Assets are more than property...they are our people!

As I have finally hit my 30,000th visit to my web site, I thank the hundreds of you that have commented or contacted me on how it has motivated you to exceed and excel. Now I don't say this to boast or brag, but to stress the point of sharing information and how it can expand horizons.  I have equally learned from your comments and feedback, making this what is was originally intended to be...a learning experience for everyone.  Whether marketing, leasing, sales, or any task we may take on, most of the time we depend on others in reaching goals and objectives.  

A topic that I have loved to present and speak on has been hiring and in particular hiring the right person for the right job.  I have a full day workshop I present on this, and has been one of my more requested topics.  In my opinion, it is also the most important!  I can present or train on leasing, marketing, risk management, maintenance, budgeting, financial analysis, etc., etc., etc.  The end result if I do not have the right team to implement actions in all of those areas to reach goals and objectives, basically "I'm fishing without bait."   I may enjoy the water, the tranquil environment, and even the sunset, but basically I'm not taking anything home at the end of the day.  Whow, I just thought of that!  

If you have ever read "Good to Great" by Jim Collins,  one of the primary things he highlights is "People are not your greatest asset; the right people are!"  Now think about it, we all have people but do we have the right people and the best people.  If I were to ask you if you left today to start you own property management company or business, who would you take with you and why?  Think of those people that really make a difference to your current organization.  Then think of those that you would not take and why.  Last, think about what you could do to help those on the lower rung of the ladder to climb higher.  Now we are touching into what a true leader does consistently to insure we think of our people as our assets.  We can renovate or fix up a property to improve and make it more marketable, however, we don't always look at what we can do to insure our people assets are also able to excel.  

Another area is if we have done all these things, what do we do with team members that do not develop into those we would take with us.  I believe we all know the answer, and it is not the easiest or an area anyone from a management or leadership likes to deal with.  Question: If I made changes...hard decisions, how much more would it add to the success of the team and therefore my success?  We do not work in a vacuum, and the our success as well as the success of our team or department is based on decisions we make related to the people we hire and position within the organization.    Jim also said in his book; "Get the right people on the bus, get the wrong people off the bus, get the right people on the right seats on the bus, and the bus will take you somewhere great."  

Who do you have on your bus and are they the right people and in the right seats?  Remember, you are the driving force of the bus and it is up to you if the bus reaches the desired destination.  The right maintenance, the right fuel, the right stops, the right speed, and the right direction are in your hands.  And as you have heard me say before, "Now go lead!"

What the future holds...only time will tell!

While those of you that know me understand my love for property management, there may be something new coming on the horizon.  When not speaking, training, or consulting I just happen to work for a mouse...Mickey Mouse that is!  Disney  has been great in working with my schedule, and as you also probably know I get to do some pretty cool stuff diving with nine to ten foot sharks on a daily basis.  When I decided to leave my speaking and consulting company and return to corporate life a few months ago, I knew I should keep my options open.  In doing that I decided to apply for the Disney Leadership Casting Call, which is not easy getting through the multiple hoops and being placed in the leadership pool for possible positions.  Several personal interviews, then panel interviews, then more personal interviews, and maybe out of hundreds of applicants you are selected.  Well, I was notified this past Friday that I am in the pool and waiting to hear further.  

I have come to admire Disney and the basic principles they stand for.  Just as in my career with property management and training, Disney truly looks at creating excellence.  If you have ever visited Disney World or Disneyland, you understand what I am talking about.  After all any company that can make a people trap run by a mouse must be doing something right.  The details make the difference as professionals in property management, and it is evident details are very much a part within Disney.   From the plush landscaping to the elegant costumes and parades, everyone would like to say, "I'm going to Disney World."  And to think I work there and spread pixie dust every day!  Pretty awesome in addition to being the favorite among friends and family members that come to Orlando for some odd reason.  Also interesting that relatives I had not seen or talked to in over a decade now have found my phone number when planning a trip to the Magic Kingdom.  

What will the future bring?  Who knows and only time will tell.  Could it be I return to property management in some position?  Will I start a new career path with Disney as part of their leadership team?  You know what, either one would be an opportunity and I would be extremely happy either way.  After all I have have a passion for property management, and have found a new passion for creating a different kind of magic with Disney.  As I have always said, "If opportunity knocks you should at least answer the door."