by 
The future of your property is in the hands of those you pay the least.
General Gerald Krulak of the United States Marines made this observation about leadership. “The future of an organization is in the hands of the privates in the field, not the generals back home.”
How does this translate to multifamily property management? Here is some advice from Krulak about leading the onsite troops:
- Allow freedom to fail with ample opportunity and training to succeed.
- Don’t micro-manage. This is only necessary if you have the wrong soldiers on the front lines.
- Mentoring is required, beyond mere supervision.
- Empower, yes, but hold all team members accountable.
- Watch for emerging leaders and allow them to grow and take on additional responsibilities.
Trust is a Must
This is a different paradigm for many onsite managers and regionals. It takes trust from both sides; the supervisor and the onsite team member. Add a heavy dose of appreciation so employees feel safe and secure in their position. Kindness is not just a motto but a core value and way of doing business.
The Newest Kid at the Leasing Desk – Yep, your property’s reputation, security, and profitability are in the hands of the least experienced. What does it look like right now… how do you want to change that relationship with those newbies?
Leaders are ultimately judged by the quality of the decisions of their followers.
