THE FUTURE
FINDING THE ONE
maintenance tasks must be managed, and rules must be applied. Despite the importance of all our accountabilities, successful leaders also make their surrounding environment a fun place to work and live in.
My staff makes my vision a reality, and my job is to make sure they do it efficiently. I encourage them to be a little crazy, think outside the box and try new things, and if they fail, admit the mistakes but not apologise for having tried. They must have the confidence in themselves and their abilities to learn, to grow and to get better.
Estate residents comprise many individuals with unique behaviours, preferences and ideas. Never use the exact same approach to engage or confront them when connecting one on one. Focus on the individual and customise your approach. Although the same rules apply to all, it makes much more sense to know your client and communicate rules and processes so they they understand fully. However, if all else fails, don’ t be scared of confrontation.
Finally, never exclude individual members because they lack certain attributes. Be consistent, but not rigid to the point that you cannot change your mind. Make decisions, but easily accept input from others.
Sarika Somai- Zimbali Coastal Resort
Despite the obvious challenges that come with the many aspects of managing an estate of Zimbali’ s magnitude, I think it’ s important to keep your composure, have good time-management and to be well organised, as it can be quite overwhelming at times when there just aren’ t enough hours in the day to deal with everything. A successful manager is only as good as his / her team and I am proud to say that I am fortunate enough to have a strong management team and contract service providers behind me.
Denise Sharp- The Coves
People skills, communication skills and problem-solving abilities. One also has to have empathy for others, a willingness to work together toward the common goal, patience, and the ability to resolve conflict.
Steve van Greunen- Steyn City Parkland Residence
Above the practical knowledge and tools for the job, people skills are the number one criterion in my view. To be empathetic to your residents’ needs, to be a good listener, to be fair and impartial at all times, and to have the ability to defuse conflict situations are essential. As the COO, it is vital to employ the correct staff who share and execute the same vision and ethos of the estate.
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