Being a successful leader in the mortgage industry also requires decisionmaking. This includes making difficult decisions quickly. Make the best decisions you can and stick with them. If a decision later turns out to be wrong -- this happens to even the best leaders -- face it head on. Acknowledge your mistake, learn from it and move on.

Practice might not make perfect, but regular decisionmaking builds the critical-thinking skills necessary to make better decisions in the future. Pay attention to the results of each decision you make and learn as you go.

Effective leaders also must develop a thick skin. Countless detractors have attempted to chip away at every great leader in history. Don't allow this to happen to you. Inevitably, you will make mistakes. Your wise decisions -- e.g., denying bad loan applications, refusing to cut corners so clients can close early and holding borrowers to high standards -- could offend people. Don't let their anger provoke you or make you question yourself. Instead, move forward and remove your thoughts from those situations as quickly as possible.

Great leaders also know how to be humble. Many had to endure enormous criticism and immense self-doubt before achieving success. Most relied on others for help along the way. Should you someday be fortunate enough to reach your own heights, remember your challenges and offer others a helping hand.

Mitch Harmann is chief information officer and vice president of operations at Liberty Banc Mortgage in Brookfield, Wis. He is a member of the Wisconsin Mortgage Professionals Association and National Association of Mortgage Brokers. Liberty Banc Mortgage is a residential mortgage bank that works with some of the best loan officers throughout the state of Wisconsin. Reach Harmann at (414) 273-LOAN (5626) or mitch.harmann@liberty-banc.com. He's interested in hearing from you.

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