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Seven Tenets Of A Great Self Storage Workplace
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I often consider the concept of a workplace and what in particular defines it. What makes it remarkable? What makes it distinguished? Particularly, what prevailing elements do workplaces in general share that might be deemed outstanding or unrivaled?
Putting aside preconceived notions of larger versus smaller companies or of viability in any particular industry, I believe a workplace can still become prestigious if it takes into account and adheres to the following:
Defined Objectives
If I were to ask, "Who are you?" would you tell me your name or your job title? But what defines you? What drives you? With a clarified sense of who you are, the better you will function. The same goes for the workplace.
The best workplaces in the world exhibit the same quality of success because they have embraced the concept of who the company is, what its purpose is, and how it can most efficiently achieve its goals. A company, of any size, can only achieve this success by following a predetermined and well construed mission statement that provides a clear sense of direction for all employees.
Specifically, take into account ever-developing outlooks on the future and continually adapt to changing circumstances to ensure long-term success. Productive enterprises work realistically with definite, agreeable, and obtainable measures. While visions of an idealistic future are comforting, it takes a comprehensive plan of action and organized management to ultimately bring about prosperity.
Purposeful Undertakings
An undertaking, in terms of its scale, ambition, and potential reward, is conceived differently by different people. All that matters is the determination and enthusiasm to undertake an objective that is found to be meaningful.
For most people, the appeal to do good work requires some sort of expected gratification. An unhappy worker who hates their workplace will only hinder the company. Employees want to know that their work matters, that they are working with likeminded colleagues who respect and acknowledge achievement.
Accomplished workplaces offer their employees, regardless of their rank in the company, an environment to flourish professionally, to derive satisfaction from their work, and to continuously strive to better themselves.
Qualified Employee Base
Without the collaboration of a devoted staff, no company can hope to grow. Only the savviest of management, who lead by example and respect their employees, can hope to successfully lead a team. It is of the utmost importance that all members of a company, from the CEO to the latest hire, be completely dedicated to fulfilling the goals set out by the company.
It would behoove the workplace to broaden the diversity of all hires, as varied and diversified backgrounds, as well as a multifaceted range of professional and personal skill, which will provide an advantage on competition and a strong sense of teamwork.
Guidelines
Without guidelines, there is no manner of workforce that will be able to accomplish the tasks asked of them. Employees must have a set of guidelines to adhere to. This must not only be simple and easily understood, it must also be enforced by example. If there is a rule the whole office must abide by, it should be followed by its leaders as well.
It is considered a guideline because it should outline what classifies a successful employee and what is expected of them. It should never be a set of restrictions, which will only hinder work.
Dialogue
Exclusivity breeds frustration and unrest. When few employees are privy to communication with their colleagues and superiors, the system breaks down. When a workplace embraces its employees of all ranks and asks for input and suggestions, it not only encourages its staff to work more efficiently, but allows for great ideas that can benefit the company to emerge.
Consequently, a good manager will applaud communication, maintain a presence in the office, and keep their staff informed by speech or by newsletter so that all may be working on up to date news, opportunities, and tasks.
Conventionalism Meets Leading Edge
Most companies are founded with a base of conventionalism. The leading edge comes into play with the understanding that times change and that workplaces must adapt without damaging the reputation of the company. If the workplace embodies its original convictions, it can improve products while maintaining the loyalty of their customers and systematically incorporate newer products that coincide with the demand of the current marketplace.
A workplace should always take pride in its origins and its standing with customers and surroundings as this affects what the company has to offer presently and in the future.
Monetary Accountability
Finally, like an engine needs oil, a workplace cannot function without fiscal stability. A successful workplace will maintain an in-depth report of all financial responsibility, from cash-flow estimates to business plans of fiscal projections, from budget allocation to the maintenance of its facilities, and much more.
A successful workplace will also take into account the cost of doing business presently and in the future with the understanding that fiscal climates change and that expenses may rise. To maintain the financial stability of the company, management must consistently have the understanding of available resources to ensure healthy long-term growth.
I highly suggest you take all the above into account. Organizing a workplace with consideration to fiscal responsibility, open dialogue, adaptation, guidelines, a happy staff, and perseverance will undoubtedly lead to success.
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 | Scott Meyers |  |
Scott Meyers, CSSM, is the nation’s leading self storage educator. He travels the country revealing why self storage has become the hottest sector in commercial real estate over the past 30 years that virtually nobody has heard about. Practically every real estate investor and entrepreneur has uttered the words “I’ve always wondered about self storage, I’ve heard those things were cash cows”. It was only after becoming a penniless millionaire in the single family and apartment business, and a near bankruptcy experience managing several hundred tenants and toilets that Scott asked himself that very same question.
Scott is the owner and President of Alcatraz Storage® which operates several self storage facilities in the Midwest. Scott is a Certified Self Storage Manager (CSSM) through the National Self Storage Association and is a Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) through The National Apartment Association. He has been a real estate investor since 1993, and was an instructor of the Landlord 101 course through the University of Indianapolis. Scott Meyers speaks to investor groups nationwide but mostly enjoys spending time at home with his wife and 3 young children in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Copyright 2002-2011 All Rights Reserved.
Published with Permission of Author.
No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted
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