of home to your working life.

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ALI LERNER Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Ali Lerner, Broker for @properties, services clients throughout the North Shore of Chicago. Specializing in everything from residential real estate to investment properties, she has established a boutique process to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

For Ali Lerner, real estate runs in the family.

Not only has her stepdad been an accomplished real estate attorney for decades, but her mother and stepbrother are both licensed agents in the Chicagoland area. Through them, Ali had an opportunity to dig into the numbers and study the business from an early age. After earning her BS in Consumer Journalism: Marketing and PR from the University of WisconsinMadison, though, she would dive into the corporate sphere, where she had an opportunity to manage sales teams, generate leads, and hone her elite communication skills. But later, she would return to real estate, seeking an opportunity that gave her the flexibility to be there for her family while still encouraging her entrepreneurial spirit.

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Today, Ali is a Broker for @properties where she services clients throughout the North Shore of Chicago. Specializing in everything from residential real estate to investment properties, she has established a boutique process to meet the needs of any buyer or seller. “For me, real estate is truly a full time career,” she says.

“You have to be all in. As such, I hold myself accountable for each aspect of the transaction, Top Agent Magazine

and I’m always looking for ways to develop my own business.”

When listing a property, Ali gives her clients a comprehensive strategy. After helping them fully prepare their home for the market, she shares it through a variety of targeted digital and social media campaigns. Drawing from her postsecondary education in Digital 13 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“I’m a doer by nature,” Ali says. “I’m not hungry for my name to be on signs; I’m hungry for my name to be on SOLD signs. When I take on a listing, I’m extremely resourceful for my clients, offering them 24/7 support and connecting them with other Brokers.”

Marketing and Social Media from the University of Chicago, she utilizes the latest cutting edge tools to give her clients an added advantage. Also experienced with private listings, she leverages her extensive network to better connect each house with its ideal buyer.

“I’m a doer by nature,” she says. “I’m not hungry for my name to be on signs; I’m hungry for my name to be on SOLD signs. When Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

I take on a listing, I’m extremely resourceful for my clients, offering them 24/7 support and connecting them with other Brokers.”

Meanwhile, Ali is just as helpful when assisting her buyers, carefully guiding them to the right home investment for their best interests.

Over the years, she has earned a fantastic reputation throughout the Chicagoland area, Top Agent Magazine

with the vast majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. But through everything, she cares most about the personal relationships cultivated with each transaction. “Once you work with me, I’m your agent for life—and your friend for life,” she says. “You get to become so close to your clients over the course of a transaction.

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While learning their preferences, you get to know what kind of people they are, and you have an opportunity to forge a lasting relationship with them.”

Outside her career, Ali enjoys spending quality time at home with her beloved husband, children, and their two dogs. But she also Copyright Top Agent Magazine 15

has strong plans for the future of her business. Going forward, she intends on building her team while scaling her workflow to meet her rapidly growing client base. “This is my

passion,” she says. “As long as I keep working hard, be the best agent I can be, and stay up-to-date on the latest resources, the sky’s the limit—for me and my clients.”

For more information about Ali Lerner please email alilerner@atproperties.com, visit atproperties.com or call (773) 615-6005 www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 16

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

to Attract Future Clients What kind of content are you sharing on your blog, website, and social media? Does most of it have something to do with buying or selling a home? While sharing the latest market information or tips on how to qualify for a mortgage, or when someone should buy or sell is important and demonstrates your value as a REALTOR®, it shouldn’t be the only subject you cover. If you only focus on real estate, you’ll be missing the chance to connect with future clients that might not be ready to move just yet. By sharing a lot

of industry-heavy content, you are only going to appeal to those who are currently in the market rather than a broad base of potential clients.

To pull in those other future clients you want to provide fresh, interesting content that will appeal to those possible future clients that aren’t quite ready to move yet. However, you also want to still tie this content back into your business goals.

So, how do you share content that will speak to a wider audience, but also still be relevant to your business?

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Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

The philanthropic work you do to support your community says a great deal about who you are as a person. Many people will be attracted to working with you because of the charitable works you are involved with. While you may be hesitant to share these efforts because you feel it may come across as bragging, you also need to remember that sharing information about the charitable organizations you support will actually help those organizations. Many of them have small marketing budgets, so any free exposure you can give them helps to promote their cause.

In fact, they want and need you to promote them.

And you can promote them without coming across as a braggart. Focus your content entirely on the organization. Talk about why you support them, how they help the community, and how others can also get involved. This turns what could have been bragging into something that benefits everyone. n

Your Local Community

We humans are connected to each other through our community – our local sports teams, parks, churches, schools, and much more. What better way is there to connect with people in your community than to talk about your community? Demonstrate that you are an expert on your community, and bring that community to your followers. Share information about a local event; perhaps even share the actual event through live-stream video. Interview city officials to get the low-down on the latest development project. Share information with your followers about things they didn’t know about their community. Consult with local historians or the historical society to share interesting information about your community that your followers will want to read. You could even turn it into a series of podcasts or videos. n

