Five Tips on Leader Growth from an Industry Veteran by Summer Murray, VP of Transitions & Due Diligence

It seems like only yesterday I was a young, wide-eyed, twenty-three-year-old in my first leadership role, with limited business and property management knowledge. I made my fair share of mistakes, celebrated many wins, and learned a great deal along the way! Although much has changed in our industry in the twenty plus years since, there are many nuggets of wisdom that still hold true.  

For those early in their leadership journeys eager to accelerate their growth and learning, here are some tips that can help you avoid common pitfalls along the way.  

1. Focus on leadership development. Seek out opportunities to enhance your emotional intelligence (EQ). Take every chance you get to learn how to navigate conflict, understand the different personality types you will encounter professionally and enhance your problem-solving skills. Learn how to effectively communicate and collaborate. The skills you develop along the way will help you in ways you never imagined.  

2. Leave things better than you found them. Focus on how you can solve the problem that has been plaguing your business. Think about how you can help a team member or resident. When you focus on solutions, doors will open for you. 

3. Lean on your team. You do not have to have all the answers. In fact, admitting that you don’t have all the answers shows a lot of courage and professional maturity. When you ask for help, you’re inviting collaboration. And good collaboration is a key element of effective leadership and a healthy culture. 

4. Find a mentor. Learn from experienced leaders. A good mentor will help to accelerate your growth. Stay curious (RPM Core Value No. 2). There are always new lessons to be learned, no matter how seasoned you are in your career. Learn how to ask great questions and be prepared to listen.  

5. Think of failure as a learning opportunity. Here’s a great example: In 2001 I was in my first Community Manager role. The property was struggling, with a daily war being waged between leasing and maintenance, a huge PR problem (the property was just featured on CNN for a very unsavory situation), and a leadership revolving door. In my first month, I thought it appropriate to call a meeting, play Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama”, and talk at the team for the next hour, rattling off all the problems that the community was facing. The accountant and more seasoned team members in the room did not see the charm, or even the point, in the meeting. 

This was a major failure and an excellent learning opportunity for me early on. Instead of talking at the team, I should have used this meeting to talk with the team; learn more about the challenges the property was facing (and why) and how we could better collaborate to achieve our shared goal. It was mortifying at the time, but I can look back on it and laugh now. I could have chosen to admit defeat and decide that leadership was not for me, but instead I used the experience to fuel my growth. It is invaluable to understand there is an opportunity in every failure.  

Leadership is a lifelong learning experience, and it is not easy (but easily one of the most fulfilling things you can take on). Best of luck to you in your career journey and your leadership travels!  

At RPM, we’re proud to have some of the industry’s top leaders, and we’re excited to share their Leader POV with you on their areas of expertise and on hot topics in business to help you learn, grow and gain a fresh perspective. Read more on our blog.