It’s easy to forget that when so much of our work revolves around buildings, leases, legislation, numbers, compliance and transactions. But there are people sitting behind all of it.
An owner may be focused on protecting an investment they’ve spent decades building. A tenant may be trying to grow a business, manage costs or navigate a difficult period. A property manager may be balancing the requirements of the lease with the expectations of both parties. Sales and leasing agents are bringing together people who may have very different objectives. Then there are lawyers, accountants, contractors, building consultants, insurers and other specialists, each bringing another perspective.
Knowing the technical side of commercial property is important. But knowing how to work with people is part of being a good property professional too.
Listen carefully. Ask questions. Understand what matters to the people involved. Communicate clearly, particularly when the conversation is difficult. You won’t always agree. Sometimes the answer still has to be no. But understanding the person and the circumstances behind the issue can change the way you approach the conversation and, sometimes, the outcome.
Commercial property may be about property. But much of the work we do is really about people.
Image Credit: Yuri Acuras via Shutterstock
