By Gino Blefari

This week, my travels took me to Washington D.C. to participate in both the NAR (National Association of REALTORS) Advisory Group Meetings and RISMedia’s 36th Annual CEO & Leadership Exchange. Earlier today, I also had the privilege of spending time with the team at Long & Foster in the area. It’s always inspiring to see how shared insights can further strengthen our connections and enhance our collective performance.

Interestingly, my week in D.C. placed me in close proximity to the fervent energy of the Ravens Flock, the ardent fans of the Baltimore Ravens football team. And what timing! Tonight marks the kickoff for the Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs game. Like many of you, I’m revved up for some football and eager to see how the season unfolds.

Read more: Thoughts on Leadership: Lessons from the NFL

Football, much like real estate and leadership, is a game of strategy, foresight, and adaptability. As leaders, we must anticipate challenges, navigate complex situations, and make decisions that benefit the entire team. Interestingly, I learned that this NFL season has introduced several crucial rule changes aimed at protecting players while keeping the game fair, competitive, and exhilarating. These adjustments offer valuable lessons in how organizations can balance innovation with tradition and safety.

The rule changes, enacted by NFL clubs, come from a broad and inclusive process, involving collaboration across the sport—coaches, general managers, owners, players, NFL legends, the NFL Players Association, medical staff, and even the media. This approach mirrors effective leadership practices where diverse perspectives enrich decision-making. It’s crucial for leaders to engage and listen to a range of voices to shape the best outcomes.

The questions guiding these NFL deliberations are strikingly relevant to broader leadership challenges:

• Does this decision improve the team or organization?
• How will it be communicated and implemented?
• Can it be coached, trained, or applied in practical scenarios?
• Does it enhance the well-being and protection of those involved?

One significant rule change for 2024 is the elimination of the hip-drop tackle, which prioritizes player safety while maintaining the competitive integrity of the game. In leadership, similarly, we must continually assess our decisions to ensure they protect our teams and foster a supportive culture.

Another notable adjustment is the kickoff rule change, designed to encourage more returns by aligning players closer and reducing the speed of play. This alteration underscores the importance of strategic positioning and teamwork—fundamental principles in leadership. By properly aligning our teams and taking the time to analyze situations thoroughly, we create more opportunities for success.

These NFL changes were rigorously reviewed in off-season meetings, training camps, and officiating clinics, complete with tailored training videos to aid players and coaches in adaptation. This thorough preparation serves as a reminder that equipping our teams with the right tools, knowledge, and training is essential for adapting to new challenges and realities.

So, what’s the message? Leadership, much like football, demands continuous adaptation and a steadfast commitment to protect and empower our teams. Whether responding to shifts in our industry or refining our strategies for success, it involves balancing innovation with the well-being of those we lead. By observing the NFL’s approach to rule changes—characterized by collaboration, foresight, and thorough preparation—we can enhance our own leadership practices. These lessons from the world of football provide valuable insights for us. Let’s apply these principles to our work and lead with intention, ensuring every decision advances the team.

By Gino Blefari

This week, I traveled to Dallas, TX, to speak at the Tom Ferry Success Summit. I had the opportunity to participate in TOMX, a segment of the Summit featuring short talks from industry leaders. My presentation, “Start Strong: The Ultimate Morning Routine for Success,” emphasized the power of a structured morning routine—a key to thriving amidst chaos and achieving sustained excellence.

The theme of this year’s Summit, “Charge the Storm,” was a powerful reminder of the importance of facing adversity head-on. While in Dallas, I also spent valuable time with our team at the Ebby Halliday Companies’ Home Office. We shared laughter, gained insights, and, most importantly, strengthened our bond as a team. It’s moments like these that remind us why we take pride in being part of the HomeServices of America family.

Read more: Thoughts on Leadership: What Our Pets Teach Us About Loyalty

Amidst the busyness of travel and presentations, I found a moment to reflect. This past Monday, August 26th, was International Dog Day—a day to celebrate the loyal companions who bring so much joy to our lives. As I thought about the loyalty of our pets, I realized how much we, as leaders, can learn from them.

