Property Management

Transparent

Stab someone in the back in the presence of other's and watch their loyalty go down the tubes. What is the question most people ask if they see and or hear a leader (or anyone for that matter) talk about others in a negative and or condescending way? Clearly, I wonder what he/she says about me when I am not around.

Now think about that from the opposite perspective. What do people do when they see that same person work to preserve the dignity of another despite the circumstance? They naturally feel compelled to follow that philosophy and the byproduct is less backbiting and more authenticity.

Respect is earned...

...not by reading the email on your Treo in the middle of a team meeting. Not by taking a phone call in the middle of a team meeting. Not by stuffing your face with a bagel while you have the table in a team meeting. Not by putting on lip gloss while you have the stage at a team meeting.

It's when you are front, center and present;

How much do I need to increase my new sales and renewals to hit my numbers?

Or how many leases do I need to hit my quota? Might I go out on a limb here and say that both of these questions are not only wrong but dumb and short-sighted.

Would not the better questions be; How do I develop a masterful experience for the prospect and resident (value) to ensure they are willing to pay what I ask,? or How do I develop my team to meet the task of providing a stellar leasing and customer service experience for those we serve?

If you do that then the silly formulas we put together to make ourselves feel smart happen by default. Let's not forget this is a people business first and a numbers game second. M

It's easier to do it myself

This post (Fast Company: What are you willing to give up? ) reminded me of myself and so many others in this business.  Here is a short excerpt along with the author's information:
Some people think they can do everything . Well, many executives keep doing things themselves because "it's a lot easier to just do it than take the time to train someone and then have to check the work anyway". These same people start coming in a little bit earlier and leaving a little later to just finish something when it's quiet. Then they start coming in weekends to clear up a few things, straighten their offices so they can think straight and wade through a pile of work or emails. Slowly but surely time and life evaporate.Donna Karlin • Executive and Political Shadow Coach™ • Ottawa, Canada •donnakarlin@abetterperspective.com•www.abetterperspective.com  
 

The best way to lead

I read this somewhere and can't remember so if you recognize it please let me know:

Lead with your ears and follow with your words.

I believe the old adage that we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason, we should listen twice as much as we talk. I can't say I'm always perfect on this point but I do think it is the most effective ways of getting things done.

The six most dangerous enemies of success

Every Executive, mid-level manager, site-manager, maintenance supervisor, assistant manager etc. will have to at some point overcome one of the following fears:

• Fear of Poverty
• Fear of Death
• Fear of Ill-Health
• Fear of the Loss of Love
• Fear of Old Age
• Fear of Criticism

Source: Napoleon Hill's, Laws of Success

Networking for the shy One

Networking for the Shy One Okay, that's not the title of the article but I like it better. :) Also, not sure if that smiley face is appropriate for what I hope is a useful blog entry but I like it too.

Are you shy and or introverted like me? The link above gives some great tips for "our" type. Enjoy!

Culture is the byproduct of your actions

I posted about this in brief over at my other blog mike brewer and the original thought and post came from Practice of Leadership. I found it to be simple yet profound for me. Take a quick second to read it, if for nothing more than a reminder of the affects you have on people.

It's not about you

It’s not about you so get over yourself and it, whatever 'it' may be. True leaders transcend the pettiness, the need for constant personal attention. They create a sustaining culture of high involvement and thus shared power. Donna Karlin • Executive and Political Shadow Coach™ • Ottawa, Canada • -Unleashing power and potential

This article speaks to the heart of collaboration, I mean what is power if it is not shared? I often suggest that what we do in our profession is not terribly complicated. The principles are easy to understand and if you are proactive and solution oriented you will do exceedingly well. The area of opportunity then is professional development with the intent to share power. I frankly think there is nothing we do as leaders that can't be shared and or delegated completely. The leaders role becomes one of observation and feedback artist.

Never lose sight of WHY

Tom Peters  is one of my favorite people even though we've never met. His ability to keep things simple ranks up there with the best consultants and communicators.

His latest blog entry speaks to the principle of keeping your eyes and thus your mind on the reason you do what you do. Be it daily, weekly, monthly or less frequently we need to create a discipline that keeps us headed in the right direction.