In property management, stressful situations are common. Whether it's difficult conversations with landlords about maintenance costs or dealing with tenant vacates, there’s no shortage of challenges. But managing property isn’t about stressing over "what ifs". It’s about having a clear goal in mind and steering each conversation towards that goal. This is key to effective property management and will help you succeed while finding long-term satisfaction in your role.
So, what do you want to achieve with your landlord relationships? That’s the question to keep in mind. When faced with tricky situations, decide the outcome you want before picking up the phone or scheduling a meeting. Instead of worrying about how the landlord might react, focus on how you, as the professional, can guide the conversation towards the best result.
Guide with Clarity and Purpose
As a property manager, you’re the expert. Your landlords rely on your guidance and trust you to make the right call. When handling difficult conversations, come prepared with solutions. Avoid overwhelming your clients with too many options. Instead, offer two clear choices and direct them toward the one that aligns with the outcome you’re aiming for. This not only simplifies the decision-making process but also shows your landlords that you have control of the situation.
A great reminder from communication expert Rik Rushton is that, "Clarity is more important than cleverness. Building rapport is what opens doors, and this comes from communicating in a way that resonates with those you wish to influence.” Keeping communication straightforward will help build trust and strengthen relationships with your clients.
Train Your Team to Manage for Outcomes
If you’re leading a team, it’s important that everyone understands the importance of managing for outcomes. This is especially true for new staff who may not yet know what they’re working towards. As the leader, it’s up to you to show them how to approach these situations and guide them toward solutions. Regular training and mentoring play a big role here, as they give your team the confidence and skills to handle their work with purpose.
When I’m training anyone in the industry (whether consulting, or in my role at the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania), this mindset is built into the training programs we offer. Whether through one-on-one mentoring or group sessions, the goal is the same: helping property managers and leaders communicate clearly and manage for results. Our training helps property managers understand that, no matter the situation, they have the tools to guide conversations in a positive direction.
Overcoming Stress Through Focus
Property management can be stressful, but when you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to pause and take a breath. Instead of diving head-first into the stress, ask yourself, “What’s the outcome I want to achieve?” This simple reflection can change the way you approach the task, leading to more effective problem-solving.
Taking that moment to refocus helps both you and your clients. As the professional, you should always aim for the best possible outcome for your clients. Whether it’s securing the right tenant, organising maintenance, or handling a rent increase, the key is to direct the conversation with purpose and confidence.
Focused Leadership for Business Owners
This approach isn’t just for property managers. Business owners need to focus on outcomes too. As an agency principal, managing your team with clear goals in mind will make all the difference. Each conversation with your staff should have a clear purpose, and ideally, you should only need to have that conversation once. When your team knows where they stand and what’s expected of them, they’ll work more efficiently and feel more confident in their decisions.
In our consulting and training, we often see how a lack of clear direction from leadership causes confusion and inefficiency. Business owners who focus on outcomes support their team’s success and create a positive work environment where employees feel supported and valued.
Ready for Better Management?
Managing for outcomes is a simple yet powerful mindset that can transform your approach to property management. Whether you’re dealing with landlords, tenants, or your own team, having a clear goal in mind will guide your actions and conversations in the right direction. The result? Less stress, more efficiency, and stronger relationships.
My property management training helps you put this approach into practice. Whether you’re an experienced agency principal or a new property manager, focusing on outcomes will help you manage your relationships with clarity and confidence.
Book a call with me, and let’s discuss how outcome-focused training can benefit you and your team.
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