Great leaders inspire confidence, foster collaboration, and empower their teams to rise to any challenge.
Last month, I witnessed this firsthand at Spring Lake Middle School’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
I may be a little biased—my son played Gaston—but beyond my parental pride, what stood out most was the incredible leadership behind the scenes.
The show could have been a disaster.
A week of rehearsals was lost to snow days. Opening night arrived after six straight days without practice—without the all-important tech week, during which costumes, microphones, and lighting are tested and the show runs from start to finish.
Yet, against all odds, the kids delivered a fantastic performance.
Why? Because of outstanding leadership. The directors created an environment where the students felt empowered, prepared, and supported. Here’s what they did right—and what every leader can learn from them:
1. Actively Listen and Recognize Ideas and Contributions
True leaders understand that great ideas come from everywhere. The directors encouraged the students to share their input, incorporating their creative ideas into scene blocking and costumes. Making it a collaborative process gave every cast and crew member a sense of ownership in the final production.
2. Foster Community and Inclusivity
Middle school can be tough, but the drama club was a space where every student belonged. When a small group of kids started coordinating themed dress days—like Hawaiian Shirt Day—but unintentionally left others out, the directors stepped in. They reinforced that theater is a team effort, ensuring everyone felt included and valued.
3. Set Clear Expectations While Encouraging Autonomy
Strong leaders balance structure with trust. Each Friday, the directors emailed students and parents a detailed schedule of the upcoming week’s rehearsals—what scenes and songs would be covered and who needed to attend. With clear expectations in place, the students showed up prepared, focused, and ready to work hard. The directors demonstrated that everyone’s time is valuable—even middle schoolers’.
4. Model Confidence and Poise Under Pressure
Leaders set the tone for their teams. Even with major setbacks, the directors never wavered in their belief that these students were capable of delivering an incredible show. Their confidence was contagious, inspiring the kids to believe in themselves, push past uncertainty, and give it their all.
The Results? A Show to Remember
When the curtain rose on opening night, the students nailed it. They trusted their abilities, had fun, and let their talent shine.
Was it a perfect performance? No. But that didn’t matter.
What mattered was that the students rose to the occasion—just as any great team does when guided by strong leadership.
The Takeaway for Real Estate Brokers and Managers
Leading a real estate team isn’t so different from directing a theater production. Your agents need guidance, structure, and confidence to perform at their best. Empower them by setting clear expectations, fostering a supportive team culture, and leading with unwavering confidence. When you trust in their abilities and provide the right leadership, your agents—like those incredible students—will rise to the occasion, take ownership, and shine.
A big shoutout to directors Michelle Prince and Nancy Ireland for being outstanding educators and leaders. Their example is one we can all learn from.