Loyalty is a cornerstone in both our personal lives and our professional endeavors. Our pets embody the kind of steadfast loyalty that is essential for successful leadership and thriving business relationships.

1. Unconditional Loyalty Dogs are renowned for their unconditional loyalty. They greet us with enthusiasm after a long day, stick by our side through thick and thin, and offer comfort when we need it most. This kind of loyalty, rooted in genuine care and commitment, is something leaders should strive to emulate. In business, loyalty isn’t just about sticking with your team when times are good—it’s about being there through challenges and uncertainties, showing your team that you’re invested in their success, no matter what.

2. Building Trust Loyalty and trust go hand in hand. Our pets trust us to provide for them, and in return, they offer their unwavering loyalty. As leaders, building trust within our teams is crucial. Trust fosters open communication, collaboration, and a sense of security among team members. When your team trusts you, they’re more likely to be loyal, putting in their best effort and standing by you even when challenges arise.

3. Consistency Matters One of the reasons pets are so loyal is because they rely on consistency. They thrive on routines, knowing that they can count on their owners to be there for them at specific times. Similarly, consistency in leadership builds confidence within your team. When leaders are consistent in their decisions, actions, and values, it creates a stable environment where loyalty can flourish. Team members know what to expect and can trust that their leader will support them, no matter the circumstances.

4. Celebrating Small Wins Anyone who’s ever trained a dog knows the importance of celebrating small wins. Whether it’s a new trick learned or simply obeying a command, those moments of recognition strengthen the bond between pet and owner. In leadership, recognizing and celebrating the small victories within your team is just as important. These celebrations reinforce loyalty by showing appreciation for hard work and dedication, motivating your team to continue striving for success.

5. Loyalty as a Two-Way Street Lastly, loyalty in leadership, like in any relationship, is a two-way street. Just as our pets are loyal to us, we must also be loyal to them, providing them with care, attention, and love. In business, this means being loyal to your team, advocating for their needs, supporting their growth, and being their biggest champion. When leaders show loyalty to their teams, it creates a culture where loyalty is reciprocated, leading to a more cohesive and motivated workforce.

So, what’s the message? As we reflect on International Dog Day, which we celebrated just a few days ago, let’s take a moment to appreciate the loyal companions who enrich our lives and consider how we can bring that same spirit of loyalty into our leadership. Even after the celebration has passed, the lessons remain timeless. In a world that’s constantly changing, loyalty stands as a foundational value that strengthens both our personal and professional relationships.

By Gino Blefari

This week finds me at home, starting off with my usual WIG calls on Monday. By Tuesday, I was hosting our monthly leadership meeting, which was brimming with innovative ideas shared by our company leaders. These gatherings are always a vibrant testament to the power of collaborative leadership.

Three weeks ago, in my blog titled “Going for Gold,” I delved into the Olympics, capturing the essence of competition and camaraderie. Building on that theme, this week I want to explore the upcoming Paralympic Games. As we look forward to these games, they provide another dimension to our understanding of sportsmanship and resilience.

Read more: Thoughts on Leadership: Insights from the Evolution of the Paralympic Games

As the Paralympic Games are set to unfold in Paris from August 28 to September 8, 2024—just 17 days after the Olympics—the anticipation is building for what promises to be an extraordinary display of human spirit and tenacity. The opening ceremony at Place de la Concorde, heralded as a festival of inclusion, will not only showcase athletic prowess but also symbolize a profound narrative shift in how we view ability and leadership. This event challenges us to rethink the boundaries of what is possible, both in sports and in leadership.

From its humble beginnings in 1960 with just 16 disabled veterans to becoming a premier international sporting event, the Paralympic Games have witnessed phenomenal growth in both scale and impact. What started as an archery contest in Rome has blossomed into a global celebration of athletic prowess and diversity, featuring thousands of competitors worldwide. This evolution highlights core leadership attributes—resilience, inclusivity, and vision—qualities that resonate deeply within the real estate industry. Reflecting on the Paralympics’ growth offers invaluable lessons for thriving in today’s fiercely competitive market.