Use Your Creativity to Connect

Find creative ways to engage your followers on the topic of real estate. Try engaging your followers in an interactive project such as posting photos of interesting front doors. Doors are the entry point into our homes as well as our private lives. The way we adorn our front door can give someone a sense of our style and personality. Ask followers to submit photos and choose one to post each Friday. Make sure to watermark each photo with your logo at the bottom and include an inspirational quote that ties back to the importance of home. You could also ask your followers to provide a little story or caption to go along with the photo that tells something about them and their home. These kinds of projects are interesting and unique, and clearly connect back to your business. n

Share Your Hobbies

Are you an adrenalin junkie who has bungee jumped from some of the tallest bridges in the world? Are you a foodie that grows your own organic vegetables and fruit? Do you have a Top Agent Magazine

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secret passion for photography? Everyone has hobbies that they enjoy outside of work. When you look past the surface people become quite interesting. People also happen to find interesting people interesting, and tend to remember people based on their distinctive traits. We humans love discovering a person’s behind the scenes story, the mind behind the face. While you don’t want to talk too much about yourself, sharing pieces of your personal life and things that interest you can be a great way to connect with followers. By sharing interesting facts about your life, you will find that many followers will feel a strong, personal connection to you based on your hobbies and personal interests. n

Divulge Interesting Experiences

This is somewhat similar to the idea of sharing your hobbies. Sharing some of your more interesting personal experiences such as a fateful conversation with a stranger or an exciting adventure you had while in another country can be a great way to connect with followers as long as it also relates to some kind of life or business lesson. Talk about experiences you’ve had with clients or purchasing your own home. Experiences that relate to your business are great ways to connect with future clients in a manner that goes beyond the world of business. n

What and Who Inspires You

No matter what you’ve chosen to spend your life doing, you didn’t get there alone. You may have had a mentor that made a special impact on your life or someone already in the business that you looked up to and who perhaps inspired you to get into real estate. You may have found inspiration through a love of architecture or design. People want to know why others do the things they do. Sharing who or what influences you in your personal and business life is a great way to connect with followers. Recognizing that you didn’t get to where you are now by yourself shows humility, and talking about those people that had an influence on you shows others that you stay connected to the world and people around you.

Connecting with potential clients is something that is essential to any REALTOR’S® business. If you’re doing the work to create interesting blog posts and make those connections, you want to make sure that you’re sharing the right kind of content to draw in those future clients. It takes a lot more than simply providing the latest market news. To get the most out of what you share, you need to provide a wide array of interesting content

that will draw in a broad range of followers.

Providing the right kind of content can make all the difference when it comes to connecting with future clients and building the right kind of relationship with them right from the start. Connecting through your website or social media and sharing more than just real estate advice will help you build confidence and trust with future clients before you even meet them.

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BENNY COLLESANO Top Agent Benny Collesano – of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Connections in Oak Forest, Illinois – is exceptionally good at what he does for a living.

Hardworking, committed to his clients’ wellbeing, and deeply knowledgeable about the real estate industry, there are few better suited to assist buyers and sellers in the Chicagoland market. Benny’s focus on providing top-of-the-line customer service has resulted in an impeccable reputation as an honest and trustworthy real estate advocate.

Benny began his real estate career in 2014. “I’ve always been intrigued by the business,” he recalls. “Growing up, my dad was a top producer with RE/MAX and widely known in his area for years. Also, my grandfather owned an apartment building and I used to help him out with property management. So, it’s something I’ve been around forever. I’ve always liked the aspect of assisting people in finding their first home or their dream home, particularly when they never thought they would be able to.”

also maintains contact via social media, handwritten letters and other methods.

Other reasons behind Benny’s success would be his expert negotiation skills and his thorough, and intelligent marketing strategies that provide maximum exposure for his many listings, including deft utilization of social media and targeted mailings. The result is almost always a fast sale for top dollar, not to mention happy – and returning and referring – clients.

When he’s not busy helping clients achieve their real estate goals, Benny actively gives back to his community through a variety of ways, including sponsorship of charities that benefit veterans, and his support for local non- profit organizations through local community involvement.

“I really love what I do,” says Benny. “Being able to help people with what is possibly the largest transaction of their lives is incredibly rewarding.”

Since getting into real estate, Benny has built a thriving and ever-growing business based on a solid foundation of honesty and integrity. Selling nearly six million annually as a solo agent – and working in both the residential and commercial arenas - Benny is in the process of assembling a like-minded team of agents to assist him with the exponential growth he is experiencing. “I want my team to have the same passion that I do,” says Benny. “I want to be able to help anyone who reaches out to us, regardless of the scenario.”

One major factor that helps explain Benny’s rapid ascent in the industry would be the long-lasting relationships he strives to build with his clients, ones that far transcend the closing table. “Whether it’s someone I sold a house to over six years ago, or if it’s someone I worked with six months ago, whenever they need something - like a contractor or an insurance broker, or anything else – they can call me up and I’ll help them,” says Benny, who Top Agent Magazine

For more information about Benny Collesano, please call 708-280-6213 or email Benny.Collesano@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

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Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

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you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

1

I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

4

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

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I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

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I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

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DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

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YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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