Leadership vs. Management: Mortgage Leadership Tips and Insights from Robert Fillyaw

Lending Leadership

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros!

In today’s episode, we’re talking to the last (but not least) of our co-hosts, Robert Fillyaw, managing partner at HMA Mortgage. Stepping in as host is Rachael Tresch of the Creative Brief, and I’m talking to Robert about leadership within mortgage lending, though the principles we discuss today are universally applicable.

We kick off with a discussion on the difference between leadership and management. Often confused with one another, we clarify that management is about processes, while leadership is about people. Robert passionately talks about servant leadership, emphasizing that true leadership involves serving and caring for your team members, not just directing them.

We then explore the critical traits of effective leaders. It’s not just about being in charge; it’s about being humble and leading by example. Effective leaders put their personal egos aside to better serve and guide their teams.

Robert shares his belief that leadership is a learned skill—a craft honed over time and experience. This segues into a conversation about nurturing young leaders by giving them opportunities to practice and develop their skills.

We also touch on the significance of vulnerability in leadership. Both of us agree that vulnerability allows leaders to accept criticism and challenges, fostering personal growth. Rachael brings up a thought-provoking quote about the transformative power of accepting truths about oneself.

As we conclude, Robert emphasizes putting your team members first is key to successful leadership. He shares insights from his career, backing this philosophy with real-life examples. We end the episode discussing the unique collaborative leadership model at HMA Mortgage, which likens their leadership structure to the checks and balances system, promoting accountability and aligned goals.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership vs. Management: We clarify that while management focuses on processes, leadership centers around people. Effective leadership is about serving your team and caring for their well-being.
2. Traits of Effective Leaders: Humility and leading by example are crucial. Leaders must set aside their personal ego to truly guide and support their team.
3. Leadership Development: Leadership is a learned skill developed through experience. Young leaders should be given opportunities to practice and refine their leadership abilities.
4. Vulnerability in Leadership: Accepting vulnerability is essential for strong leadership. It promotes personal growth by allowing leaders to accept criticism and challenges constructively.
5. Collaborative Leadership and Accountability: The leadership structure at HMA Mortgage emphasizes the importance of collaboration and accountability, keeping leaders aligned with common goals and preventing mistakes through mutual support.

Thank you for joining us on this enriching exploration of leadership. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Until next time, keep leading with integrity and care.