“The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”
— Michelangelo
Previously we talked about why your property management business needs a vision to drive it towards excellence. Now it’s time to put pen to paper and start creating an extraordinary vision.
Get Big and Hairy
This is where you get to admit your wildest dreams with zero reservations. Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, co-authors of Built to Last refer to this as a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal).
Write a description of what you want your company to be. What is your vision of success? Is it the largest commercial property management company in North America? Is it the most respected provider of affordable housing management in your region? Or does it manage the most sought-after luxury condominiums in the city?
Whatever your goal or vision is, it should make you feel excited and a little scared at the same time. At this point, don’t think about any obstacles that might stand in your way today, and don’t start thinking about how you can possibly make it happen. Just state what you want.
The Property Manager’s Guide to Creating a Corporate Vision has all the inspiration and tools you need to create an extraordinary vision for your property management business.
Make it about you
It’s very rare that this advice is given, so take it and run with it! If you are going to bring true passion to the vision for your company and inspire others to help you make it a reality, it has to be something that fulfills your dreams and connects with who you really are.
Don’t consider what other people might think of your vision and don’t edit yourself. Just write down all of your thoughts and ideas as they come to you, so that you don’t miss out on any gems. The re-consideration and editing comes later.
Teleport to the Future
Envisioning the future is a very powerful tool for making it happen. Imagine what the success of your property management company looks and feels like in the future. What services are you providing every day? What are your clients, competitors and industry publications saying about you? How do you feel about your role in the company, and how do your employees feel about theirs? Imagining these details will help you to take actions, even subconsciously, that will help make them a reality.
Let it Bake
Once you have completed the description of your vision, set it aside for a few days and try not to think about it. Continue with your daily activities as you normally would — and then come back to test the vision for doneness.
Now you can edit yourself
When you revisit the vision for the future of your company, do you still feel just as passionate about it as you did a few days ago? Is there anything you would remove, modify or add?
Test the Waters
Once you feel that your vision is complete and well articulated, share it with a few people whom you trust, to get their feedback. These people may be close colleagues, personal friends or family members. If they react to your vision with genuine excitement, it’s a good sign that you are on to something extraordinary. Their enthusiasm and support will help strengthen your resolve and spur you on to the next step.
Dive In
Now it’s time to set things in motion by sharing your vision with colleagues, middle management and frontline staff. Be sure to have a strategy for presenting the vision. Paint a vivid picture of your collective future success that will make others just a passionate about reaching the destination as you are.
And always keep in mind that getting there is half the adventure.
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The Property Manager’s Guide to Creating a Corporate Vision has all the inspiration and tools you need to create an extraordinary vision for your property management business — all in one place.
