VOICES | Finding Common Ground in Multifamily
A thought-leadership series curated by the AANC DEI Committee, focused on understanding, collaboration, and inclusive leadership in the multifamily industry.
Because progress begins when we listen.
Lately, the AANC DEI committee has been reflecting on the mixed headlines around DEI and what actually moves our industry forward.
A recent Harvard Business Review piece by Lily Zheng really resonated with our members, not because it defends DEI as a concept, but because it challenges leaders to evolve it.
The argument is simple and strong:
Good intentions aren’t enough. Outcomes matter.
What stood out most was the emphasis on fixing systems, not people. Examining policies, practices, and leadership behaviors that shape everyday experiences at work. When systems are fair, access is clear, communication is respectful, and expectations are consistent, everyone benefits.
For residential property management, this feels especially relevant. Our success depends on trust, consistency, retention, and strong onsite leadership. Creating workplaces where people feel respected, supported, and able to do their best work isn’t political, it’s operational.
We also appreciate the shift toward language like fairness, access, and inclusion, values that are timeless and grounded in real experiences, not trends.
This moment feels less about labels and more about maturity.
Less about optics, more about effectiveness.
Less about checking boxes, more about building environments where people and communities can thrive.
That’s work worth continuing.