At the Collaborative Real Estate Summit, I outlined six leadership traits that have guided me throughout my career. In previous articles, I spoke about persistence—the grit to keep moving forward—and authenticity—the discipline of aligning what we do with who we are. The next principle I want to share is one that separates lasting success from short-term wins: continuous improvement.
Lessons From the Greats
Let’s consider two iconic athletes: Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps. Both were champions not just because of talent, but because of discipline. They were the first in the gym and the last to leave. They didn’t wait until they failed to make changes; they pushed for improvement even when they were on top. It’s about being committed to constant learning and growing, being curious, intellectually and physically.
That’s the essence of continuous improvement. It’s not about fixing mistakes when things go wrong. It’s about asking, “How can I get better even when things are going well?”
Their relentless focus on daily improvement shows a truth that applies far beyond sports: the best don’t wait for failure to make changes.
What This Looks Like in Business
Too often, leaders only focus on improvement after a failure. But the harder work is looking for opportunities to improve when everything seems fine. Markets evolve. Investor expectations shift. Leadership challenges change. If we’re not learning, adapting, and improving, we’re falling behind.
Recently, I hired a business coach. Not because there was anything wrong, but because I wanted a different perspective. The most valuable mentors are the ones who don’t think like you. They challenge your assumptions, push you out of your comfort zone, and give you new ways of seeing problems and opportunities. Echo chambers may boost your ego but they don’t help you grow. Real feedback comes from someone who can point out your blind spots. That’s how growth happens.
A Challenge to You
The principle of continuous improvement is both practical and personal. It asks you to look at your own habits, systems, and decisions with honesty. Where have you settled for “good enough”? What small improvement could you make today that compounds into meaningful results tomorrow?
In my experience, the leaders and investors who thrive aren’t the ones who reach a finish line. They’re the ones who keep building, learning, and adapting, no matter how well things are going. Small improvements, when consistently applied, can have a big effect. Big ideas are important but small things do matter.
If you’re interested in learning more about my thoughts on these leadership principles, explore my original articles where I share how each one shapes the way I lead, make decisions, and build trust over the long term.
