From Policy Hysteria to Best Practice:Recognizing AE Influence : Off Stage

Last week, Inman News released its annual list of 100 of the Most Influential Real Estate Leaders of 2011.  This is a pretty prestigious list in the industry, as befits a significant real estate voice and commentary.

I think AEs should fully recognize and celebrate the names of our peers in Realtor association management who are on the list*:

• Mark Allen, CEO, Minneapolis Association of Realtors,  and 10k Marketing
• Bob Bemis, CEO, ARMLS and MLS Domains Association
• Russ Bergeron, CEO, MRED, Ltd.
• Art Carter, CEO, CRMLS, Inc.
• Dave Charron, CEO and President, MRIS
• Merri Jo Cowen, CEO, MFRMLS and Chairperson of CMLS
• Bob Hale, President and CEO, HAR
• Rebecca Jensen, CEO and chair, UtahRealEstate.com MLS

That these names are included is important to all AEs: it means that the larger industry recognizes the importance of the work we do as association MLSs and the contributions those associations make to the industry.  I know I can look at each one of these people and respect their individual contributions to the success of our members.  They are, in the eyes of the world, some of the practitioners of Best Practices of real estate trade association management. As commentator Bill Fowler recently observed in his blog article “MLS in 2012”, “Creating something vital to REALTORS in MLS technology requires leadership in our organizations.” 

Inman has recognized many of these leaders.

However, without detracting one bit from the applause due these individuals, I’d also like to kick the Inman group in their collective kneecaps.  Why?  Because the MLS isn’t the only area of successful performance by association execs: there are other areas of management leadership and influence besides MLS and its derivative products, the only criteria seems to Inman recognize.  Other programs are equally influential in the world of organized real estate: let’s salute the AEs involved in the RAMCO development work and the successful implementation of some of the great Game Changer programs.  Let’s look at a collection of stunning association professional education innovations, international real estate outreach programs, cooperative infrastructure efforts between associations to produce better services and efficiency, and some outstandingly innovative state association programs—all influential real estate accomplishments in 2011.

Perhaps Realtor AEs need to do a better job of recognizing our own innovators and leaders.  How about an annual collection of best practices? An AE Innovator recognition program?  Another Game Changer program?

And for the benefit of all, let’s make our judgments not only on the program or product, but also highlight answers to the following questions as key learning opportunities for all association managers:

• ·         How did you foster overall management focus on results?
• ·         How did you create a governance structure to move your organization forward?
• ·         What techniques did you use to back your programs with strong, accountable, transparent financial management?
• ·         How did you motivate and structure available human resources?
• ·         What communications program and technology did you employ?
• ·         How did you manage resource development and fundraising to support the project?

Congratulations to the Inman honorees.  You’ve moved beyond IDX policy hysteria to develop practical programs for real estate professionals.  My hope for real estate in 2012 is that AEs continue to recognize skillful leadership and expand our opportunities learn from each other.

 

 

*Note, I didn’t include the NAR or ISC staff—they are also well represented on the Inman list.

 

via realtown.com

Posted via email from Judith's posterous