Education Is Your Greatest Resource

by Annie Orso, Lincoln Property Company

“I’ve been doing this for so long, I know everything there is to know.” “I’m the manager, leave the learning to the leasing people.” “I don’t need help; I work for corporate; I know everything there is to know about this industry.”

Survey says: Incorrect. Welcome to the world of property management – where you know nothing and a lot (not everything) all at the same time.

Every single day as I come into the office I’m greeted with something new and challenging. Am I able to handle it? Of course! Can I do it with full knowledge? Not always. Do I always have all the training? Nope, absolutely not. But do I have the resources at my disposal to aid me in doing my job? One hundred percent, yes.

I have been at this for going on ten years and I can honestly tell you that I still don’t believe I have even begun to scratch the surface of knowledge. Daily, our company’s standard operating procedures change. Daily, our laws change. Daily, our residents’ opinions of us, and their needs, change. And, daily, our staff’s needs change.

The most important part of our daily lives is knowing where to go and whom to turn to in case you don’t have a clue what to do. This is why training and development of yourself and your staff is so important. We all need to know that we have the resources and tools we need to do our jobs daily. In turn, having a properly trained staff working alongside you will not only make your daily work life easier, but will also have a positive impact on your clients’ needs as well. Without everyone understanding the importance of being properly trained – from your CEO down to your groundskeeper – the asset can fail or struggle to maintain its prestige and stand out among your competitors. Yes, we’re all doing the same thing, but we want to stand out. We want to be the best of the best – regardless if we have to offer the same amenities or finishes. Being properly trained can make a difference – as you appear to be more dependable, reliable, and knowledgeable to those around you as well as your residents.

There are several ways to be properly trained in your position – whether that be leasing, management, maintenance, corporate management, etc. From training classes offered through GNAA, to online and in-person courses offered at your management company, to vendors who offer training (HD Supply, Lowes, Ferguson, just to name a few) – there are plenty of opportunities around you. Additionally, align yourself with the people who are in charge of training and development. For us, it’s our Regional Learning and Talent Development Director followed quickly by a staff of Certified Training Associates (I am one myself) handpicked by their superiors to support new and tenured associated with daily execution of tasks.

“Okay, great. Find my resources – that way it makes my job easier. But what’s in it for me?” A WHOLE LOT. I never – not in a MILLION years – dreamed that Property