Masters of Change
C
hange – it’s not a four-letter word, but it can often be met with the same amount of discomfort and resistance. It’s not uncommon for people to have adverse physical, mental and emotional reactions to change, and it can be a challenge to see the positive outcome when you’re in the midst of adjusting. But, believe it or not, you already have the skills you need to conquer any type of change. That’s right: As a community manager, you are already a master of change. In this industry, legislation evolves year after year and the wants and needs of your clients force you to shift with each call, email and association board meeting. As a member of CACM, you are connected to the latest legislative developments and have access to comprehensive continuing education to stay up-to-date on industry best practices. In addition, you are already adept at listening to your clients – both board members and homeowners – and changing the way you approach each of their problems. Different people require different solutions, and community managers have the know-how to shift perspectives multiple times per day to meet client demands. (If you want to improve these skills, CACM’s Enhance Your Professional Presence course can help. See pages 28 and 55 for upcoming offerings). To put it simply, change is the very nature of your job, and no matter where you are in your career, you have already developed key ways to manage change on a daily basis. And, on a positive note, this constant change allows you to enjoy great variety in your career, and the flexibility you’ve learned to apply at work can also serve you well in adapting to other unexpected situations. This industry will undoubtedly continue to change with the passing years, and you may be apprehensive about entering the uncharted territory ahead (i.e., working with the recodified Davis-Stirling Act). But, remember that change is temporary and you will get through it. Remain confident in the change management skills you have already acquired, and rest assured that CACM will work to support you through all the changes ahead.
Karen D. Conlon, CCAM President & CEO
www.cacm.org | Vision Summer 2013
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