Witches, Warlocks, Dinosaurs & Dragons
Eeeeeek, cringe and hide under the table in shame.
Well, I’m sorry, but it’s time to bring it out into the open. Come on…out of the closet all of you…who is guilty?
I shudder when I hear property managers being described as witches, warlocks, dinosaurs and dragons. I want to bury myself under the nearest rock, when I hear property managers proudly boasting about altercations and how their clients view them. I don’t want to be known as a witch, wicked and nasty. I don’t want to be known as a warlock deceitful and secretive. I don’t want to be known as a dinosaur a living prehistoric creature not willing to step into the fast lane and world of technology and I certainly don’t want to be known as a dragon, a fire breathing monster no one wants to have anything to do with. More importantly I don’t want anyone in our industry to be described as one of these ruthless, heartless creatures because it reflects on all of us. It’s embarrassing and demeaning for all of us.
Oh yes, I certainly agree that there are times you want to lash out and say, ‘Listen buddy, give me a break, I’m just doing my job’ probably with a few more expletives thrown in of course, but if we continue to allow this, our industry will never break out of the chains of constraint as being known as adding little value and certainly not professional.
In my current position I have the privilege of visiting our regional businesses and whilst away stay in the local country motels. Quite often the business owner is also the waiter, is also the receptionist, well is everything and they are the ones that engage in conversation with me whilst I sit quietly eating my dinner. Probably think, ‘oh poor lonely thing, all by herself, I’ll go and chat to her’. Invariably the topic of conversation always evolves around what my occupation is and why I am there. And as soon as that question is asked, I brace myself. My face shows an expression of smile be calm, whilst I grip underneath the table and plant my feet firmly on the ground, cause they all have horror stories about being badly treated by property managers and their view of the industry. I listen to all the names they throw around and use to be amazed that I was hearing the same thing, different town, same story, same views of property managers.
Reality hit, we need to change our industry from within. We need to as an industry stand up and say no more, enough is enough. It’s ok to be nice, in fact it’s imperative that we are nice, kind and empathetic. What we have to learn is how to be assertive without being aggressive. Simple solution of course is training, knowledge of your industry and profession. Knowledge is power that provides the confidence to work through difficult situations and remain professional at all times. We need to stamp out this negative image and be prepared to stand up and so ‘No… this behaviour is no longer acceptable’.
What are your solutions and suggestions to change and evolve our industry? It’s all preparing us for the turn onto the 21st Century Highway. It’s a merge lane entering, so no stopping, once you’re on you have to keep moving forward.
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