Executive Officers need to foster optimism and trust and reduce their members' fears in leading their home builders associations through the current housing downturn, a prominent leadership trainer told recent NAHB leadership training conferences in Des Moines, Iowa and Atlanta.

Brian Grubb, of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, told EOs and HBA volunteer leaders attending the National Leadership Training Conferences that they will have to show their members that their vision and goals for their builders associations are “achievable,” and, through member “buy-in,” assure them that, “We will get through this.”

As effective leaders, Grubb said that the EOs will have to create “psychological ownership” of their HBA’s mission and purpose — essentially working with their staffs to help them recognize that what their association accomplishes defines who they are as an organization, not just what they do.

Strategic planning is one of the most effective ways to create buy-in, Grubb said. This “visionary process” helps define what an organization strives to become. He stressed, however, that HBAs should no overreach.

Less is more, he said. The HBA's mission should be something that can be easily remembered and expressed ― preferably in 35 words or less.

If people can easily recall what an organization stands for, then they are more likely to believe its goals and strive to accomplish them, he said.

Grubb also emphasized that leaders must lead by example and set up a working environment that is conducive to meeting established goals. Ritz-Carlton energizes and reinforces its corporate culture among its employees on a daily basis. Grubb suggested that every organization, no matter its size, should do the same.

Grubb said that Ritz-Carlton believes that companies cannot deliver extraordinary service with flawed processes. It is up to leaders to establish the necessary working systems and show people “the way” by conducting business in a manner that they would expect others to follow.

“Enlightened leadership and engaged employees create desired outcomes,” Grubb said, adding that it is up to the leaders to get their employees engaged.

NAHB is planning to conduct leadership training conferences for EOs and staff members at HBAs next year.

For more information, or for leadership support, e-mail NAHB’s Affiliate Services Department, call 800-368-5242 x8176, or visit the Affiliate Services Department Web pages.

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