Leadership
Leadership versus management
Leadership sets direction, builds commitment, and develops people; management plans, organizes, controls, and solves problems. Candidates should know situational leadership, coaching, delegation, motivation, feedback, conflict resolution, change management, ethics, and accountability. Effective leaders align team goals with property and owner objectives, communicate clear expectations, and create psychological safety for bad news to surface. A title does not guarantee followership.
Traps
A common trap is choosing one favorite style for every situation. A new, inexperienced leasing agent needs more direction; a capable but unmotivated veteran may need support, recognition, or a new challenge. Other traps include delegating outcomes without authority, avoiding documented performance conversations, blaming the team for system failures, and confusing popularity with leadership. Ethical shortcuts that hit short-term numbers often create long-term risk.
Worked example
A property has a new leasing consultant who is enthusiastic but has low skill. Situational leadership suggests directing or coaching: set specific steps, demonstrate, observe, and give feedback. For an experienced consultant who is disengaged after a policy change, use supporting or coaching: explain the rationale, invite input, and agree on goals. Rule of thumb: match the style to the person’s competence and commitment for the specific task, not to their personality.