Welcome to the Leadership Academy at the DeKalb Association of REALTORS®—where future leaders are cultivated. Our Leadership Academy is designed to empower and equip our members with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead with excellence in the ever-evolving real estate industry. Through immersive training, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, we prepare REALTORS® to excel in their careers and take on pivotal roles within their communities and our association. Join us on this journey to becoming a transformative leader in real estate.
Sessions Include:
ORIENTATION | LEADERSHIP
Discover how to be involved with your Association. Learn about the rich history of the DeKalb Association of REALTORS® and the three-way agreement between DeKalb REALTORS®, GAR, and NAR. Meet DeKalb Officers, Directors, and Staff. Participate in committee meetings and events.
MEETING MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION
Learn how Associations are governed and tricks for using Robert’s Rules of Order. Attend a Board of Directors meeting to see planning and boardroom protocol in action and how the strategic plan and meeting agendas guide our leaders. Sharpen your communication skills!
ADVOCACY
GAR’s Director of Governmental Affairs will tell you more about the REALTORS® role in influencing policy matters and the laws regarding real estate and private property rights. You will attend a county commissioner’s or school board meeting and a GAR State & Local Government Affairs meeting.
LEGISLATIVE APPRECIATION DAY
Sit in on a meeting of the GAR State & Local Government Affairs Committee and visit our state’s Capitol for “REALTOR Day at the Dome” and meet with elected officials.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Learn about your benefits from the Association that can connect you to success like the Legal Helpline. Attend a membership meeting. Attend one New Members Orientation & Code of Ethics and earn 3 hours of CE credit! Attend the Pinnacle Award Event to celebrate your graduation!
Application Details:
- Deadline to Apply: Friday, January 12, by 5:00 PM
- Tuition Fee: *$200 (only charged upon acceptance)
- Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by January 16, and payment will only be processed once enrollment is confirmed.
*Students who complete the program are eligible for a $100 rebate after graduation.
2026 Leadership Academy Curriculum and Calendar of Events
SESSION ONE:
January 26th 10:30am – 1:30pm
Meet the Officers and Staff | Organizational Structure
Team Building Exercise
Introduction To Leadership in Real Estate Associations
_____________________________________________________________________________
SESSION TWO:
February 23rd 10:30am – 1:30pm
Vision, Strategy, and Goal Setting for Leaders
_________________________________________________________________________
SESSION THREE:
March 9th 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Effective Communication and Influence in Leadership
_____________________________________________________________________________
SESSION FOUR:
March 23rd 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Team Building Strategies, Leadership Styles & Collaboration Techniques _____________________________________________________________________________
SESSION FIVE:
April 27 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility in Real Estate
Successful Meeting Planning- Successful Meetings
__________________________________________________________________________
SESSION SIX:
June 1st 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Financial Leadership & Decision Making for Associations
________________________________________________________________________________
SESSION SEVEN:
June 22nd 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Strategies for Navigating and Driving Change
Strategic Planning Best Practices
____________________________________________________________________________
SESSION EIGHT:
July 27th 10:30am – 1:30pm
Sustaining Leadership Excellence and Preparing for the Future
____________________________________________________________________________
SESSION NINE:
August 5th 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Board of Directors Meeting followed by lunch and debrief _____________________________________________________________________________
SESSION TEN:
October 19th 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Book Reports
Report on experience and takeaways from Electives selected _____________________________________________________________________________
FINAL SESSION
December
Graduation at Holiday Gala & Installation
LOCATION: TBD
________________________________________________________________________________
**Attendance is required at all sessions or functions. Absences, if any, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and if approved will require additional assignments in order for students to be reinstated. In addition to the sessions above, you are required to participate in the local community at a County Commissioners, Zoning & Planning or School Board meeting, attend a GAR State & Local Government Affairs Meeting, a New Member Orientation, a Board of Directors meeting, and a DeKalb REALTORS® committee meeting.