WMLAR Leadership Academy kicks off with a dynamic first session
The West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® proudly launched its inaugural Leadership Academy on Mar. 19, 2025, with an engaging and interactive first session. This milestone event brought together 15 dedicated REALTORS® committed to developing their leadership skills and strengthening their impact within the industry.
Building leadership through improv
The day began with an energetic session led by Margaret K. Hicks, a broker outreach manager with the Midwest Real Estate Data, LLC (MRED) with a background in improv comedy. She introduced participants to improv techniques as a powerful tool for leadership, emphasizing their value in professional settings. Through interactive games such as “Snap, Clap, Stomp,” “Mirror,” and “One Word Story,” attendees practiced essential leadership skills like adaptability, collaboration, and trust.
A highlight of the session was the “Expert Expert” exercise, where participants improvised as specialists in fictional fields, reinforcing the importance of confidence and quick thinking. The session wrapped up with a gift-giving activity designed to strengthen connections among participants.
Understanding leadership styles with DiSC
Melissa Haven, an organizational sociologist, certified coach and owner of Creatively Centered, LLC, guided the group through the DiSC assessment, a tool designed to help individuals understand their leadership and communication styles. Participants explored the four DISC styles:
- D (Dominant): Competitive, goal-oriented, and direct.
- I (Influence): High-energy, people-focused, and relationship-driven.
- S (Steadiness): Supportive, empathetic, and observant.
- C (Conscientiousness): Detail-oriented, analytical, and dependable.
Participants engaged in discussions about their own styles, learned how to effectively interact with different personalities, and created posters illustrating a day in the life of their DISC profile. The session emphasized self-awareness and adaptability as key components of strong leadership. Throughout the day, participants shared personal experiences, discussing how understanding their own styles and those of others can lead to better teamwork and decision-making. They explored reaction and discovery styles through video analysis and exercises, ultimately creating action plans to enhance collaboration in their professional relationships.
Looking ahead
As the session concluded, attendees were encouraged to review their DISC assessments and apply their insights to their daily interactions. The group gathered for a networking reception at Odd Side Ales, further strengthening the connections formed during the day.
The WMLAR Leadership Academy is off to an inspiring start, and we look forward to the journey ahead as these future leaders continue to grow and make an impact in their businesses and the industry.
Congratulations to our inaugural class for an outstanding first session!
