Your leasing staff plays a huge role in your community meeting its occupancy goals. After all, they’re the ones out on the front lines every day taking calls, giving tours and getting new leases signed. But a leasing consultant’s job isn’t always an easy one. Read on for six things you can start doing in your office today to help motivate your leasing team.

Create a Pleasant Atmosphere
It seems simple, but something as simple as greeting your employees in the morning and wishing them a good evening at the end of the day can go a long way in making your office a place your leasing staff looks forward to coming to each day. Go the extra mile by taking a genuine interest in your employees’ lives. Did Lisa the Leasing Consultant just get back from a Caribbean cruise? Ask her how it was, and then stop to actually listen to her answer.

Don’t Skimp on Praise
Is one of your leasing consultants a rock star on the phones? Don’t assume she knows it. Employees want to hear they’re doing a good job. So tell her in person or mention it during your next staff meeting! After all, there are few things more motivating than being told you’re great at what you do.

Offer Incentives
Just about everyone enjoys some friendly competition. So consider organizing a contest to see who brings in the most leases during a given week or month. The reward doesn’t have to be big – it can be as simple as a gift card to a local restaurant or coffee shop.

Give Constructive Feedback
Is one of your leasing consultants struggling in a particular area? Offer constructive feedback that can help them improve. And remember – don’t ever reprimand an employee in front of residents or other employees.

Adopt an Open Door Policy
If there’s something your leasing staff is unhappy about, you probably won't know until someone tells you. Let your employees know they can always come to you with suggestions, questions or concerns.

Ask for Input
Employees want to work in an environment where their opinions are valued. Are you planning a summer resident party? Or deciding what color to repaint the leasing office? Asking  your employees for their thoughts and ideas on a variety of different matters (even if it doesn’t directly relate to their jobs) can create a sense of teamwork throughout the community.

Help Your Employees Grow
Ask about your employees' interests and career goals, and then provide them with opportunities to develop the skills they need to move to the next step in their careers. This could involve training within the management company, cross training at other communities, or attending association meetings or education conferences. 

What do you do in your office to help motivate your leasing team?