Agile Property Management

When talking about creating “more agile” teams, your first thought might be of tight-knit groups of developers, working diligently to perfect a new software product. Not unreasonable, as the concept of the agile team was first conceptualized with software development in mind.

As it turns out, though, the mindset has been so successful, that industries outside the software world are starting to take the best (and most applicable) practices and adapt them to their own lines of work.

This is just as true in property management teams as anywhere else, as the sometimes rapid pace of the business requires an adaptable crew to get things done right.

Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when creating your agile property management team.

Remember The Customer

Sure, maintaining revenues and dealing with unexpected property damages might top the list of property management challenges, but the agile focus is also about addressing customer needs, so be sure to assemble a team that’s willing to engage with your tenants and owners. Your team needs to remember to serve your customers to keep units rented and more owners coming through the door.

The Team Might Change

Members of your core group could come and go. Sometimes it might be that they’re moving on in their career, other times it could be that one or more members aren’t the right fit and you need to re-team to find the right balance. Remember to stay flexible, and don’t let the loss of a member ruin your flow.

Your Focus Might Change

Similarly, you won’t be working on the same challenges every day. Some days tending to customer needs may be the primary focus. Others, it could be more important to trim the fat from your operating budget. Be capable of pivoting based on what’s taking priority.

But Don’t Change What Works

When you find that “magic” combination of team members, don’t split them up if you don’t have to. There’s an element of trial-and-error that comes with assembling a great crew, so cherish your all-stars while you have them.

The Team Needs To Have Skills

This should go without saying but bears repeating. There are multiple facets to the property management game, and your team members should be well-versed in their specialty so you can keep pushing forward and adapting to new challenges.

And The Team Needs To Stay On Target

Which is best done by assigning responsibilities then staying out of the way. Trusting the team to handle what they’re supposed to will ensure self-motivated results. Remember: no micro-managing.

Make Time Management A Priority

For the team to stay in sync, they’ll need to keep track of how much time they’re spending on different facets of the business, what hours they’re logging, who’s working on what, etc. Apps like Clockspot or Toggl are perfect for this task.

Remember Core Values

We’ve touched on being flexible, but you should also put an emphasis on being quick, precise, and efficient in your dealings/putting your team together. 

Keep Things Simple

You could come up with complicated solutions for all your challenges, but why? Maximizing the amount of work you don’t have to do is the best way to keep the team agile.

Communicate The Right Way

Poor communication kills, they say, so remember to do it the right way. Face-to-face, succinct, and polite is best, meaning whenever possible, have your team in the same location so you can optimize your back-and-forth.

The trick to an agile team is flexibility, communication, and responsiveness to new ideas. Communicate often with your team to find out what is working and how you can adapt your management style to find the more effective and productive balance.


Wendy DesslerAbout the Author

Wendy Dessler is a super-connector with Outreachmama who frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing.

 

 


Related Reading For You: