Doormats don’t lead.
They’re stepped on, forgotten, and eventually replaced.
Is this you?
It’s okay to admit.
What’s not okay, is to do nothing about it.
Are you a “yes” man or a “yes” woman?
Leadership in the multifamily space isn’t about pleasing everyone or staying out of conflict.
It’s about agency (your agency)—the ability to choose direction, make decisions (and own them), and embrace accountability.
Too often, leaders like you and me fall into a passive pattern, bending to the whims of stakeholders, residents, or team members.
Or worse – toxic egocentric leaders.
This isn’t compromise; it’s self-erasure.
Refuse to bend the knee.
Gracefully.
Agency requires clarity.
It’s the courage to say, “This is what we’re doing,” even when others hesitate.
It’s about creating frameworks that serve the organization and its people without surrendering to noise or distractions.
When you choose agency, you stop reacting and start building.
And know – toxic people won’t like it.
That’s okay and part of your growth.
Count the adversity as joy.
Joy in knowing the adversity is building your character.
All under the premise of grace.
Being a doormat might feel safe.
But it breeds resentment.
A leader without agency fosters distrust.
In self.
And in others.
Your peers, team, and other constituents notice when your actions are dictated by fear instead of purpose.
Choose agency by prioritizing principles over preferences.
Make decisions grounded in values, not convenience.
Stand firm, even when the easy answer is giving in.
A good leader takes input, but a great leader decides.
The multifamily industry thrives on intentionality.
Without it, you’ll burn out, your team will flounder, and your community will lack cohesion.
“Choosing agency over compliance transforms managers into leaders. The first decision is deciding to decide.” – Mike Brewer