Arguments VS Discussions

Disagreements are unavoidable in any business relationship, and communication with your residents is no expectation. However, the disagreement itself is not the primary factor in the outcome. It is how you handle these conflicts that affect you, your reputation and your profit margins the most. If you approach disagreements with residents in an argumentative way, they will be less likely to sign a renewal on their lease. Also, unhappy residents are likely to write negative reviews that prospective residents will take in consideration before leasing with you. If you want to keep occupancy up, switch your style of commutation and have discussions instead of arguments.

When you argue with someone, you have already made up in your mind that you are right, and they are wrong. Arguments are approached from a very one-sided point of view, and if your residents do not feel as if you care about their perspective, they are less likely to care about yours. In an agreement, we often take on an accusatory tone, and sometimes we are not even aware that we are doing it. This will likely result in the other party becoming defensive and reduces the odds of reaching a mutual agreement. Augments only serve to increase anger and bitterness.

In a discussion, all parties involved maintain their composure. The disagreement is approached from a neutral point of view. The disagreement with your resident should be regarded as a problem that you are both working together to resolve. When someone sees that you understand their point of view, they are much more likely to be open to finding a middle ground. Even when you have to stand firm in your decision, do so as politely and compassionately as you can. Even if your residents disagree with you, you will still have their respect.

Your ego is often the biggest barrier to a having a peaceful discussion. There is often such a need to be right that it can cloud our judgment. Once emotions start getting involved, it starts a downward spiral, and it can be difficult to recover. Approach every situation with an open mind and question your preconceived notions. Accept the fact that you are sometimes wrong. Doing so may be difficult at first, but by being able to admit that we were wrong about certain issues is one of the fastest ways to achieve personal and professional growth. If your residents get emotional, do your best to remember they that are handling the situation the best way that they know how. Do not assume you hold all the answers. View the discussion as you and your resident working together to find the right solution to whichever problem is at hand.

Augments are about proving the other person wrong and creates a divide. Discussions are about working as a team to discover what is right and can bring people together. This approach will cause your residents to see you in a much more positive way and increase the amount of respect that they have for you. Your renewal rate and resident referral percentage will serve as a reflection of this fact.