Don't focus on the past!

Called a headhunter after seeing a position posted for an RPM. The headhunter said, "The downside is I see you haven't been in the industry for a while." I replied, "Isn't great leadership about taking people forward and not focusing on the past, especially if you have a record of meeting goals and objectives at whatever position you have held." There was a long silence before she said, "Point well taken. Let me see what I can do." Sometimes you just have to show people the tunnel so they have a chance to see the light at the end of it.

How many times do we focus on the past, only to miss the opportunities we currently have or will have in the future?  Getting your finger on the pulse of a market or a property is something any good leader can do.  There is no magic wand to waive that makes a person the best leader they can be, especially in property management.  We have so many variables and areas of opportunity to understand for a property or a region to be successful.  We have markets to monitor, insuring we have an understanding of our competition and how to be position the asset.  We have marketing to provide the best possible campaigns in attracting new residents.  Our resident retention must be thought of as a process not an event.  Otherwise we have too many good residents leaving because of one event that made them consider moving to another location.  Our maintenance and service teams need to have the tools and training to insure they provide Class A service each and every time a request is made.  We have financials to monitor and budgets to prepare, insuring we are fiscally responsible through maximizing income and minimizing expenses.  We have an entire team that is depending on us to lead them to excellence, creating a motivational environment, and empowering them through support and education.  We have owners and shareholders that expect us to perform, holding us accountable for each and every action we take with their investments.  Our residents expect us to maintain their apartments and community, communicate with them, and provide service to just not meet their expectations...but to exceed them.  We are expected to be our best each and every day, developing those we work with so they some day can walk in our shoes. 

These are all things in the present tense, not in the past.  These are all leadership characteristics and things a great leader brings to a position, not something ever forgotten or something that changes with time.  Some of the best people I have ever worked with left the industry to return with more passion, additional training, and a thirst for what this industry brings and never leaves your blood.  In finishing my conversation with the recruiter I also let her know I had something others did not bring, the Disney difference. When it comes to service, very few companies can hold a match to how this organization develops leaders and understands what exceptional customer service is all about.  Having been selected for the Emerging Leader program and having "pixie dust" added to my veins, I bring an aspect of guest/customer service others pay tens of thousands of dollars to go to Disney University for.  I have never been one to look away from a challenge or opportunity, nor have I ever been willing to accept defeat knowing inside I am a good leader.  Circumstances are what they are and my focus is on the future, sometimes needing to remind others that is where their focus needs to be as well.