News & Events

Leadership Express Newsletter

Leadership Express

June 2019 Edition

Get reading your governance documents

Your responsibility as a committee or board member starts with knowing the rules and practices of the association. Learn about the most common documents that govern an association, including letters patent (articles of incorporation) and by-laws.

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How to be a Savvy Board Leader

As an association volunteer, you want to influence the course of your association by making a meaningful contribution. What do you need to do? Be futuristic? Work comfortably within conflict? Have a sense of humour? Three executive officers share their advice to board members on serving with excellence.

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Retaining and keeping the best

Is volunteer management your responsibility? In just minutes, you can learn a few simple strategies to recruit, train, and retain the highest-level volunteers. Watch 1 or all 7 short tutorial videos in our Volunteer Recruitment video series playlist on our YouTube channel

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June

Get reading your governance documents

Watch Video

How to be a Savvy Board Leader

Read Article

Retaining and keeping the best

Watch Video

May

Fiduciary what?

Fiduciary Duty. Duty of Skill. Due Diligence. Familiar with these terms? If you’re a new member of a board of directors, you’ll need to understand what these terms mean and what duties you’ve taken on as a new director. Watch this short video to get started.

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Keeping your head without losing your mind

Listen to this short interview with Cathy Shaughnessy to learn how you can change your behaviours to find a better sense of balance.

Listen Now

A tool to help groups make good decisions

Meeting chairpersons set the tone for a meeting. So, when they use words that shut down ideas and discussion, they impact the productivity of the meeting. Here’s a tool that can help you eliminate these killer phrases from your vocabulary resulting in more robust and productive discussions.

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April

Governance is key

As a volunteer, you’ll hear about the importance of governance, but what is governance? And more importantly, what is good governance? In this short video, you’ll learn what governance is and what determines the quality of an association’s governance.

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The 3 Ps for presentation success

No one wants to give a presentation that falls flat or misses the mark. Yet all too often that’s exactly what can happen. In this Top Tips video, Brin Sharp shares his advice for making your presentations engaging and on-target. It’s all about the 3 Ps: purpose, people and process.

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A tool to help groups make good decisions

It can be challenging for groups to make major decisions, especially when they are urgent. Here’s a tool that can help your board focus on making the best decisions possible for your members. The Group Decision Making Tool ensures due diligence and builds consensus as a group makes decisions.

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March

Prepare for presentation success

The difference between an effective and ineffective presentation is often in the preparation. How focused is your message? Is the delivery style the best choice for your topic? In this short video Isabella Favaro shares her tips for preparing a great presentation.

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Lead the change you want to see

As you begin a new year, help prepare yourself for the inevitable change to come. Listen to this short podcast with Peggy Grall on what leaders can do to help teams work through change to achieve the results they desire.

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Make a difference at your next committee meeting

The success of any committee depends on the contributions made by each of its members. Ensure that you’re contributing in the best way possible by reviewing these tips for committee members.

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February

Avoid these common board issues

If you sit on a community or association board of directors, listen to this short podcast with Brad Quinn and Linda Moore. You’ll learn how your board can improve results by avoiding some common unintentional board problems.

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Harness social media opportunities

Before her REALiTY Panel session, Rebecca Mountain, Chief Mess Maker at Impetus Consulting, shared some insights about social media in real estate. Watch this video to learn the biggest social media opportunities REALTORS® are overlooking with their social media strategies.

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Develop your volunteer skills

Kickstart your volunteer journey by taking a leadership course from OREA. You’ll gain valuable skills to use in any volunteer position you take on – in the community or at your local association. Courses will take place at the Toronto Hilton Airport on March 1st.

Course Registration

January

Tips to deal with a crisis

Preparation is key if you are going to deal effectively with a crisis. Communications consultant and former journalist Sean Mallen shares his tips for planning to handle a crisis well before it occurs, along with some key messaging you’ll want to include.

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Give back and grow your career – volunteer now!

