My daughter has a little friend that was born 1 day before her.  He is quirky and full of personality like her but much, much different.  He is full force from 8 am until 8 pm.  He pulls out every toy in the toy box, puts them all back in and then pulls them out again just to make sure he didn't miss anything.  He is not really interested in us adults because he has too much going on himself but he will stop and plead his case for a snack and lunch of course. He runs full force, grabs everything in site and truly lives life to the fullest. Come 8 pm is he out for the count and awakes fresh and renewed at 8 am to start the day over again.  My little one is a bit slower, she wants you to be involved in everything she does and she wants to know what you are doing at all times.  Walk in the laundry room - she must get up and go with you to ensure you are sorting the clothes properly.  She wants to see everyone, introduce herself and be at the head of the table for adult conversation.  She goes to bed between 8 and 10 pm; hardly sleeps through the night and will awake at the first sign of sun light to ensure she does not miss any adult activity.  Born only 20 hours apart but WORLDS apart in their behavior and personalities.  Both are perfect children with parents that with them daily to grow and learn.  Neither is better than the other (although when I'm rocking mine at 2 am begging her to sleep, I'm thinking why can't she be more like ..) they are just different.  

These two children have reminded me of a lesson to remember daily in property management:

Every person is different, every co-worker, every resident and every boss!  One way is not necessarily better than the other - just different.  When we are at our wits end with someone who doesn't do things the way we would do them or doesn't show us appreciation like we want them to it is easy to think that our way is better or we are better because we do something a certain way - but we are merely different.  The best characteristics of my child (her positives) are the ones that hinder her sleeping patterns (her negatives).  Next time you wish that resident would do this or that or you wish your co-worker would put the pens back where they came from - try and envision the positives that you may have to give up with that negative that drives you nuts.  Every person is different, special and unique - truly focus on those attributes that make them special and unique and your daily grind will seem a bit less 'grindful'.  Happy leasing!!