Three-minute read.
The life of a LCAM Girl…
Since 2013, I have been a Licensed Community Association Manager, and I have learned this industry can be very rewarding but at times very relentless. Whether you are an onsite manager or portfolio manager, there are days when it seems the odds are just against you, and you’ve got to dig yourself out of a hole to make it through the day …
Maybe there’s a leak in an 8–story condominium and it’s affecting multiple units; someone just hit the gate (again!) at your HOA; Mrs. Jones just called because the neighbor is letting their dog “poop” in her yard and doesn’t pick up after her pet; the elevator alarm is going off in another community AND you’ve got a 7PM board meeting tonight and it’s only 10AM!
While days like this are rare, and my example might be a bit exaggerated, we’re good managers who take care of our communities’ needs. You can relate, right? Other days, we’re on top of the world like a “showgirl” … making a difference for the communities we manage, and they FEEL it and they recognize it.
A common misconception, I feel, is that homeowners think the manager/management company is the one making the decisions for the community and we are to blame if something goes wrong or backfires! In actuality, the Board of Directors makes all the decisions for their community, we just carry out those decisions and directives. Our primary role is to operate the day–to–day operations, giving guidance in the decision making but we are not the decision makers.
Being a manager these days can seem exhausting and the many of you I’ve met are like me, you take pride in your work, you genuinely care for your communities and the families
that reside there, you try your hardest to meet the demands and expectations set for you by each unique community you manage. That’s a lot!
So, here are the 5 Top Things I’ve learned over my career which have both elevated me into leadership roles and given me a sense of CALM in this crazy industry we chose. I also apply these to my personal life:
1. Don’t take it personally and don’t take it home!!
Things are not always going to go as planned and sometimes you are going to make mistakes. But mistakes can turn into the most valuable lessons … trust me! If an owner was upset, it’s usually over a situation or possibly an action you made, and they took their frustration out on you because you are the manager. Just listen, hear them out, and offer your best most professional explanation and move on. It is almost never about you!
If you’ve had a bad day, like the one I wrote about earlier, and you feel beat up, unappreciated, and as though you’ve accomplished nothing, try your best to leave it at the door and do not take it home with you. Sure, tell your family about your day, get it off your chest, but that’s it. Do not dwell on it. Tomorrow is a new day and focus on what you did well or accomplished today.
“Start by making your bed!”
One of my favorite speeches is from Navy Seal Admiral William H. McRaven, speaking to the University of Texas at the Austin 2014 Commencement Address. If you’ve never heard it, I encourage you to Google it and listen to the 20–minute speech. It is one of the most motivating and encouraging speeches I’ve ever heard, and I listen to it often!
2. Start your day with a task list!
I hear this statement all the time, “I don’t know how you do it!” Well, here is how I do it: whether you like to be organized on paper, set email reminders, make check lists or a combination of all three, find what works for you but make a list of things you want to accomplish. Either end your day by making the list or start your morning making the list but make the list! You will feel organized, ready to conquer what is ahead and when you mark things off, you’ll see how much you’ve accomplished in one day, and that feels amazing!
3. Set Goals and Take Risks!
I have always been “goal oriented.” Whether it’s working with my Boards to set goals for their community, or my own personal goals. Meet with your Boards routinely to discuss short– and long–term goals, and set expectations. This will set you up for success in your relationship with that board and the community!
Career growth is important and healthy, unless you are about to retire of course, but I knew that aside from being a CAM, I also wanted to lead people. So, I set goals and began my journey. I started as an Administrative Assistant, became a Licensed CAM, moved onto managing a branch in Brevard County, dipped into Business Development (and still do), and most recently risked it all by moving from my family and the place I called home for more than 26 years to achieve the goal I had envisioned 13 years ago.
Thankfully, I work with a company that recognizes talented individuals and offers opportunities to excel! Most companies do, you just need to plan for your goals and dreams and execute! And, while working here, I received my CMCA in September!
4. TEAMWORK!
In my leadership role(s), I have always tried to lead by example and work as a team. One of my favorite analogies of teamwork is the concept of “Lessons From Geese.” Basically, geese fly together toward a common destination and shared goal. Each individual goose benefits from the uplift created by the bird in front of it. Geese take turns leading the formation, and the geese honk and motivate each other. If you are a leader, and you don’t already, consider applying this theory in your leadership style and build an amazing team!
5. Lastly, there is always music!
There are days when I need Meditation music and there are days when I need Ozzy!! Music can be soothing and emotional … and for some, can boost your mood, increase your focus and improve productivity. Just be mindful of your surroundings. Your fellow team members may not appreciate your choice of music!
At the end of the day, being a LCAM is not just a job it’s a calling. We juggle challenges, celebrate victories, and show up every day ready to protect, guide, and enhance the communities we serve. Some days we’re firefighters, some days we’re cheerleaders, and some days we’re quiet problem–solvers working behind the scenes. But no matter the role, we share the same purpose: to make a positive impact.
So, to my fellow LCAMs, keep your head high, your heart in the work, and your playlist ready. This is not an easy path, but it’s one worth walking … and together, we make it better every day.
Thank you,
Brenda Grochowski, LCAM
Regional Vice President, Southeast Florida
Vesta Property Services
