What does it take to lead with impact? For Robert Kistner, author of Make It Happen, it’s about balancing determination, adaptability, and empathy. This post explores how Kistner’s leadership journey offers actionable lessons for aspiring business leaders.
Raised in a low-income household and shaped by the discipline of the Marine Corps, Kistner’s path to success was anything but conventional. Early in his career, frustration with unrecognized ideas in restaurant management drove him to seek opportunities in timeshare sales. Little did he know this pivot would set the stage for a thriving career.
In those early days, Kistner learned to embrace rejection, honing his ability to persevere in challenging circumstances. He credits his military training for instilling the resilience and discipline required to excel in sales and, eventually, in leadership roles.
As Kistner transitioned into management, he prioritized understanding his team, fostering collaboration, and promoting growth. These principles became hallmarks of his leadership philosophy:
- Empathy: Effective leaders listen to their teams, creating a supportive environment.
- Growth Mindset: Investing in skill-building and training unlocks potential.
- Resilience: Adapt to industry changes with confidence and creativity.
Kistner’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is a journey of constant growth. By staying true to your values, embracing change, and inspiring others, you can lead your business to success.
Have you ever wondered how successful leaders transform ordinary careers into extraordinary achievements? Robert Kistner’s story provides a masterclass in leadership, tenacity, and adaptability.
Kistner, now a prominent figure in the Mexican vacation ownership industry, began his career in the most unexpected way: listening to timeshare sales tales at a restaurant. The confidence and success of these salespeople inspired him to venture into the unknown, where he would ultimately thrive by mastering the art of sales and leadership.
His journey wasn’t easy. In the 1980s, timeshare salespeople faced rejection at every turn, relying on a relentless work ethic and optimism. Kistner’s mantra, “Every ‘No’ brings you closer to a ‘Yes,’” became a cornerstone of his approach to success.
As Kistner climbed the ranks, his focus shifted from individual achievement to team leadership. He understood that fostering open communication and supporting team growth were vital for long-term success.
Here are three principles from Kistner’s leadership playbook:
- Vision and Communication: A leader must articulate a clear path forward and motivate their team to follow it.
- Recognition and Development: Recognize achievements and invest in employee growth.
- Adaptability: Embrace change as an opportunity for innovation and improvement.
Robert Kistner’s career is a testament to how resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic can turn humble beginnings into a legacy of leadership excellence.
What does it take to lead a company to success? For Robert Kistner, author of Make It Happen, the journey began in unexpected places—like a restaurant dining room where he overheard stories that changed his life. This post delves into the key lessons from Kistner’s career and how his experiences can inspire leaders to achieve their goals.
Robert Kistner’s leadership expertise didn’t emerge overnight. His story began humbly as a young assistant manager in a restaurant. It was there he encountered a group of vibrant timeshare salespeople, whose tales of persuasive sales pitches and financial success sparked his interest in exploring a new career path.
Kistner’s leap into the world of sales wasn’t just about chasing income; it was about embracing new challenges and adapting to dynamic environments. The journey required grit, determination, and a willingness to learn—qualities that eventually positioned him as a leader in the Mexican vacation ownership industry.
Key leadership lessons from Kistner’s career include:
- Developing Resilience: From being a “street warrior” in timeshare sales to adapting to market shifts, Kistner emphasizes the importance of embracing change and maintaining perseverance.
- Empathy and Team Building: Leadership isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about inspiring and understanding your team.
- Commitment to Growth: Leaders must continuously learn and evolve, as Kistner did throughout his career.
Whether you’re managing a startup or scaling a business, Kistner’s journey offers invaluable insights into how determination, adaptability, and vision can transform challenges into opportunities.
