Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
As multifamily professionals, we constantly interact with residents, colleagues, and vendors. In these interactions, we may experience the uncomfortable feeling of being in the spotlight, feeling like all eyes are on us. This is known as the spotlight effect, and it can significantly impact our behavior and interactions with others.
Understanding the Spotlight Effect
The spotlight effect is a common psychological phenomenon where individuals overestimate how others notice and pay attention to their behavior, appearance, and performance in social situations. As multifamily professionals, we may experience the spotlight effect when presenting to colleagues, conducting a property tour, or meeting with a resident. This can cause us to become self-conscious and anxious, ultimately impacting our behavior and interactions with others.
Overcoming the Spotlight Effect
Fortunately, there are several ways you can help overcome the spotlight effect and feel more comfortable in professional situations. Here are some tips:
- Prepare and Practice: Before presenting or conducting a property tour, take the time to prepare your talking points and practice your delivery. This can help you feel more confident and self-assured and ultimately reduce anxiety.
- Focus on the Audience: Another way to overcome the spotlight effect is to shift your focus away from yourself and onto the audience. Focusing on your colleagues’ or residents’ needs and interests can reduce feelings of self-consciousness and make your interactions more effective.
- Seek Support and Feedback: Finally, seeking support and feedback from colleagues and mentors is important. This might include asking a colleague to review your presentation or conducting a mock property tour with a mentor. By seeking feedback and support, you can gain valuable insights into your performance and develop strategies for improvement.