Having successfully managed several properties, it’s only fair to regard yourself as a successful person. But to move to the next level, you need to surround yourself with the right team.
That is a team that is well-equipped and possesses the right attitude and skills needed to reach your company’s goals. That said, finding the right people with such skills isn’t an easy walk in the park.
As a matter of fact, it’s possible that you may have tried doing it before but found it wasn’t as cohesive or as effective as you initially thought.
No problem!
In this blog, we’ll share with you some tips on how to develop a successful property management team. These are the people that will share the same passion, dedication and work ethic as you.
Start with the right people.
Jim Rohn – a motivational speaker – famously said that we’re the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with. The right people can make or break your business, no doubt.
Hiring the right people is one of the keys to achieving a successful property management team.
So, how do you find the right people for your company? Well, it’s simple – by getting the interview process right.
Narrow down your pool by scheduling a face-to-face or telephone interview first. As you interview each talent, make sure to screen all applicants vigorously.
Look for team players, avoid people who are just hunting for another job. Preparing a set of questions can help you in this regard. Good examples include:
- What challenges did you face at your former station? How were you able to resolve them?
- Do you picture yourself working with us in the next five years?
- Have you ever suggested any change that enhanced customer service, improved working conditions, or led to saved money for a past employer?
- What kind of company culture brings out the best in you?
Define your expectations.
Lay out what you expect from them from the word go. This is the only way to ensure your team works productively. When people understand what exactly is expected from them, they have something tangible to push them forward.
So, define each person’s responsibilities and goals and communicate these clearly.
Provide your team with the necessary skills.
You can’t expect your new employees to thrive if you throw them to the wolves on day 1. Doing this will only lead to a high turnover rate and a less-than-productive workforce.
What you want to do is provide your team with adequate training, whether it’s from an internal party or an outside one.
Arming your team with adequate training and ongoing support is the only recipe for good results. You also want to make yourself available to them. Let them know that they can always count on your support if and when necessary.
Empower your employees.
Employee empowerment and productivity go hand in hand. Empowered employees tend to be more productive than those that are not.
The more you provide your employees with all the equipment and resources they need, the more hardworking they will be and the more loyal they will be. Below are some of the things you can do:
- Own the blame but pass out the praise
- Address any negativity upfront, don’t allow it to foster
- Keep communicating your vision to your team
- Don’t shy away from difficult conversations with your employees
- Focus on what your employees are doing right and not what they are doing wrong
- Remember the job of a leader is to help your team succeed
- Pay attention to what your employees are saying
Offer regular feedback.
Take the guesswork out. It’s extremely frustrating for your employees to have to guess whether they are doing their work as you’d like them to. Provide regular feedback so as to ensure everyone is on the same page.
You also want to make sure you offer constructive feedback. This can boost your employee’s self-confidence while also moving them towards finding a solution for a particular problem.
Also, remember to offer them your input to enable them to get back on track.
Hold regular meet-ups.
Regular meet-ups can help keep everyone else connected. You can make use of this opportunity to conduct discussions, invite feedback, discuss objectives and brainstorm ideas.
The goal here is to let your team know that they are not alone. Whenever a chance presents itself, utilize it to include some team-building activities in your meetings to promote a cohesive working environment.
Get organized.
A cluttered environment is bad for business. Ensure your files are organized. Post a list of contact information for key team members and vendors. Update your employee handbook and emergency preparedness plans.
You also want to ensure that the organization and design of your office reflect your company’s core values.
By following these 7 tips, you can be sure to boost your employee’s productivity to a whole new level. And, this will ensure your property management company ultimately succeeds.
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