News & Events

Leadership Express Newsletter

Leadership Express

January 2020 Edition

Listen to improve communication

When you listen more you communicate better. We may know that’s true, but it can be difficult to practice. Watch this short video to learn Lise Hebabi’s tips for being a better listener. Lise is an organizational development consultant with Intersol Group.

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Real estate and technology

Want to keep up with everchanging technology? OREA President Karen Cox talks to entrepreneur and tech expert, Stephen Jagger. Tune in to hear Karen and Stephen talk about PropTech, AI, and how technology is revolutionizing the real estate industry.

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Win/win! Give back and grow your career

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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January

Listen to improve communication

Watch Video

Real estate and technology

Listen Now

Win/win! Give back and grow your career

Read Article

December

Tips for 360 board assessments

Some boards of directors are implementing 360 assessments for their directors. As this can be tricky to implement successfully, you’ll want to listen to these suggestions from Lisa McFarland. Lisa shares insights on assessment criteria and obtaining balanced feedback.

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Insights from a REALiTY Conference speaker

With REALiTY coming up soon, we thought you might like to listen to an interview with one of our dynamic speakers from 2018. One of our most watched interviews is with Rebecca Mountain on Cutting Edge Social Media. Check it out and be sure to attend REALiTY 2020 Conference!

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Leadership courses are for all volunteers

Volunteering builds your network, develops your leadership skills and makes a difference to the people you serve. 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 run in the Toronto area on January 7 & 8 (Markham, ON).

Course Registration

November

Coping with Compliance Changes

If you or your team feel overwhelmed with changes to HR compliance rules, check out these tips from Laura Williams. She shares her guidelines for handling compliance changes and communicating with staff.

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Find and keep great volunteers

A new series of short tutorials on volunteer management is now available on orea.com. Our summer intern, Nicole Baker, researched some of the most impactful tips for recruiting and managing volunteers, then created a valuable series of videos to share those tips with you. Check them out under the heading Volunteer Management.

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Collaborate. Learn. Inspire.

The OREA Peak Leadership Summit offers professional development and team building workshops for members who volunteer for a non-profit association in their community or in real estate. Enjoy a day of discussions and keynote speakers, with lots of opportunities to network with fellow REALTOR® volunteers from across the province.

Course Registration

October

Top up your knowledge of handling motions

If you’re in a meeting and it’s clear that the motion on the floor needs to be removed, Jim Lochrie has some advice for you. See if you know the options for removing a motion based on Robert’s Rules of Order.

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Take a quick leadership self assessment

One of the skills that successful leaders possess is the ability to self assess. Here is a great tool to help you think about what you’re doing that is effective and what you can do to get even better.

Get Tool

Let meeting attendees speak up

A great way to improve your meetings is by getting input from attendees. Check out this evaluation tool for soliciting feedback on your meetings.

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September

How committees advise the board

Committees are the lifeblood of an association or community group. One of their key roles is to make recommendations to the board of directors. Watch this short video to learn how committees use mandates and terms of reference to guide them.

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Handle media interviews with confidence

Going into a media interview soon and feeling squeamish? In this short video interview Laszlo Szabo shares some of the most valuable techniques for getting your message across. He talks about how to prepare your messages and ensure they appear as a sound bite in tomorrow's media.

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A quick reference aid for making motions

Whether you’re just learning how to make and amend motions or you’re experienced, this quick reference job aid will help you handle motions like a pro. It’s a great tool for training new board and committee members!

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June

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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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.

Listen Now

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!

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Watch Video

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Watch Video

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News & Events

Leadership Express Newsletter

Leadership Express

Listen to improve communication

Real estate and technology

Win/win! Give back and grow your career

Get Our Newsletter

Past Issues

Listen to improve communication

Real estate and technology

Win/win! Give back and grow your career

Tips for 360 board assessments

Insights from a REALiTY Conference speaker

Leadership courses are for all volunteers

Coping with Compliance Changes

Find and keep great volunteers

Collaborate. Learn. Inspire.

Top up your knowledge of handling motions

Take a quick leadership self assessment

Let meeting attendees speak up

How committees advise the board

Handle media interviews with confidence

A quick reference aid for making motions

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