You're leading a team in Corporate Real Estate. How can you ensure they achieve company goals effectively?

Get clear on goals and priorities. Identify the greatest impact opportunities. Break down goals into major milestones across quarterly plans. Assign ownership to KPIs. Set clear expectations on deliverables and trust team members to deliver. Listen and support where needed. Leverage technology for efficiency.

Aligning goals starts with clear communication and understanding of company objectives. As a commercial real estate attorney, you ensure your team's legal work supports the company’s expansion strategy. For example, if the goal is opening 10 new stores in a year, you'd coordinate with the real estate team to streamline lease agreements, prioritize key markets, and minimize legal hurdles. Regular progress reviews and legal risk assessments keep the team focused on removing obstacles, ensuring timely site acquisitions and openings that align with corporate goals.

We should identify a senior leadership team and align the organisational goals with their performance goals and also ensure that organisational destination is in sync with the senior leadership goals .

This might be a little cliche, but then again there’s a reason why it is a cliche. Keep the goals SMART: Be specific, assign KPIs, ensure they’re realistic and achievable within a reasonable yet specific timeframe. I would also suggest assigning a team member as the responsible contact for each task/goal ensuring accountability and that progress is being made towards the final outcome.

Empowering teams in corporate real estate begins by fostering trust, encouraging autonomy, and providing clear objectives. As a commercial real estate attorney, I’d ensure each team member understands legal intricacies and risks. For example, during a lease negotiation, I’d empower the team by delegating specific responsibilities (e.g., financial analysis, site feasibility) while offering legal guidance. Regular check-ins and open communication would ensure alignment with company goals, while allowing team members to lead on their areas of expertise fosters accountability and confidence in decision-making.

Authority flows with responsibility and accountability…. There has to be an ownership culture which will promulgate a healthier and growth driven culture in the organisation.

Real estate is all about following a collaborative approach to achieve the desired goals and for self growth too for the real estate professionals, as it fosters learning organisations.??

Fostering collaboration in Corporate Real Estate can be achieved by ensuring clear communication, aligning goals across departments, and promoting a culture of teamwork. As a commercial real estate attorney, for example, you can lead cross-functional meetings with legal, finance, and real estate teams to streamline lease negotiations. By ensuring all parties understand legal constraints and financial goals, you enable faster decision-making. Additionally, offering training on relevant legal aspects helps team members work independently while aligned with company objectives.

Continuous learning ensures that the team stays ahead of industry trends and legal changes. As a commercial real estate attorney leading the team, I would implement regular workshops on evolving regulations, contract negotiations, and market analysis. For example, I'd organize a seminar on recent zoning law updates, followed by a group project to apply the knowledge in drafting compliant lease agreements. Encouraging peer reviews and industry certifications would reinforce skills, promoting a proactive, knowledgeable team aligned with company goals.

Leveraging technology, I would implement tools like AI-driven contract management systems to streamline lease negotiations and compliance tracking. For example, as a commercial real estate attorney, using automated contract analysis software can flag unfavorable clauses, ensuring agreements align with company goals while reducing legal risks. Additionally, collaboration platforms enable seamless communication between legal, finance, and real estate teams, ensuring everyone is aligned on deal terms and deadlines, thus enhancing efficiency in achieving objectives.

Absolutely, collaboration in real estate is key for tackling complex challenges. By encouraging open communication and creating cross-functional teams, you harness diverse skills and perspectives. This approach not only leads to more innovative solutions but also helps in optimizing processes, whether it’s for space utilization or lease negotiations. Continuous learning is equally vital in staying competitive. The real estate market is always evolving, so investing in professional development ensures your team remains informed about the latest trends and best practices. This proactive approach to education enhances their ability to anticipate market shifts and drive strategic decisions.

Leveraging technology also plays a significant role. Using advanced real estate software and tools can streamline operations, manage portfolios more effectively, and provide valuable insights for decision-making. This technological edge allows teams to operate with greater efficiency and precision, aligning closely with company objectives. Maintaining flexibility is crucial, too. The ability to adapt to market changes and revise strategies as needed ensures that the company’s real estate holdings stay robust and aligned with broader business goals. Embracing these practices fosters a dynamic and resilient work environment that can navigate fluctuations and seize new opportunities.