How Can Industry Leaders Make A Real Difference?

Managing Director, Erica Lockwood

shares her industry knowledge with ECI in their latest article ‘Top New Home Operations Tips For 2025’.

I've been pondering the future of our incredible homebuilding industry. With so much exciting change and innovation on the horizon, it's an inspiring time to be part of this community.

But I have a question for you: How can we, as industry leaders, make a real difference?

A strong leadership pipeline is crucial to the success and sustainability of our industry. Without experienced leaders to guide the way, we risk operational inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and a decline in innovation.

Often, companies opt to hire externally for leadership roles, assuming that experience is the sole determinant of success. While this approach may be practical in many scenarios, investing in internal talent through mentorship and training can yield significant long-term benefits. By nurturing and developing our own, we can foster a sense of loyalty, commitment, and a deep understanding of our company culture.

Unfortunately, many companies struggle to prioritize mentorship due to pressing business demands, rapid growth, or lack of awareness of their long-term benefits. By not investing in the development of future leaders, we risk hindering the industry's ability to adapt to change and seize new opportunities.

Here are a few ideas to address this challenge:

• Mentorship programs: Let's pair seasoned professionals with up-and-coming talent.

• Targeted training: We can create specialized training programs to develop future leaders.

• Leadership forums: Let's come together to share ideas and tackle challenges head-on.

I'm passionate about fostering a culture of innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Whether it's through writing, speaking, or simply sharing knowledge, I'm committed to paying it forward. How do you see yourself making a lasting impact in our field?