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Congratulations, you're the manager. Now what?

Congratulations, you're the manager. Now what?

One of the most difficult things I ever had to overcome was taking the step from co-worker to being "the manager".  When you are suddenly the person responsible for EVERYTHING, it can be overwhelming.  The following is a list of suggestions to help make this transition a little easier:

1.  You should meet with each of your team members and discuss their position, goals, strengths and weaknesses, what motivates them, and what they look for in a supervisor.  You will be surprised at what you learn and it will help you to better understand how they see their jobs and your new role.  Also, it always helps to know what motivates a person as not everyone is motivated by the same things!  Then, you need to discuss your goals and expectations for the property and for the team member.

2.   Know your lease agreement, community rules and regulations, and your company policies and procedures - backwards and forwards.  You are now the person that everyone will look for for answers to their questions.  You need to show the prospects, residents, and employees that you know the answers.

3.  Get to know your supervisor.  You need to learn what their goals and expectations are so that you can better understand your position.  What is their management style?  How do they like to communicate?  What reports do you need to complete for them?  Etc., Etc., Etc.

4.  Always meet your deadlines.  Whether it is turning in payroll information or submitting bills for payment, you need to know when it is due, how to submit it, and to whom.  You need to make sure that you are on time and the information submitted is accurate.

5.  If you make a commitment, keep it.  If you tell a resident you are going to get back with them with information, you need to make sure that you do just that.  If an employee needs something from you and you tell them you will take care of it, you need to do just that.

6.  Understand that respect is earned and is not given with a title. 

7.  Have an open door policy.  There is nothing worse than a manager who is always behind closed doors and is not available to her team, the residents, or the prospects.

8.  Be consistent!  Whether you are giving information to a team member, a prospect, or a resident, you must be consistent in your information. 

9.  If you don't know something, find out and get back to the person.  You will be surprised at the questions you will receive in your new role.  You won't have all the answers but you will be in a position to find them out.  Again, if you tell someone you will get back to them with an answer, make sure that you do it!

Being the manager can be overwhelming at first but the position is also very rewarding and challenging.  Remember, being a great leader doesn't happen overnight!

 

 

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