Come be part of a team that’s leading the way on issues that matter to you and Ontario home owners. By joining an OREA committee, you’ll work with your fellow colleagues to make a difference in the lives of REALTORS® and the people they serve.

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December

Brokerage in the Cloud

After his REALiTY Conference session: “Brokerage in the Cloud”, Rob Mehta, Founder and President of Rob Mehta+Partners, dropped in to talk about cloud-based technology for real estate and how to use it to communicate, plan, and market.

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Up Your Game with Leadership Courses

REALTORS® who volunteer say that volunteering builds their network, develops leadership skills and makes a difference to the industry they love. Kickstart your volunteer journey – take a leadership course from OREA. Courses will be run in the Toronto area on January 7 and March 1, 2019.

Course Registration

Tips for new executive officers

If you’re a new association executive officer, you’ll want to hear this advice from Bill Shepherd. Bill was an association executive for over 35 years and has a lot to share about establishing yourself in your new position. In this short video he shares his 3 top tips on the importance of professional designations and how to support your board.

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November

Tips for new executive officers

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Technology innovations in real estate

After her REALiTY Conference session, “Technology Disruption in Real Estate.”, Amy Erixon from Avison Young joined us to discuss artificial intelligence, mixed media reality and how they are being applied in real estate. In this interview she talks about why we should be excited about these technologies as well as what we should be concerned about.

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Resolving arguments with difficult people

Disagreements in the workplace are common. But when people become difficult, small debates can quickly turn into heated arguments. Here are some tips to follow the next time you find yourself facing some difficult behaviour.

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October

Prepare for conflict in the boardroom

If you are a board chair and anticipate conflict about an upcoming agenda item, there are things you can do to prepare. This video by Carolyn Everson walks you through three strategies for ensuring that potential conflict doesn’t impede the board’s ability to make a decision. Watch this video to learn how you can minimize conflict in the boardroom.

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Make a positive connection

How do you build great working relationships when most of our communication takes place electronically? We interviewed Jackie Leavenworth about how to make a more personal connection with your clients and coworkers. In this short video interview, she shares her tips on how to positively connect and engage with others.

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Ask the key financial questions

Association leaders have a responsibility to steward the resources of the association. That means ensuring that finances are being managed properly. Here are some key questions you can ask to make sure you’re fulfilling your role.

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September

Directors need to speak with one voice

One of the key principles of board governance is that a board of directors always speaks with one voice. This video explains just what that means to an individual board member and how each board member can comply.

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How to get heard in the age of noise

After his REALiTY Conference session: ‘Stop Telling Your Story and Become Part of Mine’, Tony Chapman, CEO of Tony Chapman Reactions, joined us to discuss the challenges of getting attention in today’s content-heavy world.

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What is a staff liaison, and why should I care?

If you chair or participate in an association committee, you’ll want to know all about the staff liaison. That’s the staff person who supports the volunteer committee and plays a valuable part in that committee’s success. Learn more about the role of a staff liaison and how you can partner to achieve success.

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June

Get ready to handle unexpected staff interruptions

If your association’s CEO had to leave unexpectedly, the board had better be prepared! Every association needs a CEO Contingency Plan – a set of procedures that defines how your association will continue its critical functions.

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What drives your association?

As Melynn Sight travels across North America, she sees a wide range of interpretations of the strategic governing definitions that guide an association. In this video, Melynn explains the top three elements that should drive all association decisions: mission, vision and member value proposition.

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Zillow and the Future of Technology

After his REALiTY Conference session, Errol Samuelson, Chief Industry Development Officer for Zillow Group, dropped by to talk about Zillow, how it’s looking at the Canadian market, and how app-based, smart technology is set to change the way we go about doing business in real estate.

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May

Advice for a new board member

There’s no better advice than that from someone who has walked in your shoes. Listen to these tips from volunteers who have served on a board of directors – it’s top-of-mind advice that can help you hit the ground running as a new board member.

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Are you fulfilling your duty of confidentiality?

Board members have a fiduciary duty to maintain confidentiality. This video explains what that duty entails and what types of information board members need to keep confidential.

