Two Takes on Leadership

OKCMAR's LT7 (Leadership Tomorrow 7) have committed to learning how to lead a REALTOR® organization and specifically OKCMAR. The focus of the LT7 is really to learn inside and out how OKCMAR functions and to also bring fresh ideas to both existing leadership and staff through a series of monthly activities, meetings and service projects. The LT7 graduates have a further expectation in leadership in that they agree to serve as mentors for the next group of 7. OAR, the state association, has a similar program designed for participation at the state level. The core concept behind LT7, a member idea brought to life by the hard work of many, is to prepare the member for leadership in OKCMAR committees and those interested in Board of Director positions but also to prepare members to lead their cities, school boards, & community groups. LT7 apps for next year will be going out in the upcoming months. If you are interested in this program contact bteubner@okcmar.org for an application to give to your broker. To learn more about OAR's program visit their site.

The two groups had a wonderful opportunity to meet and network before the important hill visists. LT7 hosted a breakfast for the OAR Leadership Academy where they met our new and wonderful state CEO, Lisa Noon, who hails from the Virginia Association of REALTORS®. We also had frank discussion with our future leaders about the benefits and hardships of being in a leadership position. When I looked around the room at all those REALTORS® giving of their time and their talents I was awe-inspired. These members are just as negatively impacted by the housing crash and current economy as everyone else. But there they were, for all of you, for me, for the homeowners of our state promoting the basic rights of a quality of life- good jobs and a roof over one's head. They were there for that new REALTOR® coming into the business and for the veteran- they were there because in order to make a difference one needs to get involved. It's like the song "The Man in the Mirror" that fundamental societal change starts not with someone else it starts with changing you.