1. Resilience Redefined by Hunter Woodhall: Sprinter Hunter Woodhall, who races on prosthetic blades after losing his legs in childhood, teaches us that obstacles are merely opportunities in disguise. His journey to the Paralympics, marked by countless victories and the challenge of balancing athletic and academic commitments, is a testament to an enduring spirit and the power of resilience—a critical lesson for leaders everywhere.
2. Vision Beyond Limits with Mallory Weggemann: Paralyzed from an epidural injection at 18, swimmer Mallory Weggemann redefines the essence of visionary leadership by continually pushing beyond perceived limits. Her journey back to swimming and subsequent gold medals are not just achievements; they challenge our understanding of the possible, demonstrating that the true limits are the ones we set for ourselves.
3. Empathy in Action with Jessica Long: Born with fibular hemimelia, resulting in the amputation of both legs, swimmer Jessica Long’s ability to empathize deeply with her teammates’ struggles and strengths enhances her leadership. Her approach underscores the importance of connecting on a human level, which is crucial for strengthening team dynamics and fostering an environment of support and cooperation.
4. Courage and Commitment by Elizabeth Marks: As a soldier and swimmer, Elizabeth Marks does not shy away from life’s challenges, whether competing in the pool or serving her country. Her remarkable recovery and success in swimming after sustaining serious injuries in service highlight her courage and unwavering commitment. Elizabeth’s story inspires those around her to pursue excellence and integrity relentlessly.

So, what’s the message? The Paralympic Games not only challenge athletes to achieve their best but also provide a platform for emerging leaders to inspire and influence. Each story of resilience, vision, and courage from these games carries profound lessons for leadership in any field, encouraging us to reflect on our values and strive towards creating inclusive, empowering, and visionary communities.

By Gino Blefari

As another busy week unfolds with WIG calls and a quick flight to Orange County, the closest portal to the magic of Disneyland, I find myself surrounded by families at the airport. The air is charged with excitement and the slight chaos of last-minute summer travels. It’s a clear signal that the back-to-school season is upon us, heralding new beginnings and fresh challenges. Amid this seasonal shift, I’m reminded of my own days navigating back-to-school preparations with my daughters in the ’90s and my 26 years at DeAnza College. As a professor specializing in real estate practices, real estate principles, and professional selling, each semester was a new chapter of insights and enlightenment, shaping the next generation of professionals. 

This period of transition offers more than just a return to academia; it serves as a rich source of leadership lessons applicable to the corporate world. In this blog, I’ll share insights from five different perspectives: parents, children, teachers, family planners, and corporate leaders, highlighting how each offers unique lessons in leadership. 

Read more: Back to School: Leadership Lessons from the Classroom to the Boardroom 

The Adaptive Strategies of Parents and Caregivers 

Consider the adaptability required of parents as they orchestrate everything from purchasing school supplies to managing carpool schedules. This flexibility mirrors the dynamic adjustments leaders must make in the business world. Effective leaders, like seasoned parents, continuously adapt their strategies to navigate changing conditions and seize emerging opportunities. 

Resource Management: A Lesson from the Family Planner 

The meticulous planning that goes into managing a family’s logistics reflects the strategic resource management essential in business. Parents setting a budget for back-to-school expenses resemble executives forecasting for a financial quarter, where prioritization and strategic planning are key to achieving goals without exceeding limits. 

From Children: The Power of Curiosity and Resilience 

Children’s boundless energy and curiosity remind us of the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation in our organizations. Their resilience in facing new academic and social challenges also offers a lesson in emotional intelligence for leaders, underscoring the importance of perseverance and adaptability. 

Teaching: The Art of Influence and the Necessity of Feedback 

Behind the scenes of every successful classroom is an extraordinary teacher who masters the art of personalization. Exceptional educators recognize the uniqueness of each student, tailoring their methods to individual learning styles. This personalized approach demands extensive preparation and a deep understanding of each student’s needs, mirroring the bespoke strategies leaders use in managing teams. By adjusting content and teaching styles based on real-time feedback and engagement levels, teachers showcase a high level of responsiveness and care, traits that are invaluable in leadership. 