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The changing Ontario real estate landscape

After his REALiTY Conference session, Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage, dropped in to share insights about market and economic drivers we’re seeing here in our province. From inter-provincial migration to Peak Millennials, Phil talks about the prominent drivers and how they’re changing our Canadian real estate landscape.

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April

The three key responsibilities of a board of directors

Juanita Gledhill has learned about board leadership from both sides: as a volunteer on a board of directors and as a staff leader. In this video, Juanita describes the three key responsibilities of a board: stewardship, oversight and accountability.

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What to expect when joining a committee

We asked volunteers to answer the question, what surprised you most when you joined a committee? Their answers provide insights into what you might expect and how you can prepare to fulfill your role as a new committee member.

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Should you start a real estate team?

After his REALiTY Conference session, Kelley Skar, REALTOR® and CEO of Redline Real Estate Group, dropped in and shared three reasons why you should (or shouldn’t) start your own real estate team.

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March

How Committees Are Structured

Association committees, task forces and working groups each serve a different purpose. Ensure you understand important aspects of how committees are structures in this short video tutorial.

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Making and Amending Motions Job Aid

Just learning how to make and amend motions? Or do you still get mixed up when someone wants to amend an amendment? This quick reference job aid will help you make and amend motions like a pro.

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Top 10 Ways to Renew Your Volunteer Gene Pool

If your association is struggling with getting volunteers, then this is a must read blog by Ken Anderson. He shares his top 10 ways to attract engaged volunteers.

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February

Cheat sheet for meeting participants

Have you ever been in a meeting and been concerned that proper meeting procedures weren’t being followed? That can derail a meeting and waste valuable time. Even as a meeting participant, there is something you can do. Find out how you can speak up and help get a meeting back on track.

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Learn to handle conflicts of interest

When you sit on a board of directors or committee, it’s important to understand what a conflict of interest is and when you might be in one. This short video will help you identify when your interests conflict with those of the association and what to do about it.

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Elevate your status as a REALTOR®

On March 8th, elevate your status as a REALTOR® by sharpening your professional skills through OREA’s leadership courses. Leadership 200 will help accelerate your association leadership skills while Leadership 300 will strengthen your skills to become a better association leader.

Course Registration

January

Is this your year for volunteering?

Volunteering at your local real estate association is a great way to develop your skills, network with other REALTORS® and give back to your profession. Sandra Kirkland shares some of the many ways she’s benefited by volunteering – and how you can benefit too.

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The basics of amending motions

Many board chairpersons get tripped up when it’s time to address an amendment to a motion. Learn the basic steps for amending motions at a board of directors or committee meeting by watching this short animated video.

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Amending motions in action

Want to see the basics of amending motions in action? This brief demo illustrates each step as it would play out in a board or committee meeting. It demonstrates the proper procedure for handling amendments and avoiding any confusion.

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December

The Basics of Making Motions

As you head into a new year of volunteering, it’s a great time to nail down the proper procedures for making, debating and voting on motions. This short video is a great way to learn or refresh your knowledge.

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Making Motions in Action

Want to see the basics of making motions in action? This brief demo illustrates each step as it would play out in a board or committee meeting. It demonstrates how participants and chairpersons can ensure balanced discussion and following proper procedures.

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Crazy Busy

If you’ve agreed to take on the responsibility of chairing a non-profit or community group, it’s possible you’re going to be faced with many requests for your time. Before you go crazy, read this blog post about some of the do’s and don’ts for balancing your time as a volunteer leader.

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November

Developing Authentic Leaders

If you’re responsible for developing leaders at your organization, you’ll want to listen to this interview. Teal McAteer discusses how important it is to help people become authentic leaders who understand who they are and what kind of leaders they want to be.

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Five Myths about Parliamentary Procedure

There are many misconceptions about parliamentary procedures such as Robert’s Rules of Order. Check and see if you might be falling for some of these myths about parliamentary procedure. This knowledge might come in useful at your next board or committee meeting.

