Your Role in Teamwork

The fourth and final article of Debbie Phillips’ series on the four cornerstones for effective teamwork. By DEBBIE PHILLIPS, Ph.D, CPM, The Quadrillion

Your Role in Teamwork –Connection

Before the coronavirus crisis, many bemoaned that technology and social media were creating disconnection between humans, but today we’re using technology and social media to maintain connection with each other during a social distant time. FaceTime, Skype and Zoom are all platforms that existed before the pandemic, but people are using these video conferencing or videotelephony tools more than ever to stay connected.

To jumpstart 2020, I wrote an article titled “Your Role in Teamwork,” published in the February ABODE, that featured four key elements as a benchmark for establishing effective teams – trust, commitment, communication and connection. This article focuses on connection.

The essence of connection has never been more important, especially as people across the globe have been practicing social distancing, experiencing anxiety and a dealing with a sense of uneasiness at unprecedented levels. We’re all navigating this new normal together, and in the process, we’re creating new ways to stay connected to each other while maintaining social distancing.

Connection can be defined in many ways. Before the pandemic, we would have most commonly associated connection with our smartphones or Wi-Fi. Connection might also have been associated with networking events, conferences or happy hours. Staying connected to your loved ones before often meant seeing them in person, spending time with them or hugging them. Now, we have to be creative about connection. Connection goes much deeper today.

Before the coronavirus crisis, many bemoaned that technology and social media were creating disconnection between humans, but today we’re using technology and social media to maintain connection with each other during a social distant time. FaceTime, Skype and Zoom are all platforms that existed before the pandemic, but people are using these video conferencing or videotelephony tools more than ever to stay connected.

According to a survey prepared by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 50% of people in the United States consider themselves as acutely lonely. It’s not a pandemic, but it’s certainly an epidemic. An epidemic that was present before we started social distancing. Matthew Lieberman, a distinguished social psychologist and neuroscientist, drew on psychology and neuroscience research to confirm that just as human beings have a basic need for food and water, we also have a basic need for connection. We can understand why it’s so important for people to stay connected with their loved ones.

Connection Equals Employee Engagement

Research shows that when employees have a best friend at work, they are seven times as likely to be engaged in their job. Today’s successful organizations understand the importance of connection, trust and teambuilding. Many companies make a point to build social activities into the company culture to allow team members to get to know each other on a more personal level. Other results-oriented Western cultures tend to only allow for small talk between meetings when time permits. I’ve often referred to leadership styles being either transformational or transactional. A distinct characteristic that differentiates the two styles lies primarily in the power of connection.

As we have shifted our communication methods in response to COVID-19, how we connect with others has evolved as well. I would venture to say this pandemic has even magnified the importance of connection. While we are physically apart and social distancing, our social connections have become more profound, more meaningful and intentional. It has been encouraging to see the outpouring of generosity and creativity demonstrated in uncommon ways. From virtual reunions and team meetings to oneon-one Skype conversations and virtual happy hours, people are finding ways to connect in extraordinary ways.

As the world recalibrates, researchers will undoubtedly have access to unique data to identify the methods and meaning of connection. It is proven that employee engagement is at its highest when people are connected to the mission and values of the company. Many multifamily owners and operators have already stated that they have made plans to continue to support virtual collaboration to maximize efficiencies and to increase engagement with their teams, residents and other stakeholders.

If connection inspires heightened engagement, here are some ways to seek out connections with your teams, even during a socially distant time:

1. What’s your why?

Where there is purpose, there is passion. The stronger your motivation, the deeper your connection. Think of the lengths we go to as parents or pet owners to take care of our loved ones. At work, we all promote and protect the highly engaged employees who go the extra mile. We’re more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt and to support their recommendations.

2. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Apartment professionals have proven this theory by taking care of their residents. Whether it’s being on the frontlines, responding to service requests, renewing leases or offering virtual tours, everyone steps up to the plate. Creativity is the new currency and connection is the bridge that makes success happen. The resiliency of the industry and its professionals has never shined more brightly.

3. It’s the who, not the what.

There’s power in simple gestures. Many people think that connection is time-consuming and laborious. It’s more about the person and the bond you share than the project on which you are working. A short phone call to check in on someone goes a long way in solidifying a relationship. Before jumping right into business, check on the person’s emotional well-being first. When things seem complicated, simplify.

4. Be in it to win it.

Surround yourself with “A” players who commit to the long haul so that you can be together for the second mile. Almost anyone can easily go the first mile. When you are committed to someone or something, you create opportunities to get to know one another at a deeper level.

