By Chanda Chann
Alumna at American Military University
I have evolved as a real estate professional through the years. I once struggled as an administrator. Now I am challenged with the nuances of management. As a manager, I am only as good as my team and the service partners who make my job possible.
The size or the type of property you manage does not matter. To have a career in commercial property management means you have to be adaptable to change and be able to employ multiple disciplines.
As a real estate manager, I was expected to be a savvy accountant and an expert in office administration, people management, event planning, project coordination, and serving as a sound board. In years of working in this field, I got my fair share of all of these tasks.
The underlying reason for success in this field is not only a good education or experience. A unified team effort and partnership has to be demonstrated from top management down to the people in the field. It is crucial to leverage your talent pool; eliminate status, self-importance, and entitlements; and elevate the power of mutual respect.
[related: Yes, WE Are an EFFECTIVE Team!]
Leverage Your Talent Pool
The hardest part of my career is managing people. It is a delicate balance of managing those who underperform and being sensitive to feelings, while creating a positive teamwork and a workplace that allows personal and professional growth. Team unity and fostering cohesiveness within the workplace is a fundamental role the manager plays.
In a recent managers’ meeting, I learned from a colleague about emotional intelligence and how important it is in our daily job. Emotional intelligence encompasses the ability to listen and empathize with the person or situation in order to solve tenant issues and employee performance problems and leverage the best solution so managers can focus on the skills and needs of the individual so they excel. It creates a win-win-win for the individual, the team, and the company.
The solution is placing the right talent with the right job. For me, micro-management is not ideal. I will fail in a heartbeat! I am more productive if I am given a project with an end goal.
I apply the same thought process in my management career–observe employee performance and identify their natural talent and place them with a job or in an environment that is conducive to personal and professional growth.
Adopt an Egalitarian Spirit and Elevate Mutual Respect
One of my favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will not forget how you make them feel.” This is true in every facet of life.
As a professional, the quote speaks volumes about productivity in the workplace. Work and personal life is a complex interlinked world set with a purpose and charged by people, relationships, health, and wellness.
Legitimate authority is necessary to define roles, responsibilities and salaries. However, excessive and careless use of title or position often lead to isolation of a person or a group of people. One of the many things I find important in my career is embracing an egalitarian spirit in the workplace. An equal opportunity work setting increases morale and motivation and reduces stress and negativity because everyone is treated fairly regardless of their position.
The issue is not about organizational chain of command. To a certain degree, resentment and discontent in a job are borne from feeling less valued, unappreciated, and/or disrespected. I understand this notion from my personal experience and put extra effort not to impose it on others.
Creating a workplace experience in which every employee feels like they are part of something greater than earning a paycheck is critical. I am a strong believer in respecting the person for the role they play in the company, not necessarily because of their impressive title.
While you can’t make someone behave or genuinely care about something, you can build on mutual respect. A solid career track is continuing to create a culture in which everyone feels that their work is valued as well as care for each other. Mutual respect is not something you can contrive or delegate.
In the End…
I never thought I would have a career in managing commercial real estate but here I am. Despite over 10-years of working in the field, I still feel very, very new. Every day is full of change and problem solving.
A good place to start is taking ownership of these fundamental core values, reinforce mutual respect, and build a positive career path. Respect is not given. It is earned. You earn that through consistent and methodical approach as a unified team sharing and working together toward a common goal.
About the Author: Chanda Chann has a strong background in commercial real estate management, brokerage services, and client relations. Chanda has a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Management in Human Resource Management; and student ambassador at American Military University. Chanda aspires to make an impact in corporate management and establish strategic relationships. She is passionate about education and a proud military spouse.
Comments are closed.