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It’s Easy to Lead When the Going is Good

But what about when conflict rears its ugly head and you’re in the hot seat? That’s when leaders rely on their skills and principles to get them through. If you want to improve how you handle discord, you might want to apply these Principles for Leading through Conflict.

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October

Bring Order to Your Meetings

There is nothing more frustrating than poorly run meetings. Associations can dial down the frustration level by implementing meeting ground rules. These are rules or guidelines that the group agrees to abide by for every meeting.

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Committee Terms of Reference

It’s important that committees and task forces are given clear direction. This short video shows how association committees and task forces are defined through their mandate or terms of reference. This is one of a four-video series of Just-in-Time Learning videos that you can use to train new committee members.

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Powerful Questions for the Boardroom

Board members may find it challenging to keep their discussions at the strategic level. It’s easy to slip into operational discussions that are best left for staff. Here’s a great tool to help directors ask the questions that really matter.

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September

7 Questions That Lead Boards to Better Decisions

If your board or committee wants to make better decisions, try considering using these 7 key questions to guide your discussions. They seem simple, but they hold the key to ensuring that your decisions are focused, strategic and carefully considered.

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A wealth of resources available on new OREA website

How do you manage conflicts? How can you build better relationships? If you’re looking for ways to be a more effective volunteer, be sure to check out the new Skills Development for Volunteers section on orea.com. A wide array of videos, interviews, articles and tools are available on some of the most common volunteer topics.

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Tough Talking: Initiating and Managing Difficult Conversations

If you’ve ever said something in anger that you wish you could take back, you’re in good company. Many of us get drawn into conflict and then blunder our way through a difficult conversation. In this short interview, Mary Byers discusses how to start and maintain uncomfortable discussions in a way that is non-threatening and leads to better understanding.

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June

Getting the message out through social media

Know your audience – this is a communication mantra for ensuring the right message reaches the right audience. This also applies to social media. But, there’s another mantra you should add to your social media communication arsenal – narrow casting. Watch the video to learn more about this new communication strategy.

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IQ gets you hired EQ gets you promoted

How well you understand and manage your emotions may determine how successful you will be in your professional and personal relationships. EQ, or emotional intelligence, is the ability to manage your emotions so you can achieve the results you want and take your career to the next level. Listen to the podcast and learn what you can do to increase your EQ.

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What’s in a name? Everything!

The truth is, Shakespeare was wrong. A name is not an artificial and meaningless convention, as Juliet told Romeo. Remembering a person’s name shortly after meeting him/her demonstrates that you are interested and were paying attention. But, some individuals have trouble remembering people’s names. Read the blog and learn five practical tips on how to forever etch someone’s name in your memory bank.

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May

Listening to improve communication

Open your ears and close your mouth – that's the first rule for becoming a better communicator. And, being a better listener means you will be a better communicator. To improve your listening skills, you will also need to know how to focus on what’s being said and not become distracted by other interferences. Watch the video to learn the top three tips for effective listening.

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Managing negative naysayers on your team

You’ve heard the saying – there’s no 'I" in teamwork. But, not everyone follows this saying. Some individuals who sit on committees enjoy being contrary or taking contradictory positions for no good reason. Read the article by Roger Turcotte, a facilitator with NAR’s REALTOR® Leadership Program, and learn four practical steps on how to remedy “contrary” behaviour.

Virtual meetings: Troubleshooting technical issues

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April

More than just minute takers

Staff liaisons are more than just minute takers. They ensure their committees function smoothly by providing orientation to and helping committee chairs execute their administrative duties. Review this resource and get to know what your staff liaison does.

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Save time with consent agendas

Committees are the lifeblood of an association such as yours. One of the key roles of a committee is to make recommendations to the board of directors. Watch this short video and learn about committee mandates and the processes committees use to make recommendations.

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Virtual meetings: Facilitating blindly

Facilitating virtual meetings requires special skills because there’s no face-to-face communication between the facilitator and the participants. In this third of a three-part series, you will learn the strategies on how to engage participants in a virtual environment.