Furthermore, the best teachers know how to create a safe environment that encourages experimentation and growth. This atmosphere allows students to express themselves and explore new ideas without fear, fostering innovation and learning from mistakes. The preparation involved in creating such a supportive space is significant and often involves careful observation, ongoing adjustments, and a profound understanding of group dynamics. Leaders can draw valuable lessons from this approach by fostering a culture that values trust and psychological safety, which are essential for team effectiveness and resilience. 

Additionally, feedback is utilized by skilled teachers not just to assess, but to inspire and guide. They invest considerable time in crafting feedback that is constructive, timely, and specific, helping students understand not only what to improve but how to improve. This meticulous process involves observing various indicators of understanding, gathering insights, and communicating them in a way that motivates and educates. Similarly, in the corporate world, the ability to deliver effective feedback is critical for professional development and organizational growth, highlighting it as a key skill for leaders who aim to drive high performance and alignment. 

Fostering a Family-Inclusive Culture 

I recognize the strains and stresses that the back-to-school season can bring, and I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where work-life balance transcends being merely a buzzword—it becomes a daily practice. This personal commitment not only aims to enhance productivity but also to significantly boost job satisfaction. It is my hope that by embracing this approach, we see positive outcomes for everyone on my team who puts this philosophy into practice every day. 

In line with fostering this balanced environment, I often share crucial time management strategies in my classes that everyone, from parents to executives, can apply to make the most of their time. Here are a couple of pivotal points: 

• Make It Exist: If it’s not in your schedule, it doesn’t exist. This simple rule underscores the importance of consciously scheduling time for both work and personal activities to ensure they receive the attention they deserve. 

• Plan the Year: Start by scheduling every day off—holidays, vacations, birthdays, date nights, exercise sessions, doctor appointments. Anything that contributes to a well-rounded life should be plotted out in advance. This holistic approach to scheduling helps maintain a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. 

• Commit with Caution: Once your schedule for the year is set, never make a commitment of your time without reviewing your schedule. This discipline ensures that you maintain control over your time and prevents overcommitment, which is essential for sustaining a long-term balance. 

By adopting these time management strategies, we can all improve our ability to juggle the various demands of life and work, ensuring that we not only perform at our best but also enjoy well-deserved breaks that rejuvenate and inspire. 

So, what’s the message? As we navigate the bustling back-to-school season, let’s uncover leadership lessons from an unexpected source—the school diary. From the meticulous planning of parents to the nuanced guidance of teachers, each story is a chapter in what could be the most practical leadership manual. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a budding leader, remember: the lessons learned on the playground are often just as applicable in the boardroom. Embrace this season not only as a time of academic and personal growth for students but also as a unique opportunity for all of us to refine our own leadership abilities. And who knows? A little homework on these fundamental principles might just be the key to acing your next big leadership challenge! 

By Gino Blefari

This week, my routine didn’t take me far; I stayed home to tackle the usual Monday lineup of WIG calls. Today, marking the start of August, we have about 21 weeks left in 2024. It’s this part of the year when I dive into business planning and kick off our regular succession planning process. I’m excited to share what this entails.

A succession meeting, straightforward as it may sound, is a vital opportunity for any CEO to strategize their potential succession should they decide to step down or if unforeseen circumstances arise. As Benjamin Franklin wisely put it, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

Read more: Thoughts on Leadership: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders

Succession planning isn’t merely about choosing a successor; it’s about cultivating potential leaders long before there’s an empty seat at the top. Future leaders need to be identified, nurtured, and multiplied to secure the organization’s continuity and success.

