What’s the most important thing you’re working on right now?
A new human resources cloud-based platform that will streamline the induction and continual smooth running of the employee systems in the office. My boss and I are in talks with our HR representative and the CRM provider to negotiate terms. If successful, I will be responsible for championing the roll-out to our office and be of assistance to other offices within the LJ Hooker network should they follow suit.
What is one characteristic that every leader should possess, and why?
I truly believe passion for the industry is key. If you have a leader who is passionate about what they do and why, it rubs off on the team and generates great culture. If you have a leader who displays a chipper attitude, they are more likely to attract the right kind of people and retain them long-term.
How do you help a new employee understand the culture of your business?
We have a culture paper with guidelines of what we are about and trying to achieve as a team. In our office, you can walk in and feel our strong team culture. We are a happy tribe who enjoy each other’s company in and out of work.
Who are your leadership mentors and what do they do to inspire you?
The person who really has mentored and inspired me is my boss, Shane Colquhoun. When I started as a trainee in property management here, I knew I had landed somewhere special. After many years in hospitality, I had seen the good, the bad and the ugly. It was refreshing to work for a passionate individual, whose goals were not only to build a profitable business, but to ensure the team around him were successful and had the opportunity to grow.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
You must listen! It is imperative you focus on people that inspire you; take on information, criticism and ask as many questions as you can. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling you need to be everyone’s friend, either. There will be times that your decisions aren’t welcomed with open arms. You need to learn to not take these criticisms personally, learn to evaluate and move on. Knowledge is key.
Make sure you know how to walk the walk. There is nothing worse than someone telling you to do something if they haven’t done it or won’t do it themselves. Get stuck in, be a team player, be present and be willing to have a door-open policy to assist your crew at any time. Ultimately, that leads to respect.
Emily-Jane will be speaking at The Business of Real Estate on the Gold Coast on 3-4 September. For more information visit thebusinessofrealestate.com.au.
