Employee Engagement
Opportunity and Recognition: The Pillars of Success in Multifamily
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Recognizing and crediting your team’s efforts in the multifamily space isn’t just good manners; it’s the foundation of sustainable growth. Drawing inspiration from Napoleon Hill’s profound insight (one of my all-time favorite authors), we will unpack the pivotal role of acknowledgment in fostering a thriving, cooperative culture. Learn how to build bridges within your team and unlock unprecedented success in your property management endeavors.
Leaders often overlook the need to recognize and appreciate their teams’ efforts. This lack of recognition dampens morale and inhibits creativity, collaboration, and a sense of ownership. The absence of appreciation causes a disconnect among team members, undermining the very fabric of what could be a highly productive, engaged, and passionate workforce.
The key to conquering this challenge lies in understanding and intentionally creating a culture of recognition. We must never avoid giving credit where it’s due, acknowledging even small achievements (small stuff is key). Acknowledging the contributions of team members leads to a more cohesive and motivated group, eager to contribute further to shared goals.
One key is fostering a culture where acknowledgment is consistent, genuine, and tied to specific actions or outcomes. By connecting praise with tangible accomplishments, team members can see their direct impact on the organization’s success.
Another key is that leaders can implement mechanisms to celebrate individual and team successes. Regular team meetings or casual get-togethers where accomplishments are highlighted can profoundly affect morale and collaboration.
A final key is an open-door policy where feedback and appreciation flow freely and promote a culture of transparency and trust. This approach ensures everyone feels valued and engaged, propelling the team towards greater heights in the multifamily property management industry.
Why is Retention Important?
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Employee retention is paramount to the success and growth of any organization. Employees who remain with an organization for an extended period become more experienced, possess deep knowledge of the company, and contribute significantly to its culture and productivity. Below are a few of my thoughts that highlight the importance of retention:
- Cost Saving: Managing or cutting costs is more critical than ever. Inflation and the rising cost of insurance and labor are putting a drag on NOI. Hiring and training a new employee can be substantially more expensive than retaining an existing one. Advertising, interviewing, screening, and onboarding costs can add up. Additionally, new employees might take time to reach the productivity level of an existing worker.
- Preservation of Company Knowledge: Long-standing employees hold vast amounts of institutional knowledge. When they leave, they take this invaluable knowledge with them, and it can be challenging for new hires to fill these knowledge gaps quickly. Putting math to this is nearly impossible, but the cost is high.
- Increased Productivity: Continuity is a significant factor in achieving consistent productivity. Employees with the company longer tend to understand the processes, tools, and culture, allowing them to work more efficiently. They also understand their fellow team members and how to work well with them.
- Enhanced Company Culture: Retention contributes to a strong company culture. Employees seeing their colleagues staying and growing with the organization fosters a sense of stability and belonging.
The Value of Ikigai in Business
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In recent years, the concept of ikigai has gained popularity in the Western world.
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to “a reason for being” or a sense of purpose and meaning in one’s life. It involves identifying what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
The intersection of these four elements is where your ikigai lies. The concept of ikigai can be applied to business as well, and it has the potential to drive success by increasing productivity and employee engagement and creating a strong organizational culture.
Finding Purpose in Business
Finding purpose and meaning in one’s work is essential for personal and professional fulfillment. When individuals feel that their work aligns with their values and goals, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. Incorporating the concept of ikigai into business can help individuals find their purpose and align their work with their values and goals. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment in their work.
Ikigai and Productivity
When individuals have a clear sense of purpose and meaning in their work, they are more likely to be productive. They have a sense of direction and focus that helps them prioritize their tasks and work towards their goals. Incorporating the concept of ikigai into business can help individuals find their sense of purpose and meaning, leading to increased productivity.
Engaging Employees with Ikigai
Employee engagement is critical for the success of any business. When employees are engaged, they are more likely to be productive, innovative, and committed to the organization’s goals. Incorporating the concept of ikigai into business can help engage employees by giving them a sense of purpose and meaning in their work. This can increase job satisfaction, loyalty, and commitment to the organization.
Creating a Strong Organizational Culture
Incorporating the concept of ikigai into business can also help create a strong organizational culture. Employees who share a sense of purpose and meaning in their work are more likely to work together towards common goals. This can lead to a sense of unity and collaboration within the organization. Additionally, when organizations prioritize purpose and meaning in their work, they are more likely to attract and retain employees who share those values.
Benefits of Ikigai in Business
Incorporating the concept of ikigai into business can have numerous benefits. It can increase productivity, employee engagement, and a strong organizational culture. Additionally, it can help individuals find their purpose and align their work with their values and goals, leading to increased job satisfaction and fulfillment.
Episode 702 – Counseling Team Members
In this episode, I answer a viewer question on the topic of counseling team members about poor performance. I share three things that I think are critical to a positive outcome.
Empowerment: Medium for Engagement
Did you know that Ritz-Carlton gives each and every one of their ladies and gentlemen (every Ritz-Carlton employee is referred to as a lady or a gentleman) up to $2,000 per guest per day to satisfy any flaw in their service. Disney gives their cast members (every Disney employee is referred to as a cast member) nearly free reign to satisfy their guests. No permission is needed, they just do what is necessary to satisfy the situation.
Each organization spends a great deal of time and resource training for such circumstances, drawing from a wealthy archive of examples. So, it would suffice to say there are built in governors to giving employees that kind of power. Each organization would suggest the power to satisfy is rarely abused and often times has brought about very creative thinking. The bottom line is that it works. It works in the way of empowerment which leads to engaged employees and amazing experiences for guests. And, those experiences create stories that are repeated over and over and over again.
What are you doing to empower your employees to satisfy vendors, prospects and residents?
