MBWA
Multifamily Leadership: MBWA
Photo by Brands&People on Unsplash
Management by wandering around (MBWA) is a leadership philosophy popularized by Hewlett Packard’s co-founder, Bill Hewlett. The basic idea behind MBWA is that managers should regularly leave their offices and actively engage with team members in their work environment. By doing so, managers can better understand the day-to-day operations of their organization, build stronger relationships, and identify opportunities for improvement.
One of the key benefits of MBWA is that it helps to break down communication barriers. Regional managers and VPs can get a first-hand view of work and team members’ challenges by spending time in shops, apartments, or the leasing office. This can lead to more meaningful conversations and problem-solving sessions, as managers are better equipped to ask informed questions and offer helpful suggestions.
In addition to fostering better communication, MBWA can increase engagement and morale. When team members see that their managers are invested in their work and willing to listen to their concerns, it can create a sense of empowerment and ownership. This, in turn, can lead to increased motivation and productivity.
Implementing MBWA doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply taking a walk around the property. During these walks, managers should make a point to talk and ask questions about their work. It’s important to listen actively and avoid interrupting or dismissing what people have to say.
Of course, MBWA is just one tool in a manager’s toolkit. It should be used with other leadership strategies to create a cohesive and effective management approach. But for managers looking to build stronger relationships and better understand their organization, MBWA is a powerful tool that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Multifamily Monday: SBWA
What are we talking about on this Multifamily Monday? SBWA. What is SBWA. Supervising By Walking Around.
How many of you get lazy and don’t walk your apartment properties as often as you should? How many of you get lazy and do not walk your market ready product? How many of you get lazy and do not inspect what you expect of your teams.
Don’t be shy.
If it helps, I will admit that I am as guilty of this as much as the next guy/gal. At times, it is simply out of a haste to get on to the next thing that is calling my attention. Other times, it is simply just being lazy.
I admit it not for the reason of calling you or myself out but simply as a matter of getting it imbued in your mind. You, we must do it. It is fundamental to our business. It is what keeps us all true to our standards. If you are not looking at what you expect those standards fall pretty fast. I think we would agree.
Supervising By Walking Around
I wrote a piece on this concept back in the Spring of 2011. At the time my posit was that you could not know your people and or your business if you did not spend any time wondering around in it. Not my novel concept but one made famous in the world of leadership and management by Tom Peters (side note: you could consider me a super-fan of Mr. Peters).
To the Point
Since the purpose of the Multifamily Monday series is to be short and to the point – here it is.
Get our of your office today and walk around your community. Walk alone. Walk with the people in your office. Walk with your service team. Walk with someone that might be moving in soon. Walk with the cable guy. Walk with the landscaper. Walk with someone that currently lives in your community. Walk with a police officer. Walk with a Mom. Walk with a Dad.
GET Up – Walk NOW
Your SBWA multifamily manic,
M
