In the apartment industry, attracting and retaining energized and motivated employees is imperative if we want to attract and keep loyal residents. It is also important in creating the kind of environment that fosters creativity and productivity and improves the bottom line. The question that many managers wrestle with is, "What can I do to help employees get energized and motivated — and stay that way?" Here are five ideas that can help.
1. Place HUGE value on your team. Think of each and every employee on your team as the goose that provides the golden eggs. Yes, that's every employee, even the ones who don't act like it. Here's why: If we want our employees to become top producers, we need to first treat them as such. We have to let them know immediately, continually and sincerely how important they are to us. Seeing them as your most important asset goes a long way toward creating it as a reality.
2. Look for what's right today. Most of us walk around with an unspoken question playing on a continuous loop in our head. The question sounds like this: "What's going to go wrong today?" And when we constantly are looking for what's wrong — that is exactly what we will find.
To combat this challenge, when you arrive at work tomorrow start asking, "What right things are occurring all around me that I have not noticed before?" Keep asking that question and you will continue to pull up positive answers. When you do, acknowledge people for those actions.
3. Reward right actions. If we want people to continue the behaviors and attitudes that are conducive to a productive, energized environment, then we must reward those actions when they occur. Acknowledging them can be one of the most potent forms of reward and reinforcement. In fact, limited praise and lack of recognition is one of the primary reasons why employees leave jobs, according to Robert Half International.
4. Walk your enthusiastic talk. Effective managers are basically trying to persuade employees to access their own energy, passion and enthusiasm. Accordingly, it is imperative that they embody the same positive energy, as consistently as possible. If we don't, our words ring hollow, our credibility is compromised and people are more likely to feel justified in simply marking time.
5. Uncover hidden talents and interests. Send out questionnaires, hold meetings and have informal conversations with people. Find out what they love, what they are good at and how they feel they might incorporate those things in their work environment.
Is someone passionate about sailing or travel or car maintenance? Why not sponsor a brown bag "Learning Lunch" series and once a month have people sign up to teach a class? Is there someone who is community minded? Let him organize a campaign to provide food for the homeless or adopt a family during the holidays. And of course, your residents could play an active part in many of these activities if they choose. Find out what people love and let them express it through their actions. It gives people a sense of purpose to know that they are contributing to others with their talents.
By practicing these ideas, you can truly create the kind of community wherein your employees' positive energy is contagious, and where residents catch that energy and become your most vocal, happy, long-term fans for life!
Linda Larsen, CSP, is our Opening Session Keynote Speaker for our Education Conference & Trade Show. Come hear her speak on "Dare to Soar! Five Keys to a Life of Power, Passion and Pizzazz!" on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 9-11:20 a.m. She will also be speaking again later that afternoon for a seminar titled "The Art of Providing Positively Outstanding Customer Service in the Multifamily Housing Industry" at 3:15-4:45 p.m.
Linda Larsen is one of our industries most sought after speakers. She has spoken throughout the U.S. for many property management companies, and NAA, and various state apartment associations, such as Texas, Georgia and Indiana. Linda's high energy, fun and passion stems from over 25 years as a professional actress. She is the author of two audio programs, two books, five video programs including the best selling audio program 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. To receive her helpful blog posts, sign up at www.lindalarsenmotivationalspeaker.com