Elite AgentFEATURE INTERVIEWSLEADERSHIP

How staying curious can boost your business: Nick West

In a five part series we caught up with some of the keynote speakers ahead of TBORE 2018 to find out more about their businesses, where great ideas come from and how they onboard new team members. Part four features Nick West of Nelson Alexander.

Whatโ€™s the most important thing youโ€™re working on right now?

Weโ€™re reviewing our PM Platform to ensure we can offer the best service and efficiencies, backed with effective communication to our clients โ€“ both landlords and tenants. Weโ€™ve set up a review committee who are currently reviewing the needs of our PMs and those of our clients (again, both landlords and tenants) and then reviewing the best platforms in the marketplace that suit our business now and into the future.

Where do great ideas in your business come from?

Many of our ideas and inspirations come from within our own business, from our own people and from our leadership team, who are always curious about improving the business and the environment that we provide for our staff and clients. We are members of various business groups where we are exposed to new ideas (not necessarily in real estate). We also share experiences with others in the real estate industry.

We have recently adopted an internal employee platform that assists with staff learning, personal development and wellbeing.

Leadership isnโ€™t about a title; itโ€™s about your actions.

What is one characteristic that every leader should possess, and why?

Be an effective communicator. Give a vision that staff can relate to, that drives self-motivation and empowers them to work towards that vision as a team. If you can articulate a vision โ€“ where you are going, why you are going there and whatโ€™s in it for your staff โ€“ then you are more likely to get the best out of your team.

Who are your leadership mentors and what do they do to inspire you?

My mentor is a brilliant man named Dr Fred Grosse. He forces you to step out of your comfort zone and look at what you really want to achieve in your life, and what your life passions are.

What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?

Have a mentor and seek advice from others who are leaders in the real estate industry. Learn from their success and from the mistakes they have made, as that often provides the best learning as a leader.

Nick will be speaking at The Business of Real Estate on the Gold Coast on 3-4 September. For more information visitย thebusinessofrealestate.com.au.

Show More

Staff Writer

To contact the editorial team at Elite Agent email editor@eliteagent.com.