4 minute read
Why is Everyone So Angry?
from ABODE May 2022
Image © Giulio Fornasar | iStock by Getty Images
Let’s take a look at what’s going on that could be creating all of this unhappiness.?
By LISA TROSIEN, The Apartment All Stars
These days, you don’t have to look far to find someone who’s ticked off about something or acting badly. We’ve got air rage at the airports and on flights. Last year saw the highest number of unruly passenger incidents on record according to the FAA. Car thefts are up, nurses are asking for panic buttons in exam rooms, carjackings are on the rise and the rate of physical crime on people is up by almost a third across the US. Look at yourself and what you’ve had to deal with. Maybe it’s a resident who doesn’t like the way the grounds are kept. Or maybe it’s a coworker who’s not happy with the hours they have to work this week. Maybe it’s your spouse, partner, roommate, child, parent or someone else in your immediate circle who just seems to be more ‘on edge’ lately than usual. Or perhaps it’s YOU who’s unhappy, cranky or just a tad snappy with everyone. In short, it just seems like the world’s gotten a lot angrier lately. And it doesn’t seem to be getting any better.
We’ve got a lot to unpack here, so let’s take a look at what’s going on that could be creating all of this unhappiness.
The pandemic. It’s not really over. We still have to wear masks (sometimes). And then there’s the whole vaccine issue. It’s going to be with us for a while.
Political unrest. We’ve been going through this for what seems like FOREVER. And we all know someone who has lost a friend or two over politics. Is it ever going to get any better?
Social media. While social media can really be a wonderful thing, it can also be a pretty bad thing. Everyone’s got an opinion on everything, and they are more than willing to share it with you, argue with you or just plain unfriend you if they don’t like what you have to say.
And unless you’re planning on dropping off every social media platform out there, you’re stuck with all the drama that’s part of the online community.
You Put Me in “Public”
A recent study published in Forbes magazine found that people who work with the public are much more unhappy these days than people who don’t have to work with the public. Why? All of the anger that’s out there! So let’s look at a couple of ways to help you deal with the stress of working with angry people.
The late Steve Jobs found that one of the best ways to deal with stress was to take a walk. An actual walk, away from his desk, away from his stress. He found that not only did it reduce the stress he was feeling, but it actually helped his creativity. You have the perfect job for taking a walk. So, when you feel the stress creeping in, walk the vacants! Walk the apartments that are ready for movein. Walk the amenities, the grounds, the hallways – just get away from your desk and walk. You’ll find the immediate change of scenery refreshing and you’ll probably go back to your desk with a better outlook than when you left.
Just like the television show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” use this opportunity to “Phone a Friend.” Call a loved one, a fellow apartment industry colleague, your partner, spouse, loved one or anyone who’s usually willing to lend a listening ear. It’s amazing how therapeutic it can be just to verbalize your feelings. Tell them you need to vent and then just let it go.
Lastly, if you can’t make a quick call or take a walk, jump on YouTube and watch a funny video. My personal favorites? The dogs going through the agility courses at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. It’s got everything! Action! Dogs! Obstacle courses! You can’t help but smile when you see those beautiful animals running through the course.
Attend the Apartment All Stars session at this years HAA Education Conference & Expo to learn more techniques not only to keep yourself calm but to help calm down those residents and co-workers. I’ll be teaching you lots of techniques in my session, “Why Ya’ Gotta Be So Mean?”
Lisa Trosien is an educator, consultant, multifamily strategist and on of the Apartment All Stars. A frequent multifamily speaker for the National Multihousing Council and other associations, Trosien educates thousands of leasing agents each year.
Contact her at www.apartmentexpert.com or 630-898-8898.
