Nearly two years ago, I moved to my current apartment community. I had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting the only male in the office at the time. He was snide. He over compensated for being a straight man in an increasingly gay male profession by flirting with any woman who entered the room. He was rude. He was juvenile. He got my UDR relationship off on a sour note. It was like one of those really bad American Idol audition clips that we have all grown to love. My prayers were answered early on as this delight of a man moved away to Austin. I don't recall his name because I had a medical procedure done to block it from my memory permanently.
Then there was James...
James didn't really get a fair shake from me because of that Neanderthal that ended up in Austin. I figured James was Neanderthal Jr. and would typically steer clear of dealing with him. As fate would have it, there were several times I was forced to deal with James because there was simply nobody else to help me. I started to realize that James might be OK. He seemed interested in what I had to say for one thing. That's always a GREAT way to start. Then he did something else that took me by surprise. He followed up. While that may seem like a really lame thing to be surprised by, the apartment leasing world has changed for the worse over the years. I've lived in apartments all my life. I've seen just about every type of leasing "professional" you could imagine. The chance that one of them would follow up with you on an issue or question is about as great as the chance that you would be hit by a truck-driving nun in a school-zone situated in an all Baptist community. Let's just say that today's leasing professionals don't exactly measure up all the time. James has always followed up with me. If he doesn't have an answer...he gets one.
While all this is noteworthy, there is something that sets James apart from even the rest of the staff here in my community. He has the uncanny ability of "knowing his audience". He is able to assess WHO he is talking to and engage them in a manner that shows them that he's paying attention. When he needs to speak slowly and with regard for his words...he does. When he needs to "be real" and talk to you straight...he can. When he knows you need a laugh...he makes you smile. I've personally witnessed him in action. He is keenly aware of who he is talking to and is able to present himself just as that person needs him to be presented. This is a quality that is rare. Most people are only satisfied with coming to terms with how they interact with others. It's not often that you find those perceptive people who are willing to meet others half way in order to better communicate and build trust.
UDR should be taking notes. James has a lot to offer any employer. His abilities make him priceless. In case you were wondering, I do not know James. I don't even know his last name. There is nothing in it for me except the pleasure of being able to brag on someone who is doing a stellar job at treating people like...well...people. It's timeless. It's classic. It NEVER goes out of style. James should be considered the "new black" in apartment leasing. Every apartment community should have a James "hanging in the closet". He goes with everything.
James: I appreciate you for treating me like a person and not a lease. I appreciate you caring enough to stay late on a Sunday to update me on an issue I was having with trespassers. I appreciate you always taking the time to get back to me. I appreciate you always going above and beyond for even the smallest things. I wanted to take the time to say thank you and to make sure that everyone knows what a great person and great professional you really are. It's because of your efforts that I continue to call my apartment...home. UDR is lucky to have you.
Sincerely,
David by the pool. :-)
