Where will leadership for tomorrow’s associations come from? Traditionally, organizations recruit new leaders through referrals, by soliciting volunteers via survey, or by tapping those who frequently show up at association functions. As volunteerism continues to decline, there’s the age-old recourse of recycling former, dependable leadership.
The Chattanooga Association of Realtors® (CAR) has a clever way of finding and developing future leaders. In a meeting with Francie Ryder, Executive Vice President, and George Kangles, President-elect, interviewer Steve Yanoviak (President of Management Advisors, Inc.) learned how CAR not only recruits its future leaders, but also helps develop their leadership skills and build camaraderie.
CAR initiated its Leadership Development Program three years ago and graduated a total of 37 people from the first two classes. Participants in the program must show an interest in the Association, have a positive attitude, stand out among their fellow Realtors® and demonstrate leadership potential. They are nominated by the CAR board of directors, firm brokers and other past participants.
Emphasis is on Development
CAR leaders feel their program is unique in that it emphasizes development rather than just training. Affiliates sponsor some of the sessions and thus defray some costs. The program consists of three modules. The first module is conducted in the evening with dinner and focuses on the association and its structure, background, history, bylaws and relations with the state association. The state executive officer attends to provide insight from the state level. A few weeks later, an all-morning session beginning with breakfast is conducted with focus on the community. Realtor® participants are addressed by the Mayor, the City Executive, a U.S. Congressman, the Superintendent of Schools, the Police Chief and other civic leaders. About a month later, the third module is conducted in a day-long retreat at a local hotel. It is intended to build leadership skills and covers how to run meetings, how to solve problems, and how to work with fellow volunteers. The session is also attended by incoming directors. An outside facilitator is present throughout the day conducting break-out sessions and providing opportunities for team building and the development of leadership skills.
Participant Recognition
Participants completing the program are given a certificate, a modest gift, and a personalized portfolio case. At CAR functions, they are recognized as graduates of the program when they are acknowledged for other purposes. Thus, the Leadership Development Program is not only publicized, but individuals are recognized for volunteering their time and making it through the program.
Program Results and Benefits
Francie Ryder and George Kangles indicate that many of the program graduates now hold or soon will be holding leadership positions at CAR. "They are well-trained, upcoming leaders that want to advance the Association, share their experiences and develop camaraderie", according to Francie. George, who was chairman of last year's program, says, "People graduating from the program are less guarded and lighten up even when CAR must deal with difficult decisions and situations. As leaders, they are more analytical, less flippant and less self-serving. Graduates participate more in CAR's social functions, serve as goodwill ambassadors promoting the Association, and are less demanding and more considerate of the staff".
To keep the graduates of the Leadership Development Program enthused and feeling appreciated for their participation and service to CAR, the Association recently held a riverboat ride for the alums and the Board of Directors. According to Francie, "the goal is to develop new leadership for the future and keep fresh blood pumped into the organization".
