Leading in Tough Times: Collete English Dixon, Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate

Throughout the month of August, Connect CRE is running a series titled “Leading in Tough Times.” We’ve asked leaders around the U.S. and across the commercial real estate spectrum to share their wisdom and discuss lessons learned. In this installment, you’ll hear from Collete English Dixon, executive director of the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate at Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Q: What’s the most common mistake leaders make in an inhospitable market? 

A: From my perspective, the most common mistake leaders make during tough times is panicking and over-adjusting to challenges without considering that “this too shall pass.” History has shown that if you have a strong business plan that has supported the growth and vision for the business, it is a mistake to throw it out the window because of temporary inhospitable market conditions. You have to maintain the business culture and values that have supported your success to that point so they’re still there for you when things get back to normal, while doing the course corrections that you need to manage the headwinds. However, the goal should be to remain steady.

Q: What leadership advice would you like to give your younger self? 

A: I would tell myself that being a leader does not mean doing it all yourself. It is about developing a team with a shared vision that is clear about its goals and invites others to help achieve it. I would want to share that the goal is to be a servant leader with a view of the greater good and to provide service to people and to build community working toward a common goal.

Q: What’s the most valuable leadership advice you’ve ever been given? 

A: It isn’t about what you accomplish, it’s about what you get your team to accomplish. You can’t be a leader without a team that shares your vision, wants to go down that path with you and is wholly engaged in it. It’s not about cracking the whip and telling people to “do it my way.” It’s about getting people to want to work with you.

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