Your team is facing high-stress property emergencies. How can you help them stay composed and focused?
In the throes of a property emergency, maintaining team composure is key. Here's how to support your crew:
- Establish clear protocols. Having a set emergency plan helps streamline response and decision-making.
- Encourage regular training. Familiarity with emergency procedures builds confidence and reduces panic.
- Promote open communication. Ensure team members can share concerns and updates efficiently.
How do you help your team stay focused during high-stress situations? Feel free to share strategies.
Your team is facing high-stress property emergencies. How can you help them stay composed and focused?
In the throes of a property emergency, maintaining team composure is key. Here's how to support your crew:
- Establish clear protocols. Having a set emergency plan helps streamline response and decision-making.
- Encourage regular training. Familiarity with emergency procedures builds confidence and reduces panic.
- Promote open communication. Ensure team members can share concerns and updates efficiently.
How do you help your team stay focused during high-stress situations? Feel free to share strategies.
-
Maintain your own composure. Your team is only as calm as you are. You can prepare for these situations, but the emotions of the Residents are going to vary from one situation to the next. Have each team member be a point of contact for specific tasks. A Manager or AM should be helping with insurance claims, the Leasing team can handle posting notices and helping the vendors get access to homes. Maintenance team should be assisting the vendors where needed. Everyone should play a role. Team meetings should happen twice a day until the situation is resolved so the team is current. A valuable tool would be a shared Excel tracker to ensure each Resident is taken care of. Mass communication should go out daily so every Resident stays informed.
-
In high-stress property emergencies, maintaining team composure is like steering a ship through a storm. As a project manager in New York City where buildings are old, navigating challenges are the name of the game. Supporting the crew by fostering open communication and encouraging a solutions-oriented mindset is crucial. In NYC, where coop and condo dynamics can be intense, reminding your team of their shared goals can transform panic into productivity. Think of it as running a business: when owners rep and team members unite, they can tackle any crisis together. 🌟 Remember, a calm team is your best asset in overcoming obstacles!
-
Establish Clear Communication Channels Designate a central hub: This could be a shared document, group chat, or physical space where all relevant information is gathered and shared. Encourage open communication: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their concerns and ideas. Regular check-ins: Schedule regular meetings or virtual check-ins to assess the situation, provide updates, and address any questions or concerns. Prioritize Tasks and Delegate Responsibilities: Break down tasks: Divide large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Delegate effectively: Assign tasks to team members based on their strengths and expertise.
-
Every community and team should have an emergency plan for events we know COULD occur in multifamily. Have a prepared plan for fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and active shooter scenarios. These plans should include evacuation information, where the team should meet up in case of an emergency, and should contain information regarding PR and what should and should not be said. It should also include a listing of any supplier partners/vendors who can assist with restoration and other needed services and a listing of all company/corporate resources that should be notified in case of an emergency. Typically in a binder in the manager's office has this information included. Review annually and update as needed.
-
In high-stress property emergencies, support your team by ensuring they’ve had regular training so everyone knows their role and the plan. Keep communication clear and simple to reduce confusion, and teach quick calming techniques like deep breathing to stay focused. Lead by example—your calm presence sets the tone for the team. Make sure emergency resources are always accessible, and afterward, discuss what went well and what can improve to be even better prepared next time.
-
During my time (7 Years) as a Property Manager in Chicago,IL I have found that the best practice is to treat EVERY situation, no matter how small or large, as if it is your FIRST priority. I served as the sole “employee”, and oversaw all aspects of property management for every client in my portfolio. This was no walk in the park. With a can-do attitude, an affinity for old-school pen and paper, and a rockstar team of service providers, I found keeping track of things to be less of a hassle than originally imagined. Create and streamline processes that will eliminate stress and boost productivity. Remain in constant contact with everyone involved until the task is complete. Once complete, FOLLOW UP and move on! There’s always more to do!
-
Clear communication- give as many updates as you can. People love communication. Mental Focus- deep breaths and use breathing techniques Encourage breaks, high stress can cause people to burnout.
-
Property is a long term investment. Take long term views. PLAN. Be rational and not emotional. Although we can be proud of and get attached to certain properties. No not be blind to realities. Do rolling 5 year projections. Optimistic, likely & pessimistic views. Annalise your returns, options, covenants, tenant retention, competitions, Face the maintenance & refurb realities. Do market research. Plan your way & take the unemotional decisions on the direction and realities you face and can afford. Remain in control! once you lose that and financiers and creditors take charge, their interest is not aligned with yours. They need to recover their investors money and is not really interested in your wealth or long term plans with the building.
-
During high-stress emergencies, clear and calm leadership can make a world of difference in helping the team remain focused. Start by clearly defining each team member’s role to minimize confusion and ensure efficient action. Providing regular updates keeps everyone informed and reduces anxiety about the unknown. Encourage short, effective check-ins to address immediate needs and offer reassurance. After the situation is under control, debrief as a team to identify lessons learned and improvements for future emergencies. This approach builds resilience, strengthens team dynamics, and prepares everyone for quick, organized responses in the future.
-
In high-stress property emergencies, a structured approach to communication and resource management is essential for maintaining team composure and focus. As a Project Management Lead and previous property manager, I prioritize seamless communication through a dedicated team chat group, where all updates and actions are documented in real time. For our "boots on the ground" team, I ensure they have immediate access to an emergency checklist and a comprehensive list of vetted vendors and contractors, streamlining response times and reducing uncertainty. This system of clear, accessible protocols empowers the entire team to act confidently and effectively under pressure, allowing us to handle emergencies with precision and calm.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Operational PlanningHow can you help your team handle unexpected interruptions and emergencies?
-
Emergency ManagementYou're facing conflicting opinions in an emergency debriefing. How can you effectively navigate through them?
-
Emergency ManagementYour team is divided on the best urgent action. How can you navigate conflicting opinions effectively?
-
Emergency ManagementYour team member is slacking during an emergency response. How will you ensure their role is taken seriously?