The Three Principles of FOCUS
By Toni Blake
Vision | Commitment | Momentum
F
OCUS has been superseded by
uncertainty, as a staggering number
of long-term management practices
are disrupted by the challenges of 2020. For
some this is a season of survival, for others, an
opportunity to shine! Now is the time to create a
call to action using the three principles of focus.
A principle is a fundamental truth that
serves as the foundation for a system, a
chain of reasoning. The chain of reasoning
in the principles of focus begins with vision,
which inspires commitment, which produces
momentum, which leads to results. Focused
organizations will continue to accomplish their
goals on time and in budget, with high-quality
results. Overcoming disruption is a requirement
if we are to successfully reach our 2020 key
performance indicators (KPIs).
FOCUS Principle 1:VISION
A clear vision establishes confidence and
direction. It provides the exact GPS for our
growth, accomplishments and success. In
February of 2019, I signed up for the Outdoor
Diva Triathlon Series to be held in Colorado
on August 18th. Six hundred women were
completing the triathlon sprint, and I planned
extensively to be one of them. I knew from my
first Triathlon experience what it would take to
get ready. I studied the map of the one-half mile
swim, reviewed the 12.6-mile bike course and
followed the turn-by-turn map on the 5K to the
finish line. I established goals, set alarms and
posted motivational affirmations. My audiences
were a part of my accountability group. My
vision was seeing myself cross the finish line.
Have you heard the saying, “The Devil
is in the details?” Unfocused goals create a
insecurity, unpreparedness, and confusion. If
the details of how to accomplish the goals are
vague, teams stall out trying to find their way.
They begin performing, unknowingly, outside
of the executive expectations. A clear vision
for property management certainly requires
focus. It should embody our goals, along with
our purpose and core values. A clear vision,
with purpose, comes to life in the hearts of team
members. Take time to add implementation
details to your 2020 directives. Provided
additional resources, team support and clarity
on new policy and procedures. Create shared
motivational experiences with executives to
reinforce the company culture. Re-engage the
company communication platforms with fresh,
informative updates to keep the mission, vision
and culture fresh.
FOCUS Principle 2: COMMITMENT
Commitment is the gas in our engine that
moves us forward. In business, it’s the “why”
www.aamdhq.org
CHECK OUT TONI BLAKE'S
VIRTUAL SEMINAR:
3 PRINCIPLES OF FOCUS
behind our efforts - why we do what we do. In
his book, “START WITH WHY,” Simon Sinek
explains his Golden Circle of communicating
from the inside out. Beginning with Why,
moving out through our How, we deliver our
What. Today, Millennials and Gen Z make-
up more than half of our workforce. They are
very committed to “why.” They grew up with
fast-moving change and instability. Their
relationship to work is very purpose-driven
and socially connected. They care about social,
culture, and work/life balance. Just as it was in
my triathlon aspiration, their “why” fuels their
commitment to achieve their (your?) goals.
Increase methods for feedback with the
site-teams. Remind team members of all the
opportunities for site-teams to submit questions,
ask for advice and confirm their decisions.
Create video and pod-cast communication
directly from the executives to inspire loyalty and
reinforce commitment.
FOCUS Principle 3: MOMENTUM
Momentum is defined as strength or force
gained by motion or by a series of events. It
helps people push through obstacles, solve
problems and maintain their course. Today’s
teams are facing new 2020 habits in a world
that daily transforms our “normal.” Momentum
keeps us from reverting back to old habits and
maintaining the proper course.
Why do people fail? One single moment in
time is rarely responsible for our failures. It’s
thousands of little misguided choices that lead
to hardship. We lose our focus in small decisions
that compromise our standards and replace
our success with excuses. Momentum keeps us
focused on our goals.
During my swim workouts, I repeated a
statement of affirmation in my mind as I swam,
“The water holds me high and strong; I can
do this all day long.” Then as I swam each
stroke, I would say to myself, “I am a two-time
triathlete.” 33 laps in a 25-meter pool, 2 times
ON MAY
19TH
a week, for months. Unfortunately, nine days
before the race, I was rushed to the emergency
room in severe pain and diagnosed with Acute
Diverticulitis. I was put on potent antibiotics to
fight the infection, bed rest, and a liquid diet. My
ten-day plan before the race was ambushed, and
I was left wondering if I could even participate.
I had dinner with some very influential friends
who gave me permission to quit. “No one would
expect me to race after this diagnosis so close to
the race,” they said. I was physically weak from
fighting the infection, and very unprepared,
but I decided to continue with my race. I could
not quit without at least attempting to reach
my goal. For momentum, I organized all of my
workout gear for the swim, bike, and 5K on my
dining room table. Every day, the vision of my
gear inspired me to race. My focus fueled my
commitment.
Provide your team with printable visual
affirmations and reminders of their goals.
Practice remote team-building, connect remote
teams with mentors and support to keep their
momentum strong. Share industry hashtags:
#multifamilystrong and create your own
#ALLIN hashtags teams can share to maintain
positive energy.
I look forward to national news stories of
how essential apartment management teams
provided a sense of community to help America.
There has never been a better time than now
for the principles of focus: vision, commitment,
and momentum. This is our time to shine! As a
60-year old non-athletic woman weakened by
infection I crossed my finish line, and it will be
these valuable principles that help you cross your
finish line, too!
Toni Blake is a touring speaker with the Apartment All Stars and
owner of TotallyToni.com. She is celebrating over four decades in
property management and is one of three living recipients of the
Multi-family Industry Legend Award. Toni is a popular guest on
industry radio and podcasts. She has served as MC for many of
the top industry awards shows and featured as a speaker at the top
industry local, state, and national conferences.
MAY 2020
TRENDS | 13