Over 3,000 responses later, we analyzed the survey scores, the number of respondents each nominee drew and the submitted commentaries to finalize the top 25 leaders of 2017. It should be noted that while we've assigned superlatives to each that highlight one of their most defining characteristics, the bosses all share similar, overlapping qualities—for instance, a couple even appeared on last year's list, under different descriptors.

Our 2017 “cover model” received the highest scores on the poll and accounted for some 25% of the 3,000-plus responses received. Turn this page to see what makes him an amazing leader, and be sure to read up on our other winners—all of whom have proven themselves qualified and worthy of heading up some of the most successful firms and people in this business.

To see the full list of 2017's Best Bosses, click here.

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Don't miss our other exciting features in the June Issue!

Managing Growth: A Roadmap, With Shortcuts
Managing company growth may proceed according to expectations or entail detours, but it always calls for a sense of direction

Lessons Learned: A View from the Top
There are many different roads to the top, but when speaking with those who have made it there, most leaders share similar messages on what they've learned along the way

Tech Talk: Tech's Latest and Greatest
From expanded fiber optic capabilities to IoT devices and not-your-father's PDF, we explore today's trends and look ahead to what's in store

ForumPLUS Investment Outlook: Investment Sales, Interrupted
Investment sales dropped by a not-insignificant 18% in the first quarter due to a maturing cycle and uncertainty from Washington. Still, some investors are moving forward—carefully and strategically.

2017's Best Boss in Commercial Real Estate: Avison Young's Mark Rose

Most individuals who've risen to leadership status share similar qualities: ambition, financial prowess, knowledge and connections—you name it. Yet the best ones—the leaders that head the most successful teams, that have the greatest reputations in the business, that are held on pedestals by employees and colleagues alike—truly stand out, whether they're social butterflies or humble shepherds that hang out under the radar.

Call it chutzpah, call it charisma, call it magnetism. Whatever you call it, the 25 leaders on the following pages have a certain “X Factor” that not only makes people want to work for them, but also to spend time with them, strive toward collective goals and, often, to be like them. That mysterious set of qualities drives innovation, loyalty and success for these individuals, their firms and the people with which they surround themselves.

First, a bit on the process that led up to here. To compile this year's collection of commercial real estate's best bosses the editors of Forum first collected some 200 nominations from our readers. After culling the entries by more than three-quarters, we sent out a poll to our readers—particularly, the staff and colleagues that work for and with the finalists.

The survey posed 25 questions formulated to get a sense of the finalists on specific aspects of leadership: communication and management style; self-awareness, attitude and interpersonal skills; culture creation and curation; adaptability and flexibility; and influence—on an individual, organizational and public level. Most importantly, respondents were invited to comment on what it's like working for and with these individuals.

Over 3,000 responses later, we analyzed the survey scores, the number of respondents each nominee drew and the submitted commentaries to finalize the top 25 leaders of 2017. It should be noted that while we've assigned superlatives to each that highlight one of their most defining characteristics, the bosses all share similar, overlapping qualities—for instance, a couple even appeared on last year's list, under different descriptors.

Our 2017 “cover model” received the highest scores on the poll and accounted for some 25% of the 3,000-plus responses received. Turn this page to see what makes him an amazing leader, and be sure to read up on our other winners—all of whom have proven themselves qualified and worthy of heading up some of the most successful firms and people in this business.

To see the full list of 2017's Best Bosses, click here.

|

Don't miss our other exciting features in the June Issue!

Managing Growth: A Roadmap, With Shortcuts
Managing company growth may proceed according to expectations or entail detours, but it always calls for a sense of direction

Lessons Learned: A View from the Top
There are many different roads to the top, but when speaking with those who have made it there, most leaders share similar messages on what they've learned along the way

Tech Talk: Tech's Latest and Greatest
From expanded fiber optic capabilities to IoT devices and not-your-father's PDF, we explore today's trends and look ahead to what's in store

ForumPLUS Investment Outlook: Investment Sales, Interrupted
Investment sales dropped by a not-insignificant 18% in the first quarter due to a maturing cycle and uncertainty from Washington. Still, some investors are moving forward—carefully and strategically.