How do you create morale in the office for your leasing agents?

To managers: How do you create morale in the office for your leasing agents? What do you do to create a fun motivating environment for all? Would you say it’s up to the leasing agent to motivate themselves?

It’s my opinion that it’s your leaderships responsibility to create the energy in your office. If you want 100% from your team, you give 200%.

The biggest factor is your general attitude but I always make sure to give my team recognition for accomplishments. I have a leasing goal board that has things like TPA, 5-star reviews, and rental goals. You have to make it fun!

Final thought: Apartment Leasing: Fabulous Fundamentals is a great place for new leasing ideas, motivation, and technique.

Sometime all that’s needed is guidance from a mentor

I'm a firm believer that it starts at the top. If the top doesn't how in the heck do they expect the employees to!

Always finding the right person is a good start. Self motivating people generally are extroverted, upbeat and embrace the challenge of sales. Positive morale starts with the Manager who sets the tone for every team member... everyday. Being fair is priority, be the leader your team expects you to be, appreciate the efforts even durning the hard times and celebrate proudly the Team Success. Remembering it's not all about you is key in recognizing that it takes everyone to get to the top but enjoying the journey makes it all the sweeter as you achieve your goals.

You bring the energy EVERYday. You set the tone, the team WILL respond. Somedays are easier than others, but that conscious effort to be positive and goal driven will be recognized. #headsinbeds

Yes definitely starts with the leader! Sometimes leasing agents will get bored or maybe feel defeated...they might want more of a challenge or maybe they are tired of denials and fake paycheck stubs! LOL So to get through these small battles, the leader can give them genuine advice to make them feel AMAZING, re-motivate and help them with a clearer action plan. I fee like in whatever position or career you are in, to move up or be successful- you do have to find ways to motivate yourself but sometimes people just need that pat on the back and a little inspiration from another team member or anybody actually lol

I’m a firm believer, If you’ve got low morale anywhere on your property the fault lies with the leadership

DEFINITELY up to you to create and maintain the motivation and morale. If you get excited about every lease, so will they. If you reward positive interactions with residents, they will aim to continue that pattern. I make it a point to consistently point out the positives, not just areas of improvement. I'd say the most effective way to motivate is to create goals. Not just monthly goals. Weekly and daily goals - for each person. Reward with extra PTO or lunch, if your budget is tight. But consistently setting goals and celebrating achievements is how you motivate.

In addition to what is said above, make sure to develop your leasing agents. Make sure that they understand how everything they do impacts the business as a whole and find out where they want to go in the industry and work with them towards their goals.

Also, one comment relative to hiring. Don’t rule out somebody who may appear to be more of an introvert. I’m a natural introvert, highly self-motivated (typically motivated by the challenge of doing whatever it is), and when I worked onsite in leasing was always a top leaser.

The speed of the leader is the speed of the group. The Manager, Regional Manager, and entire Executive Team sets the pace. Creating excitement can be with extra bonuses, but it doesn't always have to be money. There are all kinds of prizes that don't cost much, but make a big impact. Managers should know what is important to each employee, and match prizes to the interests of the employees.

We had a lease a day contest with the reward of lunch on Monday's, that and great commission.

Every sales person has a different level of motivation. I think it shoikd be up to their super to discuss in their weekly one on ones.

Be a great leader, learn from your team, get out of the chair and prove to them that you are willing to go the extra mile even if it means putting a paint brush in your hand or learning how to put a faucet in. In the office share the task, ask do you need any help. Lead by example. Always treat your team like you want to be treated.

My motto is you are only as good as the person leading you. And on another note, I never ask a person to do something I am not able or willing to do myself. I may not be able to do maintenance, but I will shovel a drive, reset a water heater, and try my best to have a good understanding.