9 THINGS THE BEST

9Things 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 you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

1I’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.

2I’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.

3THAT 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.

4I’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.

5I 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.

6THAT’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.

7I’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

8DON’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.

9YOU 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.

PETER ALBERTINI

Theology and Real Estate may seem like two peas that would not fit in the same pod, but Top Agent Peter Albertini, who holds a B.A. in Theology from Aquinas College, begs to differ. Peter explains that they are not mutually exclusive, both revolving around building relationships and serving the community and the people that live in it. After studying at Columbia University, Peter initially worked in advertising in Manhattan, but decided to change careers after a negative experience with an absent Real Estate agent inspired him to become the kind of dedicated and caring agent that he would have wanted. While Peter began his Real Estate career in New York over 30 years ago, his wife’s career had them moving to Michigan not long after he started. Since moving to Grand Rapids from New York in 1991, he’s certainly made his mark on the community. Peter and his team, Peter Albertini Properties, serve the Greater Grand Rapids area, and he has been consistently recognized as one of the top agents in West Michigan. He’s become a well-known and beloved figure in his community, with people joking, “If you don’t know who Peter Albertini is, it’s because you don’t live here.”

Peter emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships with his clients based in trust. As Peter explains, “All business is based in relationships, and all relationships are based in trust, and we have an approach that says we come from contribution. We’re a service driven group.” Because of his work as a eucharistic minister in the chaplain’s office at his local hospital, Peter’s approach to the business of Real Estate is focused more on the people he serves and truly enhancing their quality of life. Peter explains, “Buying and selling a home is an emotional experience, we just make the fiscal numbers fit. People forget that what we’re striving for is quality of life – the quality of the way you live, the way you want to live. It’s about getting people to experience the transition, and hopefully always improving or getting to the true nature of the quality of life. The quality of the lifestyle that they want to live in their home.”

Peter has been heavily involved in helping his community for decades. In addition to his work as a minister, Peter helps the community through his active involvement in numerous major non-profit organizations, serving on a number of boards and committees and “getting out into the community and doing the work.” For Peter, his approach to life mirrors his approach to business, “It’s about service. Life is about service when you come down to it. If you want to live a full life, be of service, be productive. Intertwining with people in the community, living, being part of the community through service organizations is the most basic form of relationship.” When he’s not serving his clients or the community, Peter enjoys taking time to appreciate the abundant natural beauty throughout Michigan, as well as watching every possible British detective series ever made with his lovely wife, Christine.

Peter truly loves the business of relationships. His work as a minister and as a Real Estate agent are one and the same for Peter. Peter recalls when he was once told, “You cannot make a perfectly selfless act of charity because the very nature of it enhances your own feeling.” Peter explains, “that’s true, and that’s the nature of what I do. There’s a great satisfaction. It’s about communication and relationships, knowing that your present in somebody’s life.” Having found his true passion in Real Estate, Peter doesn’t plan on letting it go and retiring. He’s in it for life. “I don’t plan to retire. I’m going to take life as it comes, and structure my business and team so that eventually all I do is mentor and coach agents.”

To learn more about Peter Albertini, call 616-951-1605, visit http://peteralbertini.com or email petera@grar.com