THE 10 TAKEAWAYS OF UPPER MANAGEMENT

FROM WORK CULTURE TO ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS AND CONSTANTLY BRAGGING

After being in the property management business for 20 years, award-winning Dana Harle knows a thing or two about management, employee inspiration, and discovering passion for the work. Even with all of her experience, she is constantly open to learning new things about herself and the industry.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO HIT THE RE-START BUTTON

I was in banking for fifteen years and craved a new challenge with more personalized involvement with clients. That began my career in property management with a different company. I wasn’t exactly clear what this new career would look like or even the new role, but I learned quickly and loved it! What I love the most is that no two days are alike. Property management roles and responsibilities vary, bringing on different challenges that appeal to my problem-solving personality. It gives me something to look forward to each day. 

FINESSE YOUR ATTITUDE. FIND YOUR PASSION

Passion is an emotion that comes from within. The most important way to know whether you have passion for your work is to ask yourself a few simple questions: Do you work with people or for people who share the same values? Do you look forward to work on Monday? Do you feel challenged and believe there are growth opportunities? When people say “no,” I ask them to consider an attitude adjustment and put passion into their job by applying their skills and energy into their work—regardless of job title! Be motivated and be the best you can be. The more you put into your work, the better satisfaction you will have and the passion will grow.   

BRAG ABOUT PEOPLE

We have a strong culture of appreciating each other at Crummack Huseby. We use a “brag board” where employees express their gratitude for each other. Margo and Sandy are especially good at expressing their gratitude to others for a job well done, but it’s also inspiring to hear it from your peers and your boss. When I discover people doing things right, I let them know it is appreciated by me and the company.

IT’S ABOUT THEIR WORK-LIFE BALANCE TOO

I go the extra step and, when appropriate, ask how they are doing personally. You’d be amazed how revealing it can be to ask empathetically, “How are things going?” I want to provide support, showing my appreciation for who they are as people and not just employees. It’s who I am authentically as a manager, and who Crummack Huseby is as a company and culture.

NEVER STOP BEING A STUDENT

I’ve had two careers in my life. 15 years in banking and 20 in property management. I’ve spent most of both careers in executive management and I think it’s because I worked hard to learn everything I could about both businesses and applied myself to get into those leadership positions. I continue to read books and articles that inspire me, and I talk to people inside and outside of my field in order to gain valuable knowledge. I constantly re-evaluate decisions I have made, whether they were successes or failures, and figure out ways to do it better next time.  Though I am a mentor to others, I am still a student and continue to learn from others. There’s always more to learn!

I CHOOSE TO MANAGE THROUGH POSITIVITY

Before I worked at Crummack Huseby, I had a boss who was both the best and worst boss ever. She was incredible when it came to teaching me about business, how to network with people, business development, and she took an interest in my career advancement. On one hand, she was an incredible mentor. On the other hand, she was tough and left me in tears practically every day. One day, out of frustration and assuming she didn’t like me, I asked her why she was so hard on me. She revealed her opinion of me was to the contrary and told me she pushed me harder than other employees because she saw so much potential in me.

I think back on those times and her with a great deal of fondness. I learned a lot from her. I learned that to be a mentor and leader to others, you must be actively engaged and interested in their career. More importantly, I also learned that it's better to inspire others in positive ways. I refuse to believe managers must crush a person’s spirit.

WORK CULTURE TAKES DAILY PRACTICE

We have 30 Fundamentals at Crummack Huseby that we practice daily. Margo and Sandy built a strong foundation for others to succeed. They established a culture that facilitates growth even with all of our career challenges. The 30 fundamentals are the basis by which we can provide the high-touch service to our clients and remain insightful, in-person and invaluable to those whom we serve. We want Crummack Huseby employees to be inspired and to feel good about their work—daily. 

THE PROS LEARN FROM  MISTAKES

I tell people to take risks and not fear mistakes, just like athletes do! Think about it, a professional athlete, whether baseball or football, is only getting it “right” a percentage of the time as depicted by their batting average or completed passing statistics. They learn and improve from these mistakes and errors based on each individual. It’s the same in business. You must think outside the box and find solutions to problems that are personalized and solves problems for people.

 CREATIVE THINKING IS KEY

In our business, we live so much in the “black and white” area due to restrictions imposed by an association’s governing documents. But that doesn’t always help people who live in the communities we serve, so we must find a balanced way to solve their problem and remain in compliance with the governing documents or law. It takes some creative thinking to do so! 

KICKSTART YOUR MIND EVERY DAY

It’s crucial to do things to help keep your brain sharp. Before I get to the office, I start each day with a cup of coffee and work through three crossword puzzles. I go from easy, medium and then hit the hard-level puzzle (some days I need an assist in order to complete that one!).  Then at the end of the day, I hit the gym or take a long walk to clear my mind and ready myself for the next day. It’s my version of keeping the mind, body and soul healthy and ready for any challenge.

ABOUT DANA HARLE, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

ABOUT OUR TEAM: WE ARE BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS & GROWING COMMUNITIES.

Crummack Huseby utilizes a personal approach to create and develop one-of-a-kind property management programs for new and existing communities. Our award-winning talent would be honored to present their unparalleled methods in property management and builder servicesto your team or board. For more information, please visit ch-pm.com or call 888-399-9430 Toll-free.  

Crummack Huseby Property Management, Inc.
25531 Commercentre Drive Suite 100 Lake Forest, CA 92630