Photo by Alex Radelich on Unsplash
In life, as in business, the momentum behind achieving the next milestone often overshadows the accomplishments already achieved. This perpetual cycle is similar to the treadmill effect, where the sense of satisfaction and achievement remains elusive. What if, through intelligent leadership, you could break this cycle and lead with a sense of fulfillment? Enter the Gap and the Gain philosophy, inspired by thought leader Dan Sullivan, Founder of Strategic Coach.
Why Multifamily Real Estate Leaders Should Pay Attention to the Gap and the Gain
Within the multifamily context, we operate in an environment marked by constant flux—legislative changes, technological advancements (a lot as of late), and shifts in renter behavior. These factors bring both challenges and opportunities. Utilizing the Gap and the Gain philosophy, you can refine your decision-making process and achieve a broader perspective. Here’s how:
Measure Against The Past, Not An Idealized Future
The ‘Gap’ represents the chasm between where you are and an often unattainable, idealized future state. The ‘Gain’ is the measurable improvement from where you started. Instead of being perpetually dissatisfied by dwelling on the Gap, the Gain offers a shift in perspective. Imagine a multifamily complex with a high rate of occupancy but falling short of some modern amenity provisions. You could consider yourself unsuccessful or shift your perspective to acknowledge the gain from an initially lower occupancy rate.
Profound Impact on Strategy and Marketing
The Gap and the Gain philosophy can substantially impact strategy and marketing. Let’s consider PropTech, which is transforming real estate ecosystems. Most real estate leaders focus on the next big thing, thus dwelling in the Gap. Instead, one could concentrate on the Gains made through incremental innovations, providing a more immediate and motivating perspective for your team. It’s not as sexy, but it might have a similar impact. If you’ve recently integrated a RentTech solution to automate your rent collection process, celebrate the time and efficiency gains before stressing over the next tech update.
Human-centric Leadership
The essence of this philosophy harmonizes perfectly with the human-centric leadership approach. Recognizing the gains of your team not only propels productivity but also enriches work culture. The Gap and the Gain methodology add a crucial layer to performance metrics, making it more holistic.
Innovative Application Through Technology
In the era of Big Data and AI, technology can be leveraged to make this philosophy actionable. Advanced analytics can provide historical data to measure the Gain more objectively.