I was masterminding with a small group of Omnia Elevate agents today, and our conversation turned to engagement and leadership.
At one point, I asked them a question that I believe every leader should be willing to ask:
"What am I missing? What's in my blind spot?"
The short answer: Transparent leadership means being open about what's working, what isn't, and the mistakes you've made, then inviting the people around you to point out what you can't see. It can be uncomfortable, but leaders who ask about their blind spots and act on the answers create more room for everyone to grow.
What an agent saw in my blind spot
One of our agents shared something that really got me thinking. Because my leadership style is rooted in transparency, both in business and in life, some agents may struggle with how to navigate that level of openness.
That observation led to a much bigger conversation about our industry and the lack of transparency that can sometimes exist between leadership and the agents they serve.
Why is transparency in leadership so uncomfortable?
Here's the thing about transparency. It can be uncomfortable because it exposes the flaws. It brings attention to the things that aren't working, the mistakes we've made, and the areas where we still have room to grow.
But I'll argue that if we aren't willing to identify our flaws, talk about them, and put them on repeat until we get better, we significantly diminish our opportunity for growth.
Looking right matters less than getting better
Everybody wants to look good. Everybody wants to look right.
Maybe it's just that I'm getting older, but neither of those things matters nearly as much to me anymore.
I'd rather be transparent and occasionally get it wrong than create an environment where everyone feels they have to pretend everything is right.
I'd rather have the uncomfortable conversation than miss an opportunity to grow.
And I'd rather surround myself with people who are willing to tell me what I need to hear, not just what they think I want to hear.
Transparency might get me into trouble from time to time, but I believe it gets me into the good kind of trouble. The kind that challenges you, stretches you, and ultimately makes you better.
How can leaders uncover their blind spots?
If you lead a team, coach agents, or run any kind of business, you can start the same conversation with your own people:
- Ask the question directly: "What am I missing?" Don't soften it into "Is everything okay?"
- Listen without defending, explaining, or correcting. Your only job in that moment is to understand.
- Thank the person who spoke up, especially when it wasn't easy to hear.
- Act on what you learned and come back to the group to show what changed.
Leadership isn't just about developing the people around you. It's about being willing to let the people around you develop you, too.
Grateful for the people who tell me the truth
That 15–20 minute conversation today reminded me of something I never want to take for granted.
I'm incredibly grateful for the agents who were willing to have that conversation with me today.
I get to work alongside some amazing REALTORS®. Even better people.
And that, to me, is what makes what we're building at JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate so special.
What's in your blind spot?
Leaders, business owners, and fellow REALTORS®: when was the last time you asked your team what you're missing? What did you hear, and what did you change because of it?
I'd love to hear how you invite honest feedback. Share it in the comments or send me a note at jeremy@omniaelevate.com.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to be a transparent leader?
A transparent leader is open about what's working, what isn't, and the mistakes they've made along the way. Instead of presenting a polished image, they share the reasoning behind decisions, admit when they got something wrong, and invite the people around them to point out what they may be missing.
Transparency isn't about sharing everything with everyone. It's about honesty and consistency, so the people you serve never have to guess where they stand or wonder whether they're getting the full picture. In real estate, where agents are independent business owners making their own decisions, that clarity helps them choose what's right for their business with better information.
Why should leaders ask, "What's in my blind spot?"
Leaders should ask what's in their blind spot because the people closest to the work often see things the leader can't. A blind spot, by definition, is something you won't find on your own. The only way to uncover it is to ask directly and make it safe for people to answer honestly.
The question also sets the tone for the whole group. When a leader openly invites correction, it signals that growth matters more than appearances, and it gives everyone else permission to talk about their own challenges without feeling they have to pretend everything is fine.
How do you ask your team for honest feedback?
Ask a direct, open-ended question such as "What am I missing?" and then listen without defending yourself. The first answer is often the safest one, so give people time and follow up with a second question like "Can you tell me more about that?"
Thank the person who spoke up, even when the feedback is uncomfortable. Then act on at least part of what you heard and circle back to show what changed. People keep giving honest feedback when they see it makes a difference, and they stop when it disappears into silence.
Can too much transparency be a problem for a team?
Transparency can feel unfamiliar to people who are used to leadership that shares very little, and some may not know what to do with that much openness at first. That doesn't make transparency the problem. It means leaders need to pair openness with context and clarity.
When you share a mistake or a challenge, also share what you're doing about it and what it means for the people you serve. Invite questions, and let people engage at their own pace. Over time, openness becomes a shared language instead of something people have to figure out on their own.
What is a real estate mastermind group?
A real estate mastermind is a small group of agents who meet to share strategies, work through challenges, and hold each other accountable to their goals. The value comes from honest conversation: each person brings their experience, and the group helps everyone see opportunities and obstacles they might miss on their own.
The best masterminds are two-way. Leaders aren't only there to teach; they're also there to listen and learn from the agents in the room. Participation in Omnia Elevate masterminds and training is always optional, and agents decide for themselves how they want to use it in their business.
How can I talk with Jeremy Williams about JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate?
You can schedule a strategy conversation with Jeremy Williams, Founder and Expansion Partner of JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate, on his online calendar at calendly.com/meetjeremywilliams/red-hawk-partner-network. Bring your questions, your goals, and anything you'd like a straight answer on.
You can also reach Jeremy by phone at 281-387-7689 or by email at jeremy@omniaelevate.com. You're welcome to visit the free weekly M.A.D. Call first to get a feel for how we work. Booking a conversation doesn't create any obligation.
Looking for leadership that tells you the truth?
If you want straight answers, honest conversations, and a group of agents who are committed to getting better together, let's talk about where you want your business to go.
Book a strategy callOmnia Elevate is an agent development organization within JLA Realty (Universal Home Solutions, LLC), a licensed Texas real estate brokerage. Omnia Elevate is not a brokerage. Agents affiliated with JLA Realty are independent contractors; participation in masterminds, calls, and training is optional, and there are no mandatory hours, attendance, or spending requirements. No income or production results are promised or guaranteed. Commissions are negotiable.
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