But whatever happens, stay “PROFESSIONAL”!
We like to call ourselves “multifamily professionals”. Onsite Pros, right? But what does that really mean…to be a “professional” in the apartment biz? Let me give a try at answering that one.
Here is my definition of professionalism: The ability, desire, and inclination to do and say the right thing, in the right way, RIGHT NOW!
Simple, yes? Someone who is professional knows the right time to zig or zag. They are savvy and can make good decisions faster and better. The apartment pro knows the right thing to say…in the right manner…right now. How you look and dress are important, too, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. The quintessential professional is the person who actively and gracefully does and says the right thing, in the right way, RIGHT NOW!
Am I tracking with you on this professionalism thing? OK, then the next question you must have is, how? How do I become more professional? Here is the simple but challenging answer: Education and Experience.
Education: Professionalism is about knowing and continually learning. It does take knowledge and expertise to become a better decision maker. So many options; industry designations, formal education, and myriads of great training available online…often at no charge! Don’t wait for someone else to train you. Take advantage of what your company offers but go out and find other places to learn. If you aren’t learning you aren’t growing.
Experience: There is no better learning source than your daily experience…especially the school of hard knocks. Yep, failure is crucial to gaining professionalism. Every time you mess up, you learn to be more professional. “Yikes, now I know not to do that again!” Experience can be such a painful teacher but is so effective!
Professionalism. It’s not something you achieve, but a trait you are always improving and growing.