MHN Executive Council: Skills You Actually Need in Your Career That No One Warned You About, Part 2
More intangibles that our experts had to learn on the job.
You might come in to your multifamily career thinking that you know everything. But there are always skills—often intangible—that you have to pick up along the way. The MHN Executive Council shares what they learned along the way. (And for more, check out part 1.)
Read the Room
In multifamily, you’re constantly navigating competing priorities—residents, owners, teams, vendors, emergencies and timelines that don’t care how your day is going. Early on, no one tells you that success will hinge less on having the answer right now and more on your ability to stay calm, read the room and truly hear what people are saying—sometimes beneath the words.
At The REMM Group, we’ve seen that leaders who listen well build trust faster, solve problems more effectively and keep teams engaged even when situations feel overwhelming. That skill doesn’t show up on a job description, but it’s the one that makes everything else work. —Susan McPeak, Corporate Ambassador, The REMM Group
Expect the Unexpected
The skill no one warned me about is making decisions without perfect information, and being willing to fully own the outcome. Leadership in multifamily isn’t about eliminating uncertainty. It’s about absorbing complexity, listening carefully and choosing a direction while understanding the real impact those decisions have on people and communities.
Over time, I’ve learned that teams aren’t just watching the decision itself; they’re watching how you lead through it. Trust is built through clarity, accountability and showing up consistently when things don’t go exactly as planned. —Brian Buccino, President & COO, LIVunLtd
Reject Rigidity
Many interior design firms are known for their signature looks. But the often-overlooked skill of knowing that executing a signature look or style usually results in missed opportunities and underperformance for a multifamily property. Having the ability to understand and respond to the nuances of demographic, cultural and geographic influences results in on target interior designs that perform better across ages, interests, and cultures to foster socialization, delight the senses and elevate livability while maintaining durability and suitability. —Mary Cook, President, Mary Cook Associates
A Matter of Trust
Multifamily business is built on relationships, and because it is a surprisingly small industry, trust matters. People prefer to do business with those they know and trust, and rarely accept a bid from an unfamiliar vendor.
The trusted advisor role is very influential, and is developed through experience, consistency and a focus on education rather than selling. Trusted advisors take the time to understand owner and developer needs on a portfolio level, help them navigate change and translate technology into business outcomes. —Sandy Jack, Vice President of Strategic Relations, Multifamily at Vingcard/Nomadix
Interested in joining the MHN Executive Council and sharing your insights? Email Jessica Fiur.
