Property Management

April 6, 2023 Published by Grand River Chapter - By Natashia Houser

Are You Really Good, Though? What Happens if You Share That You Are Struggling?

As a condominium manager, people will often ask you how you are, and generally there is an automatic response: “I am good, how about you?” To then have the same response in return. All too often this is not the case. Whether one will admit it or not.

As a condominium manager, people will often ask you how you are, and generally there is an automatic response: “I am good, how about you?” To then have the same response in return. All too often this is not the case. Whether one will admit it or not.

I think it’s important to truly ask yourself, am I actually “good”? A career in condominium management is mentally exhausting even on the easiest of days. You are fielding calls, emails, to-do lists, and all things in between. It certainly takes a toll on one’s mental ability by the end of a workday, which we know is not always your typical 9-5! When things get heavy, I encourage you to reach out for help before it is too late. We are individuals and each require different forms of help, but it is out there for you. 

Being a condominium manager is both rewarding and challenging. It certainly takes a unique individual to have a successful career in an industry that is booming!! An industry where the expectations are endless. You wear many hats. You have expectations to meet or exceed, deadlines to follow, personalities to work with and much more. All while doing it in an efficient and timely manner. Did I mention while having a positive attitude and smile on your face? I am exhausted just thinking of all of these things, which is not our full scope of work.

From a client’s perspective, not all things are simple and quick. There are process and procedures to follow. There are governing documents to abide by. A shift in owners’ expectations will likely occur, as living in a Condominium is much different than the freehold single family home. Part of the shift is most tasks are not immediate anymore; this can certainly be frustrating. A large amount of condominiums have governing documents that impact the ability to “do what you want, when you want” to your unit/property. Permissions are now needed, and responses take time on the condominium end. The board of directors need to make the best decisions for the entire community as elected by the owners to do so. Board of directors are responsible for budgeting funds for others, capital project decisions, and telling others in the community what they can and cannot do. The position of a director is a volunteer position, and as a result the pay is low, free actually. I think sometimes there needs to be a reset and adjustment on expectations within each community. We are living in a society where far too often if an immediate reaction/response is not provided, we have failed in the eyes of the recipient. This should not be the case. Let’s get back to being team players and being kind to each other. At the end of the day, most of us all want the same results. Kindness is a must!

Now, we all know there is always work to be done but balancing the work and play is a necessity in my opinion. Being able to disconnect each day and remind yourself that it is ok to do so is part of the balance! Being successful in this industry comes with the ability to turn it off. Go to your office lunch event, schedule an impromptu driving range lunch with colleagues, go and have fun! Taking a break from your workspace is encouraged. Disconnecting can be hard, I realize that, but I promise it is worth it. 

Now, I encourage each of you to go to your calendar and set time aside for disconnecting. Maybe send someone an invite for lunch! Who does not like lunch!  Go for a walk down the hall, stretch your legs. Most importantly know we are in this together and doing the very best we can to serve our clients!  Have fun and keep your head up!

Natashia Houser, RCM
Director of Condominium Management
Wilson Blanchard Management
www.wilsonblanchard.com