The 3 R’s of Leadership

A smarter framework for decision-making, growth, and long-term success

Great leadership and smart investing have something in common: they’re intentional. The best leaders—and investors—don’t move without clarity and purpose. That’s where the 3 R’s come in: Required, Return, and Reward. This simple framework offers a powerful way to evaluate your time, resources, and strategy.

Here’s how these principles apply to both leadership and commercial property investment:

1. Focus on What’s Required

Leadership starts with accountability. Ask yourself: What can I do that no one else can? In business and investing, certain decisions and responsibilities can’t be delegated. Strategic direction, vision-setting, and high-level commitments fall squarely on your shoulders.

In commercial real estate, the same holds true. Defining your investment goals, selecting your team, and making final decisions on acquisitions are leadership-level choices. You can (and should) build a strong advisory team—but your ownership of the process is what drives results.

2. Seek the Highest Return

Smart leaders and investors know that not all effort is created equal. Your time, energy, and capital should be directed toward opportunities that offer the greatest long-term value. That might mean stretching outside your comfort zone—but only within your strength zone.

In CRE, this could involve targeting assets where you understand the tenant profile, market dynamics, or redevelopment potential. Knowing where you can make the biggest impact—and where the numbers make sense—is key to building sustainable wealth.

3. Align with What Brings Reward

Satisfaction isn’t just a nice-to-have—it fuels resilience and persistence. In leadership, choosing work that aligns with your passion keeps you moving forward during challenges. The same applies to investing: high risk can lead to high reward, but only when managed properly and paired with a sense of purpose.

Investors who stay aligned with what excites them—whether it’s building community through retail developments, revitalizing office spaces, or creating passive income streams—tend to stay committed longer and make smarter, more motivated decisions.

Lead with clarity. Invest with intention.
Whether you're building a team or a commercial real estate portfolio, the 3 R’s offer a grounded, strategic way to evaluate your next move.

At Commercial Property Connect, we help investors lead well—by starting smart. Ready to explore your next opportunity? Let’s connect.