Leading Through Change: Lessons from a CRE Veteran

Leadership isn't defined during times of stability; it's truly tested when navigating the turbulent waters of change. Whether facing market disruptions, technological shifts, organizational restructuring, or economic uncertainty, how leaders guide their teams through these periods determines whether the organization emerges stronger or falters.

Drawing upon over 30 years of executive leadership experience in the dynamic and often unpredictable commercial real estate industry, INSPIRE offers practical, battle-tested lessons on leading effectively through change. These principles are central to his keynote speaking and consulting engagements.

Lesson 1: Acknowledge Reality & Communicate Transparently

The first step in leading through change is acknowledging it exists.

Ignoring challenges, downplaying difficulties, or providing vague reassurances erodes trust faster than almost anything else. Effective leaders confront reality head-on. They communicate openly and honestly about the changing environment, the challenges the organization faces, and the plan for navigating them. This transparency, coupled with fostering open dialogue and actively listening to concerns, builds credibility and helps the team feel respected and informed. This aligns with core change management principles, requiring skilled facilitation and communication – areas where INSPIRE ​brings specific expertise.

Lesson 2: Anchor to Vision & Purpose (The "Why")

​During times of uncertainty and disruption, people crave stability and direction. It's the leader's role to provide that anchor by constantly reinforcing the organization's core mission, vision, and values. Help your team understand why the changes are necessary, how they align with the broader strategic goals, and how their individual contributions fit into the bigger picture. A clear sense of purpose provides motivation and focus when routines are disrupted. This focus on vision and strategic alignment is a key component of both effective leadership and INSPIRE's consulting approach.

Lesson 3: Empower Your People (The "Who" and "How")

Change cannot be dictated solely from the top down; it requires adaptation and engagement at all levels. Truly effective leaders empower their teams to be part of the solution. This means:

• Involving people in the change process where appropriate, seeking their input and ideas.
• Providing the necessary training, resources, and support (Learning & Development) to help them adapt to new roles, processes, or technologies.4 Investing in your team's capacity and confidence to navigate ambiguity is crucial.
• Delegating effectively and trusting your team members.
• Fostering a culture where problem-solving is encouraged and resilience is built.

This focus on empowering People is central to INSPIRE's philosophy. Our L&D programs and team-building initiatives are designed to build this capacity within organizations, reflecting our own experience in building and leading successful teams.

Lesson 4: Focus on Process & Structure (The "What")

​While adaptability is key, change doesn't mean abandoning all structure. In fact, clear processes and defined roles can provide crucial stability during turbulent times. Leaders should focus on:

• Ensuring clarity around roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority, even as things evolve.
• Leveraging well-defined procedures (like SOPs) for core functions to maintain consistency and reduce confusion where possible.
• Strategically adapting processes rather than creating operational chaos.

Maintaining a focus on effective Process provides guardrails and reduces anxiety, allowing the team to focus on navigating the change itself. INSPIRE's expertise in process improvement and SOP development supports this need.

Lesson 5: Lead with Empathy & Maintain Morale

Change is inherently stressful for individuals and teams. Leaders must acknowledge the human element and lead with empathy. This involves:

• Actively listening to concerns and validating feelings.
• Acknowledging the challenges and extra effort required.
• Celebrating small wins and milestones along the way to maintain momentum.
• Actively working to maintain team cohesion and morale, potentially through targeted team-building efforts.
• Demonstrating personal resilience and a positive, solution-oriented attitude.

Themes of effective Leadership and dedicated Service to one's team are central to INSPIRE's philosophy.

Learn More from a CRE Veteran

These lessons, forged over decades of navigating the ups and downs of the commercial real estate cycle, form the core of our insights on leadership. He explores these themes in greater depth during his keynote presentations and applies them directly in consulting engagements, offering tailored guidance to help organizations manage change successfully.

Are you looking to strengthen your leadership capabilities during times of change?

Contact INSPIRE today to learn more about our impactful keynote presentations or customized consulting services.