If you know anything about the apartment industry, you know that apartment communities have a high turnover rate of onsite staff. How can you gain some stability in your apartment industry career? By becoming an indispensable employee, that’s how! How do you become indispensable? Implement these tips, and you’ll be on your way to ultimate job security (and career advancement)!
HAVE INTEGRITY!
Integrity is a strange word – most people hear it and think “honest”. While that might be true, it’s a lot deeper than that. The best definition of integrity that I’ve ever heard is, “Doing what you say you’re going to do.” While that sounds so simple, think of how few people you have in your own life that actually live that way. As a leasing consultant or a maintenance Technician, have integrity and you’ll instantly differentiate yourself from 99% of everyone else. Earn trust by telling it straight. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it.
SHOW INITIATIVE!
There’s a great scene in “Gosford Park” that always stays with me. The main character is the head housekeeper in a very wealthy man’s household. When asked how she’s risen to the top of her field, she says that the number one characteristic of a great servant is “the gift of anticipation.” Be resourceful. Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do. Anticipate the needs of the property. Make your boss’s life easier.
EMBRACE KNOWLEDGE!
The most successful people in any field are those who are constantly learning. Tony Robbins talks about “Living a life of CANI” He then defines that as “Constant And Never-ending Improvement.” Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, in every aspect of your life. Enthusiastically jump on the opportunity to learn something new. Be a student of your business. Always keep an eye on the competition.
SHARE CREDIT!
There are no true solo acts. If someone tells you they got where they are all by themselves, they’re lying. Don’t believe them, and don’t buy what they’re selling. None of us get where we’re going alone. Most significant achievements are usually a group effort. Share credit, where credit is due. Always be ready to help, and accept help.
BE BETTER!
Are you the best at what you do? If not are you better at what you do than most people you work around? If not, why? Learn to constantly be dissatisfied. Be better than you thought you could be. Better than your co-workers. Better than the best! Put high value on all of the things you do. Attention to detail is crucial to getting things done correctly…. The first time!
Every morning before you head off to work, set aside your personal life and jump into your “Positive Patty” costume! Read a list of these tips to remind yourself where you want to be. Then, walk out the door and go make that apartment community the best it can possibly be!