Balancing Proactivity and Adaptability

Photo by Christophe Hautier on Unsplash

There is a constant dance between proactive management and reactive adaptability in the multifamily space. This balance is best encapsulated by Brianna Wiest’s words, “What you must reach for, and what you must allow to come.” Every senior leader, regional manager, property manager, or stakeholder can resonate with this sentiment.

When we think about “what you must reach for,” it’s the goals we set, the standards we aspire to, the habits we embrace to drive the person we want to become, and the dreams we chase. It’s the initiative to cultivate community, foster connections, and relentlessly pursue improvement in our operations and resident experience. It’s that proactive mindset where we are not just participants but drivers of change.

Conversely, “what you must allow to come” speaks to the art of patience and acceptance. Every day in multifamily communities across the country, unexpected challenges happen – maintenance issues, resident disputes, or external economic shifts. Here, the emphasis is on adaptability, the understanding that not everything can be controlled. There’s a grace in allowing certain situations to unfold, trusting in the organic development of a community, and accepting that sometimes, the best-laid plans can change.

In essence, achieving excellence in leadership hinges on this dichotomy. It’s about reaching forth with intention yet being open to the unpredictable. It’s about striving, letting be, and understanding that both are necessary.