How Soft Skills are Revolutionizing Real Estate Productivity
Bridging the Skills Gap in Real Estate
Soft skills are increasingly becoming the cornerstone of productivity in the commercial real estate sector. As elucidated by a recent survey conducted by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada, young professionals are prioritizing soft skills over technical skills as vital competencies needed in today’s workplace. Flexible work arrangements, mentorship, and empathetic leadership are parts of the necessary ingredients for creating a thriving and dynamic office environment.
The Shift Toward Emotional Intelligence
The BOMA survey reveals that career growth is heavily supported within organizations that value professional development, with a resounding 79% of respondents confirming their endorsement of such environments. They believe that empathetic leadership and a good work-life balance also play integral roles in making real estate firms places where young talents can grow and excel. According to www.reminetwork.com, the importance of soft skills has been affirmed by industry leaders, signaling a shift from the traditional emphasis on technical abilities.
The Role of Mentorship
Mentorship emerges as a vital element in bridging the skills gap. Raisa Hussain, a senior property manager at Colliers Canada, compared mentorship to a GPS for one’s career, emphasizing its significance in navigating key career challenges such as decision-making and relationship building. Participation in programs like BOMA International’s Daniel W. Chancey Leadership Academy provides emerging leaders like Hussain the guidance and confidence needed to excel.
Soft Skills in Demand
Michelle Kinsella of RBC highlights the necessity of skills such as clear communication, adaptability, and empathy. Despite commercial real estate traditionally being a technically focused field, Kinsella notes a distinct lack of these crucial soft skills impacting tenant relations and employee satisfaction. The digital communication shift has inadvertently heightened the need for such skills as nuances are often lost in text-based exchanges.
Building a Culture of Intentionality
Intentionality in developing these skills is crucial, as emphasized by both Kinsella and Hussain. Initiatives that encourage feedback, participation in industry forums, and the use of technology as a tool rather than a crutch are vital steps organizations can take to uphold strong interpersonal skills amidst a changing work culture.
Aligning Work with Values
The desire for corporate alignment with personal values is notable among new entrants to the workforce. Young professionals expect their employers to prioritize sustainability and social governance. Firms that integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into their strategic agenda may find themselves at a competitive advantage.
The Path Forward
Caleb Solomons from HOK in Calgary shed light on the growing emphasis on accommodating neurodiversity, suggesting its potential to enhance productivity and alignment with workforce values. Addressing such diverse needs enriches corporate culture, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to societal shifts.
In summary, as the broader real estate industry navigates these changing dynamics, intentional cultivation of soft skills will prove essential for fostering a progressive and responsive work environment. Drawing on mentorship, aligning corporate practices with employee values, and nurturing emotional intelligence, the real estate sector is poised to embrace a future where soft skills solidify organizational success.
