MISS MANAGEMENT
carol levey | levey enterprises
Changing Jobs: For Better or Worse?
Q
A
I’ve been with the same company for five years. I started
here as an assistant manager, moved to community property
manager within the first year and for the last two years I have
also supervised a sister community. I like my company but I
want a regional manager assignment. After some months of
making my desire known and continuing my industry
education to further my preparation for such consideration I
became aware of a regional manager opportunity at another
good management company. Long story short: I went on an
interview which went very well and I have an offer letter
which I have accepted.
Now here’s my dilemma. I gave notice to my existing
company but I was unprepared for their response. I was told
that unknown to me a regional manager position was opening
up and I was offered this job if I would choose to stay. I don’t
know what to do. Should I stay or should I go?
I’m glad you have a dilemma. You have not mentioned
once which company offered you more money and/or
better benefits. Good for you. It’s obvious that you work
hard and want the opportunity to work harder; which is
what you can expect with the Regional Manager
How to Be Successful in
Property Management
assignment. This assignment is different than what you expect.
Regardless of your job decision, please continue your industry
education toward the CAPS designation.
Now to the specifics of your dilemma. You took an important
step when you interviewed and represented yourself as someone
ready, willing and able to be hired as a Regional Manager. Even
more important, a new company listened to you and agreed. As
an employer myself may I give you a perspective that might not
be clear to you. I take the hiring process very seriously and when
we put our offer in writing to clarify the particulars of expectations
and understanding on both sides it’s a big deal. This formal process
prepares all parties for clear communication going forward. Let
me ask. Were you excited about the prospects of this new
assignment? Was your mind filled with thoughts about this
opportunity?
Now, let me ask you. When your existing company came to
you with the information and proposal they did what did you
think and how did you feel? Were you excited with their counter
offer or just validated that your existing employer finally took
your goal seriously? If it is the latter, then they have given you a
great going-away gift because we should be able to make such
important decisions out of excitement; not guilt.
August 20, 2014 | 8:30am
Red Lion / Radisson Hotel Denver SE
Register Online at www.aamdhq.org
POWER PARTNER
PANEL INCLUDES:
»» Bryan Stern, Echelon Property Group
»» Susan Maxwell, Zocalo Development
»» Brandon Rich, Greystar Real Estate
»» Sharon Ingram, Simpson Property Group
»» Mary Wessler, ConAm Colorado
www.aamdhq.org
DISCUSSION INCLUDES:
»» The next big apartment trends
»» The importance of appropriate work/life balance
»» Measuring the success of your team
»» Identifying stand-out employees
»» How the industry finds new talent
»» And much more!
AUGUST 2014 • TRENDS | 13