With HAA’s job board, you’ll discover a professional community that’s committed to helping you find the right candidate or your next job opportunity in the greater Houston and surrounding areas.

Debbie Phillips is an internationally recognized industry thought leader, educator, career coach, author and speaker who holds a doctorate degree. She has dedicated her life’s work to educating and connecting high potential talent to opportunities in the real estate industry. Phillips can be reached at debbie@thequadrillion.com or 404-787-4409.

I have always believed that connections make our lives richer. I have been privileged to work in the housing industry for over 30 years. While I may not remember every property I’ve worked with, I’ll never forget the people and causes that sparked joy in my life. There is power in connection, both physically and virtually, and that’s what keeps me fully charged.

FIND QUALIFIED LEADS www.haaonline.org jobs@haaonline.org 713-595-0300

Reshape, continued from Page 59 The role of a leasing professional may transform permanently, for at least some management companies and properties. When oil prices plummets, the energy industry lays off many workers. When prices return, oil and gas companies don’t hire every position back, they evolve. Some apartment communities may have laid off or furloughed their leasing agents. Will those properties evolve to operate without leasing professionals?

Amenities

When apartment communities open their amenities, what will that look like? A company called Amenity Boss is a smart software that gives you the power to open, manage and track your amenities responsibly and fairly, its website reads. Monitoring your amenities will hopefully be a short-term procedure, but how will this virus impact the future of amenities?

Bisnow writer Dean Boerner published an article online out of San Francisco on April 26 that shared how a surge in remote work after the coronavirus pandemic would change amenities in apartment communities. By the end of March, the article reads, nearly two-thirds of knowledge workers were working remotely, according to an estimate from software company Netskope. A Colliers survey of people around the globe conducted around the same time found 82% of employees hope to work from home at least once a week after the pandemic.

This move toward remote work could warrant changes to existing and future apartment communities, one of which was already underway. Coworking spaces have been part of the amenity conversation, gaining popularity, over the last few years, according to the survey, and could gradually become an amenity choice for multifamily developers.

A significant rise in outdoor amenity usage could be a possibility, too, if people are without daily trips to the office and the social interaction that experience brings. Outdoor yoga areas or cross-training areas may be more common, the article states.

Another article, published by The New York Times titled “When Can I Start Using My Building’s Gym Again?” by writer Ronda Kaysen, posed some ideas on outdoor amenity spaces: “Roof deck may open, but without any seating or barbecues. Residents may be assigned specific days to use the pool, and have to stand or sit in spots marked out on the deck at safe distances. Gyms may be reconfigured to increase the space between workout equipment and stagger workout times.”

Apartment Home Layouts

In the same Bisnow article mentioned above, multifamily executives are quoted projecting bigger apartment home layouts or more efficient layouts to easily allow for remote work. The article suggests closet space or extra space created by stacking in-unit washers and dryers could make room for a work area niche off a bedroom or hallways, even justifying a rent upcharge.

While we continue to practice social distancing, we will adapt to a new normal. Stay up to date with coronavirus resources for property management by visiting www.haaonline.org.

Want to read ABODE online? Visit https://issuu.com/haa_abode

MEMBERSHIP: ENGAGE! The Go-Getters are still recruiting during challenging times.

What is a Go-Getter?

The Go-Getter Club is a year-round membership recruitment drive comprised of individual HAA members who work for owner/management and supplier companies.

Join our Quarterly Meetings! Be the top recruiter for each quarter and win $500 cash!

Plus, for each new member you recruit, you’ll earn a chance to win gift cards ranging from $25 to $250!

JOIN A TEAM and build relationships with like-minded members. Get involved with Go-Getters and make lasting industry connections.

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetterscorner to get all the information you need.

Recruit all year long! Go-Getter meetings are quarterly:

Thursday, July 9 Thursday, September 10 Thursday, December 10

All meetings start at 4 p.m. at Cadillac Bar & Grill. Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for details.

Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Kevin Fenn Diane Gilbert Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Sonny Unverzagt Del Walmsley Nancé Wells H.P. Paul Young Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Members who have recruited more than 100 companies

THE GO-GETTERS ARE THE BACKBONE of the Houston Apartment Association. By recruiting new members, the Go-Getter Club helps both new management and supplier companies and the association grow for the future. To join the club and get going on recruitment, see online at www.haaonline.org or contact Amanda and Kaylon in the Membership Department at members@haaonline.org.