In “The Leader’s Greatest Return,” John C. Maxwell outlines a ten-step method for fostering a new generation of leaders within your organization. Here’s how it goes:

1. Identify: The first step is recognizing potential leaders within your team. Look closely at each member and evaluate their leadership potential.
2. Attract: To draw in strong leaders, maintain openness and transparency. Let potential leaders know there is a place for them at the top if they stay focused, productive, and dedicated.
3. Understand: Developing a deep connection with your team members is crucial. I use a set of 18 questions to better understand them, but whatever your approach, aim to build trust and respect.
4. Motivate: True motivation is self-generated. If you inspire your team to motivate themselves, they’ll sustain their passion far longer than if you’re the sole source of their motivation.
5. Equip: Preparing leaders means providing them with a clear roadmap to success. This could be through systems of accountability or goal-setting frameworks.
6. Empower: Once leaders are ready, step back. Avoid micromanagement. Empowered leaders are more effective and drive better results.
7. Position: A team of synchronized leaders, much like the crew in Daniel James Brown’s “The Boys in the Boat,” achieves more together.
8. Mentor: Having benefited from many mentors myself, I understand the value of passing on knowledge and experience to groom future leaders.
9. Reproduce: Good leadership practices should be replicable. Ensuring that your leaders can teach others guarantees a sustainable leadership pipeline.
10. Compound: According to the Pareto principle, about 80% of effects come from 20% of the causes. In leadership, fostering key leaders is that critical 20% that significantly impacts growth.

So, what’s the message? The measure of a leader’s success is how well they can forge new leaders. It’s not just the best way—it’s the only way to guarantee a future that is both successful and bright.

By Gino Blefari

This week finds me at home, starting Monday with my usual WIG calls—a staple of my weekly routine. On Tuesday, I ventured out to the Intero Real Estate Services office in Cupertino. I’ve really come to cherish this new rhythm of spending a few days each week at a local office. It not only brings a refreshing change to my workflow but also helps me stay connected with the daily activities of a realtor.

Just yesterday, I sat down to craft this blog, filled with thoughts stirred by the upcoming July Fourth celebrations—a time of year that always sweeps me back to my childhood joys.

Read more: Thoughts on Leadership: Celebrating Independence Day

To better connect with my team, I’ve introduced an “Innerview” consisting of 18 questions we ask each other. One favorite question is, “What’s a childhood memory that stands out?”

My answer is always the same: July Fourth.

Growing up, I lived on a cul-de-sac and during July Fourth, the entire cul-de-sac (about 10 neighborhood families) would gather. They’d all chip in to buy fireworks and we’d have a big potluck BBQ in the middle of the street. Each family brought their own meat to BBQ and potluck dishes – baked beans, a salad, desert – for everyone to enjoy. After we devoured a delectable summer meal, we’d set off the fireworks and celebrate the Fourth of July.

Even just writing about those childhood BBQs right now makes me smile.

But I don’t just love July Fourth for its youthful nostalgia. I also love it because it’s a celebration of teamwork coming together for the greater good.

Imagine we’re not in 2024 but in 1776. Most of the 13 colonies have been in existence for more than 150 years. There’s a strong middle-class economy in development made up of farmers, artisans, lawyers and tradespeople. Everyone travels by horse-drawn carriages. Food is prepared by the heat of a wood-burning fire. The American Revolution, which had begun in April 1775 was still raging and colonists were deeply passionate about winning their independence.

In June 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat down to pen the Declaration of Independence, and on July 2, the Continental Congress declared freedom from Great Britain. And on August 2, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed.

So, if the document was written in June, declared July 2nd (not 4th) and signed in August, what are we celebrating on July 4?

This.

After independence was declared, the Continental Congress needed a document to explain to the public what had happened. A smaller committee proposed the draft on July 2, and it took two days for the wording of the Declaration of Independence to be approved. With that consent, the completed document was sent to a printer named John Dunlap, who printed 200 copies of the document. When the printed copies of the Declaration of Independence were distributed, the date on the document said July 4, 1776.

So, what’s the message? July 4th is of course a celebration of America’s independence but on another level, it’s a time to look back on what teamwork can achieve. Had the Continental Congress not been able to come to an agreement that the document was complete, had there been less synergy, less positive culture and less collaboration between them, the date of our independence might have been different – if it even happened at all. This week, although I’m not back on my old cul-de-sac enjoying the deliciously smoky taste of just-barbecued steaks, I will be with my family and friends, thinking about our country and the team that instilled the ideal of a nation where freedom should always ring.

Happy Fourth of July!