Cultivating Knowledge in Property Management

Working in property management means you can be sure of one thing; you need to know a lot about a lot. Coupled with the fact that our industry is constantly evolving, makes continual learning imperative to the success of our people, our companies and our industry.  

However, in the age of busy-ness, finding the time, or the inclination, for professional development is more challenging than ever. Drowned in ‘to dos’, cultivating knowledge can often just be a good intention. With access to more information than ever before and new resources being published regularly how can we best utilise this to enhance our people?

  1. Make learning part of your culture

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Your culture is not what you say, it is what you do. It is the character of your organisation. A great culture helps individuals find purpose in their work. By making learning part of your culture, you are creating an environment which promotes and motivates employees to consistently and continuously learn and develop.

Make learning part of your culture by providing learning opportunities and leading by example. Create a knowledge hub, set up an internal library, request feedback from conference attendees, and make this a requirement across all levels, because you can also learn something!

  1. Recognise and promote

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) serve a great purpose. They allow managers to understand how individuals are performing and meeting their key client deliverables. However, KPIs often overlook some of the most important parts of an individual’s attributes; KSAs (Knowledge, Skills and Attitude). By implementing measures related to learning and development as part of the appraisal system individuals can receive recognition for their personal development as well as being promoted to roles that they are qualified for and able to excel in.

  1. Share knowledge internally

Property managers are jack of all trades, but for many they find their mastery in one particularly area. Utilising these strengths in individuals can help provide internal training to others and give some much-needed recognition. Sharing knowledge across teams, departments and individuals can help break down barriers, improve communication and help improve performance across your organisation.

Recognising the need to cultivate knowledge and enhance their people, Warwick Estates have recently created The Warwick Academy. The Academy has been shaped to meet the professional development needs of their growing team, offering a wide range of learning opportunities for employees at all levels all via a bespoke virtual learning environment. In addition, The Academy has achieved approval as an NCFE centre under the Investing in Quality Licence (IIQ). This enables Warwick Estates to design and deliver bespoke certificated courses, just for their employees.

If knowledge is power, why wouldn’t you want to cultivate yours?

 

Emma Blaney, Founder at Productive Property People

 

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