OWNERS

Blue Stone Premier

Kristin Gross 6263 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77057 713-782-5939 The Park at San Marino The Park at Tivoli The Park at Salerno The Park at Amalfi The Park at Saronno Siena on Westheimer The Park at Pisa

Charles Armstrong

Charles Armstrong 19002 Edgecroft Court Tomball, TX 77377 281-381-4390 Charles Armstrong - Homes

Daniel Wells

Daniel Wells 4408 Blossom St. Houston, TX 77007 502-468-9583

Defying Gravity 2005 LLC

Don Matthews 2301 Fairway Drive Alvin, TX 77511 281-331-8541 Fairway Square Apartments

Global Capital Holdings LLC

Naval Sehgal 3501 Bacor Road Houston, TX 77084 281-467-2339 Crossings at 31st

Hogg Palace LLC

Elizabeth Gates 401 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002 512-499-0001 Hogg Palace

JBLT Homes LLC

Lindsey Hardin P.O. Box 464 Cypress, TX 77410 832-229-0212 North Main Apartments

KJV Jeremiah LLC

L.T. Ermis P.O. Box 19744 Houston, TX 77224 713-882-5595 KJV Jeremiah LLC - Homes

MDDD Investments LLC

Mahsa Esmaeillou 1702 Waters Edge Drive Friendswood, TX 77546 832-964-3363 MDDD Investments LLC

Prince Realty Investments & Management Enterprise

Paul Prince Jr. 3606 Hawley Creek Drive Spring, TX 77386 281-795-4273 100 Lamar Apartments

RangeWater Real Estate

James Beasley 5605 Glenridge Drive NE #775 Atlanta, GA 30342 404-663-8022 The Bennett Baytown

Rise Residential Management

Blanca Uresti 16812 Dallas Pkwy Dallas, TX 75248 972-977-8240 Sienna Villas Apartments

Roman Properties Inc

Bonny Roman 18406 Pin Oak Bend Cypress, TX 77433 832-878-7713 Townhome of Bear Creek Apartments

Trinity Multifamily

Courtney Summerhill 5 S. Bell Circle Houma, LA 70360 479-653-1020 Oaks at Mustang

SUPPLIERS

Blackhill Restoration/ Restoration Services Group

Ashley Martin 208 E. Adelanta Place Round Rock, TX 78681 832-392-1526 Fire/Water Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation Referred by Mark Park, CAS

Cinema Anywhere

Brandon Coleman 8787 Hammerly Blvd. #815 Houston, TX 77080 832-407-4809 Event Planning, Advertising - Outdoor

Imperial Hospitality and Security Services Inc

Paul Brokhin 4545 Bissonnet St. #114 Bellaire, TX 77401 281-501-9890 Security Guard/Patrol Service

J Hernandez General Contracting Services LLC

Ada Hernandez 13393 Murphy Road #B Stafford, TX 77477-4307 281-208-0165 Air Duct Cleaning, Baseboards, Bathtubs & Sinks - Repairing & Refinish, Blinds, Building Contractors, Cabinets, Carpet Cleaning, Carpet Installation, Ceiling Fans, Concrete Repair, Drywall Contractors, Fences, Granite, Janitorial Services, Maid Services, Mini Blinds, Paint, Painters Equipment & Supplies, Painting Contractors, Remodeling & Repair-Building Contractors, Tile - Ceramic Contractors, Tile - Cleaning - Refinishing & Sealing, Tile - non-ceramic Referred by Amanda Kelly

One Man’s Trash LLC

Rashawn Bryant 20550 Markee Ridge Drive Humble, TX 77338 973-687-6872 Trash Service - Valet, Trash Hauling

RCPS of Texas

Jason Ward 2313 Marys Creek Court Pearland, TX 77581 832-795-1080 Building Contractors

RentSense LLC

Rick Croasdale 4314 Kestrel Ridge Court Manvel, TX 77578 281-615-9747 Insurance, Security Deposit Alternatives

Resto Medic

Patrick Souriall 14699 Brown Road Tomball, TX 77377 281-687-2385 Fire/Water Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation, Disaster Recovery/Relief, Algae/Mold/ Mildew Removal, Carpet & Rug Dryers, Cleaning Specialists, Adjusters, Appraisers Referred by Clayton Bownds

Southern Shingles

Noah Bridges 12406 Taylor Road Houston, TX 77041-1230 832-300-3770 Roofing Materials, Building Materials

Sunbrite Outdoor Furniture

Will Andrews 610 Irene St. Orlando, FL 32805-1050 407-294-9041 Furniture - Outdoor, Outdoor Furniture Referred by Amanda Kelly

Superior LawnCare

Michael Barrera 6623 Eppes St. Houston, TX 77087 832-552-0831 Lawn Maintenance, Irrigation Systems & Equipment, Landscape Contractors, Tree Services

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!” I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”