From Leadership to Action: How Our Team Embodies Community Impact
We’ve always believed that true leadership goes beyond the office walls. Leadership is not just about guiding our team through the daily challenges of the real estate business; it’s about making a difference to the people we serve. While we wanted Henderson Properties to be successful, Phil and I knew our success would also be measured by community impact.
As we’ve grown, so has our responsibility to lead by example. Our team has set up programs that foster a strong internal culture through a leadership program, staff trivia nights, and a fantasy football league. We also work to extend our reach into the community through our involvement in local charities. We’re constantly looking for ways to give back and support those around us.
A Mission That Drives Us
Our mission statement states, “providing real estate services that positively affect people’s lives.” This statement has guided every decision we’ve made, from how we treat our employees to how we serve our clients and connect with the broader community.
This mission makes us a purpose-driven company that devotes itself to a cause greater than ourselves. Like other purpose-driven businesses, we’ve found that our focus shifts from making a profit to solving problems for people. Good work attracts good results. We’ve also found that our values create loyalty among our employees and customers alike.
People First: The Heart of Our Leadership Approach
Employees are more than the sum of the work we pay them to do. They’re human beings who help us out during half their waking hours. That’s why we must create a people-first culture where employees feel valued and encouraged to grow.
We’re also involved as a team in local charities and community organizations. We publicly represent our values through volunteer work, donations, and partnerships.
Steps Toward Making a Community Impact
I remember how we started small, making modest contributions to causes we cared about, such as supporting the Second Harvest Food Bank. This organization is close to my heart, as it works tirelessly to address hunger and food insecurity in our community.
I recall a particularly challenging year when we had to move our office out of our home and into a separate space. The decision was financially risky but necessary for both the company’s growth and our family’s sanity. That same year, we deepened our involvement with local charities, like the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which helps people dealing with addiction and homelessness. Even as we were tightening our own belts, we felt a strong responsibility to help others
We Were Not Put Here to Be Ordinary
As Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz once said, “I don’t think God put us on this earth to be ordinary. When we are content with our personal lives and on the path to success in our professional lives, we can start looking for ways to make a difference in our communities.
We are here to serve others, and that means providing excellent products and services to customers while also helping build a safety net for those in need around us.
It helps you get out of your way and better understand what others need. Don’t worry so much about the return on your investment. Building a better place to live is its own reward.
We also lead by example, and serving others is the best way to lead. Service fosters more than leadership. It involves gratitude, humility, and purpose. The best way to get over ourselves is to serve someone else.