One way people become strong leaders is by learning from others. For the past 12 years, the National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy has been identifying, inspiring, and mentoring emerging leaders. Academy participants hone their leadership skills while learning about institutional, industry, and association issues.

Spots for Commercial Pros

Now NAR has added a commercial focus to the academy curriculum, and, for the class of 2022, three slots are dedicated to members engaged in commercial real estate. The application period for the 2022 class opens Dec. 2, 2020, so now is the time to consider applying.

“We want commercial real estate professionals to see the same value in NAR as residential professionals,” says NAR’s 2020 President-elect Charlie Oppler, who was instrumental in the change. Oppler, chief operating officer of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty in Tenafly, N.J., also recently announced a new commercial conference that will take place in 2021. Leadership Academy participants experience many facets of leadership and, along the way, define their personal leadership style. The academy includes eight sessions combining interactive online and in-person experiences. Sessions are self-paced and extend over a three-week period. Participants have exclusive access to a library of more than 600 “micro-videos” featuring more than 40 nationally recognized industry leaders. In addition, special guests host live online “office hours.”

National committee experience is a great path to leadership, Oppler explains, but the academy accelerates that process and provides a supportive environment for growth. “The participants are all there for the same purpose, as opposed to sitting in a committee with 80 or 100 people. Everybody comes in equal,” he says.

What Are the Qualifications? 

REALTORS® are encouraged to apply if they have leadership experience at the local or state level but haven’t been actively involved at the national level and have demonstrated leadership abilities and passion about the industry and issues. Applicants often have completed formal leadership training through a local or state REALTOR ® association, a juris doctor or master of business administration degree, or a community or military leadership program.

Applicants should prepare to describe an incident or activity that most affected their development as a leader. Responses to industry challenges and leadership aspirations are carefully considered because they reflect personal point of view and vision. Other factors include applicants’ ability to contribute to diversity based on age, gender, ethnicity, geography, and specialty.

Learn More

From the pool of applicants, Academy participants are selected by the NAR Leadership Academy Advisory Group. Participants pay a $1,000 tuition fee, which covers course materials and other expenses. To learn more about the program and selection criteria, visit the Leadership Academy landing page. Or email questions to narla@nar.realtor.