4/01 - MANAGERS CORNER - BY STEPHEN ELBAZ, NYARM IS WORK YOUR LIVING OR YOUR LIFE?

MANAGERS CORNER - NYARM IS WORK YOUR LIVING OR YOUR LIFE?

BY STEPHEN ELBAZ

Fax, e-mail, T-1 Internet speeds, cellular phones, Nextel phones, pagers that work nationwide, global tracking in vehicles, voice mail, Fedex same day delivery, voice recognition software, etc. are all examples of technological advances designed to make us work more efficiently (faster).
Today it seems as if every single facet of business must happen RIGHT NOW. I can't tell you how many salespeople call me selling this and that. When I ask them to send me the information, the response is always "I will fax it to you right now." I don't want it right now, please mail it is my response.
Another favorite example (usually requested by lawyers) is (1) fax it, (2) e-mail it, (3) overnight mail it and (4) messenger it. While I may be exaggerating a bit, the point is does the person really need the same (mundane) document four times?
The point of all of this complaining is to point out that many managers are so overwhelmed by work and technology, their living has become their life.
It is important to remember that these buildings ran before you, and will continue to run after you go. Try to triage and prioritize your work. Set realistic goals. Some boards would prefer you sleep in their basement if they thought you would. Set realistic limits. Insist on no weekend meetings. Ask that night meetings end at a reasonable time (10:40 P.M. is not considered reasonable.)

Time off to recharge your batteries is critical. Set aside one day every week, two weeks or month for a leisurely lunch outside the office. When you have vacation time take it. Florida is $150.00 and London $300.00 round trip.

I believe that the most valuable (and well paid) managers are the ones who are able to separate earning a living and living a life. A manager whose living replaces his life is certain to burn out prematurely.

ECB HAS NEW DIGS After many years the New York City Environmental Control Board has finally vacated its offices at 1250 Broadway. Its new office is located at 66 John Street, 10th floor. The new phone is (212) 361-1400. The office is accessible via the 2, 3, 4, 5, J, M and Z trains (Fulton Street Station), as well as the A and C trains (Nassau Street Station.)

Stephen Elbaz, nyarm, is the Secretary off the NYARM Board of Directors and is President of Esquire Management Corporation - a full service management company in New York and New Jersey. Readers are encouraged to contact Stephen at 718-623-2300 or fax 718-623-2322 with real estate management questions, concerns, and helpful hints. Questions will be thoroughly researched and answered in this column.