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March

How committees advise the board

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Media Interviews - Don't wing it

A consent agenda saves time during meetings because it enables the board of directors to approve items without discussion or individual motions. Watch the video to learn how consent agendas work and how to incorporate these time-savers into your meetings.

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Save time with consent agendas

Whether you believe virtual meetings are a godsend or a nuisance, they are part of the current communication culture. And, while there are benefits to hosting virtual meetings, challenges and obstacles still remain. In this first of a three-part series, learn about the why, the when, and the how of virtual meetings.

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February

A REALTOR speaks out about volunteering

Steve Kotan has volunteered for committees at the local, provincial, and national level. In this blog post, he shares how he has enhanced his career through volunteering. Steve has gained both personally and professionally as he developed his skills, made important new connections, and gave back to his profession.

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Manage change successfully

If you need to manage change in your organization and want to ensure it’s successful, listen to the top three tips from Alain Rabeau, of the Intersol Group. In this short video, Alain details the three tips – (1) align policies and structures; (2) train and coach people; (3) deal with resistors – and how to implement them successfully.

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January

Preparing for your first committee meeting

Congratulations to those of you who have stepped up to volunteer to serve on a committee. Whether you’re volunteering with your local association or a community group, it’s helpful to get a sense of what will happen at the meeting and how you can prepare. This video is one in a series of short tutorials that gives you what you need to know to be an effective committee member.

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Welcome new directors!

In January, many real estate associations welcome new members onto their board of directors. If you are one of those new directors, you’ll want to read this Open Letter to the New Director. This message from an Executive Officer can help give you the focus you need to succeed, from words of advice on what you can do before your first meeting, to how you can support current and future leaders.

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News & Events

Leadership Express Newsletter

Leadership Express

Get reading your governance documents

How to be a Savvy Board Leader

Retaining and keeping the best

Get Our Newsletter

Past Issues

Get reading your governance documents

How to be a Savvy Board Leader

Retaining and keeping the best

Fiduciary what?

Keeping your head without losing your mind

A tool to help groups make good decisions

Governance is key

The 3 Ps for presentation success

A tool to help groups make good decisions

Prepare for presentation success

Lead the change you want to see

Make a difference at your next committee meeting

Avoid these common board issues

Harness social media opportunities

Develop your volunteer skills

Top 5 real estate stories of 2018

Tips to deal with a crisis

Give back and grow your career – volunteer now!

Brokerage in the Cloud

Up Your Game with Leadership Courses

Tips for new executive officers

Tips for new executive officers

Technology innovations in real estate

Resolving arguments with difficult people

Prepare for conflict in the boardroom

Make a positive connection

Ask the key financial questions

Directors need to speak with one voice

How to get heard in the age of noise

What is a staff liaison, and why should I care?

Get ready to handle unexpected staff interruptions

What drives your association?

Zillow and the Future of Technology

Advice for a new board member

Are you fulfilling your duty of confidentiality?

The changing Ontario real estate landscape

The three key responsibilities of a board of directors

What to expect when joining a committee

Should you start a real estate team?

How Committees Are Structured

Making and Amending Motions Job Aid

Top 10 Ways to Renew Your Volunteer Gene Pool

Cheat sheet for meeting participants

Learn to handle conflicts of interest

Elevate your status as a REALTOR®

Is this your year for volunteering?

The basics of amending motions

Amending motions in action

The Basics of Making Motions

Making Motions in Action

Crazy Busy

Developing Authentic Leaders

Five Myths about Parliamentary Procedure

It’s Easy to Lead When the Going is Good

Bring Order to Your Meetings

Committee Terms of Reference

Powerful Questions for the Boardroom

7 Questions That Lead Boards to Better Decisions

A wealth of resources available on new OREA website

Tough Talking: Initiating and Managing Difficult Conversations

Getting the message out through social media

IQ gets you hired EQ gets you promoted

What’s in a name? Everything!

Listening to improve communication

Managing negative naysayers on your team

Virtual meetings: Troubleshooting technical issues

More than just minute takers

Save time with consent agendas