Being Set Up for Failure

We would like to think that there are not multifamily properties that are in a bad section of town, but there are. If there is a 23 year old fresh out of college, was brought up in a very safe area, never was faced with a section on town where there were killings, robberies, physical violence of every sort, and drug use, as well as prostitution on that side of town be the one you would want to manage a property in that area? Do you think placing her there would be setting her up for failure?

Even if the young lady said she could handle it, do you think this should be her first job without experience?

Baptism by fire. Builds character. I took over a portfolio of property in a tough part of New York City right out of college. Drugs, violence and all manner of social ills I had never experienced. And the proprieties were in serious financial straights. It taught me how to manage through adversity. Everything since has been easier.

If she wants the challenge and is provided with guidance and support, there is no reason she should fail. Be sure to get her involved in the local IREM chapter so she has a large network of experience to draw from.

My very first combat experience I froze and I thought I was before that time the baddest dude walking this Earth because of the kind of elite training I had received. My mind was not prepared for the utter violence that broke out around me the first time. I snapped out of it, but the support were those who had been there before. They got with me after it was over and instead of ripping me apart they said there is nothing to be ashamed of, it happens and what is most important is you snapped out of it and did your part.

That shaped me as a soldier and a leader for the future. To have someone with the experience to be there with the new person and work with them I think is very important. Throwing a non swimmer in the water works sometimes, but what about the times that it does not and they drown? There is no need in our industry for anyone to drown. So, I hope people also read when you wrote about the support with local industry organizations.

For those properties that are not in the best neighborhoods if anything I want people to really look at the person they are sending there and to be open and frank with where they are placing them. That the person is walking in there with open eyes. I am sure you were a lion before you were ever placed at that property.

It would take an exceptional individual to lead a property that is challenging for whatever reasons: location, crime, resident demographics, lack of budget, lack of cohesive team, drugs, etc. The hiring process is a negotiation but in all fairness, young people fresh out of college looking for a first job may have inflated enthusiasm that can quickly wane once placed in this position at this property. The interview should cover all these points and in an ideal world, all cards are laid on the table. However, most of us have learned we left a good hand on the table because we read the situation wrong.

Experience certainly is the best teacher. This young lady has to decide for herself if this is the right job for her at that property. Hopefully she has a college mentor, family, and other people in her life who can give her some guidance and insight.

Now, would I hire someone like this for this kind of property? I doubt it. I would look for someone who has a lot more experience with this type of community and offer her a position as an Assistant Manager where she can learn the ropes without the insane pressure cooker of managing falling completely on her shoulders. I have seen management companies hire the first person who even remotely seems interested in taking it on, and maybe that is what your post is about, and in the end it is up to every individual to figure it out for him or herself.

It also depends on how available and vested her supervisor would be. I can tell you one thing, she may come into the position as a lamb if she decides to take it, but she will quickly learn to roar like a lion if she wants to handle being a manager.

Applicant may have the skills, talent, and a great resume, but what about the knowledge? I would agree with the other poster that mentioned hiring the applicant into an assistant manager role. This would help the person get some experience and knowledge in the field.

If hired, applicant may not be able to turn property around and would likely be held responsible for exacerbating the issues at the property. In turn, the organization would likely terminate her. Given this brief scenario, it is difficult to see how any one comes out ahead.

Of course applicant may accept position and turn it around! Shame on organizations that fail to provide their employees with the resources to succeed and then hold them accountable.

Depending on the character, she might be absolutely great. If she wants to be successful she will be! Regardless, she will need lots of support from her supervisor and she needs to have a great team in place. Where there is a will there is a way.