Leadership Takeaways

Graduates of AAR's Leadership Training Academy Share What They Learned

Arizona REALTOR® Magazine - April 2010

AAR hosts the Leadership Training Academy (LTA), a three-part leadership development program, in the first quarter of each year. The program helps emerging leaders develop the skills and knowledge they will need while volunteering their time in the REALTOR® community. AAR congratulates the 2010 Leadership Training Academy graduates. Here they share their top takeaways from the program.

Betty Arthur, GRI
West USA of Prescott

What did I learn about leadership? The importance of CONFIDENCE! Relax and be confident.

Armando Contla, GRI
Arizona Turquoise Properties
2010 President-Elect – Lake Havasu Association of REALTORS®
Lake Havasu City

There are so many things that we learned from our LTA training. I can’t thank AAR enough for creating such a worthwhile program. The instructors are extremely good and obviously very experienced as leaders. I would recommend this program to anyone who is thinking of stepping into a leadership role.

Sage Dillon
Communications Manager – Arizona Association of REALTORS®
Phoenix

I never knew what to do with my hands when speaking before a group. In the public speaking class, I learned to hold my hands together just above my waistline and use this as my “launching pad” for gestures. Knowing where to put my hands helps center me and prevents fidgeting.

Diane Eddy
Fire Sky Realty
Prescott

I would recommend [LTA] to everyone, even if you are not interested in leadership opportunities, as it truly helps develop you personally and professionally. I learned how to present myself and some dos and don'ts for public speaking. It really helped to see yourself on video, so you can actually see how you look and present yourself to the world.

Mark S. McKinnon, GRI
Flusché Realty
2010 Vice President – Lake Havasu Association of REALTORS®
Lake Havasu City

All the classes were excellent. My top takeaway would have to be from the “Managing, Leading and Growing” class. Realizing the main reason for conflict is a lack of communication was a great insight for me. It has made me more aware of not only my communications but also the communications of others.

Estelle Pioro
US Bank
Phoenix

The LTA classes taught me, "When the horse is dead—get off." Find a new one to ride. When you've exhausted a situation and it is not a benefit to the organization, move onto something that is beneficial to the group.

Paula Serven, GRI
Realty Executives
2010 President – Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS®
Scottsdale

First, the LTA classes taught me a confidence level while speaking, arranging my ideas and delivering within my time frame. Second, they taught me how to work with the four types of people and bring out the best in all of them. And lastly, I learned what needs to be done to run an effective and productive meeting.

Jack Woerner, GRI
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
2010 Treasurer – Arizona Association of REALTORS®
Green Valley

All the LTA classes offered informative and useful material that was presented by experienced and knowledgeable instructors. I became a firm believer that any member who has the desire or feels that they want to contribute more to their association should take advantage of the Leadership Training Academy. I am glad I did.

Ann Ziller, ABR
Coldwell Banker Mabery
Cottonwood

I really enjoyed the classes. They were pertinent, lively and interactive. I especially enjoyed our treasure hunt and Lego sessions. Our instructors made learning fun. I had the pleasure of meeting fellow members of my profession from other areas of our state and forming new professional relationships. It was a great experience!

If the idea of getting involved in leadership in the real estate community ever crossed your mind or you can see yourself serving on a committee, board of directors or as an officer, the Leadership Training Academy may be for you. Watch for details on the 2011 academy in late 2010.