The GAAR Leadership Development Program (LDP) returns in November 2026, offering GAAR and Affiliate Members an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills while becoming more connected to their Association, industry, and community.

Offered biennially, the four-month program develops practical skills participants can use within their brokerages, companies, professional networks, and future leadership roles.

Full details and schedule are listed below.

Leadership Growth You Can Measure

Following the 2024–2025 Leadership Development Program, participants were asked to reflect on their experience and the skills they gained.

The results were overwhelmingly positive:

• 100% said they felt more confident in their leadership abilities after completing LDP.
• 100% said the curriculum was relevant to them and their role in real estate.
• 100% said they would recommend LDP to others.
• 92% rated their confidence in motivating and inspiring others at an 8 or higher out of 10.
• 76% rated their ability to effectively manage conflict at an 8 or higher out of 10.
• Instructors received an average effectiveness rating of 9.6 out of 10.

When participants were asked where they experienced the most growth, Future Vision emerged as the most frequently selected leadership attribute, followed by areas including people skills and decision-making.

Four Months of Learning, Practice and Connection

Beginning in November 2026, participants will work through intensive leadership modules covering topics that can be applied both professionally and personally.

The curriculum includes Know Your Why, communication skills, performance excellence, conflict resolution, and adapting to change.

Previous participants consistently highlighted these topics as some of the most valuable parts of their experience. One graduate described the conflict-resolution training as “a paradigm shift for me on how I view conflict.”

Another shared that the lessons had an immediate application:

“I have been using these tips and tricks since the second meeting.”

Others pointed to greater self-awareness as one of the program’s lasting benefits, with one graduate noting:

“It’s been very insightful to learn where and how I can grow and develop while also highlighting strengths I didn’t really see as strengths before this course.”

Find Your Next Leadership Opportunity

Past LDP graduates have used their experience to grow within their businesses, professional networks, GAAR committees, and leadership positions. The program provides a foundation for members interested in contributing their perspectives, influencing the industry, and becoming more involved in their Association and community.

One graduate summed up the experience:

“My level of confidence has grown and this course reminded me that I am capable of great things and I have what it takes to positively influence others around me!”

Leadership Happens Outside the Classroom, Too

LDP is designed to get participants out of the classroom and into the places where decisions, conversations, and connections happen.

Each month, participants will complete an additional On-Your-Own activity from a list of approved opportunities. These may include attending a GAAR or SWMLS Board of Directors meeting, participating in Association activities, or exploring other leadership and industry experiences.

That component was repeatedly mentioned by previous participants as a highlight of LDP. Graduates specifically cited attending committee meetings, discovering opportunities within GAAR, connecting with fellow REALTORS®, and participating in REALTOR® Day in Santa Fe as experiences that broadened their understanding of the industry.

The next GAAR Leadership Development Program begins in November 2026 and runs for four months. Participation is exclusively available to GAAR and Affiliate Members.

Ready to grow your leadership skills and discover where they can take you? 

November 2026 - February 2027

Location

GAAR Event Center

2026/2027 LDP Schedule

• Friday, November 13th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Orientation and Aspirational Knowledge + Find your Why with Gary Sanchez
• Friday, December 11th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Communication Skills + Navigating Conflict with Guest Speaker Jen Fry
• One Full Day at the End of January, All Day - exact date and time TBD:  NMAR REALTOR® Day at the Round House during the 2027 Legislative Session *
  (*Typically the last week of January. This will be a full day of travel, sessions, and meetings in Santa Fe. Meals & transportation will be provided.)
• Friday, February 12th: Leadership Management and Performance Excellence +  Know Your Why with Gary Sanchez
• PLUS three On-Your-Own Activities in November, January, and February
  (option lists will be provided to participants for each month)

LDP  Graduation will be at the Awards Gala on Friday, March 12th

Participant Requirements

• Must be a REALTOR® or Affiliate member of GAAR for a minimum of one year
• Must be a member in good standing
• 100% Attendance is required at all Training Sessions, the Round House Field Trip, and 3 On-Your-Own activities
• A $150 commitment fee *

*Check with your brokerage, as many will cover the cost of their brokers for professional development

The deadline to apply is Friday, October 23rd.

Begin your journey to leadership by applying today!