With a fresh set of Franklin Planner pages, new business plans and new goals to achieve in 2023, we know our associates are always raising the bar. After celebrating the successes we achieved in 2022, now we’re looking ahead at how we’ll continue to get better over the next 12 months.
In the new year, our associates plan to elevate their goals both personally and professionally. From increasing financial fitness to developing others here at The Connor Group, associates have a wide range of New Year’s resolutions.
Associates across our markets and the CSO recently shared their plans with Loop on making 2023 their best year yet.
Jennie Juran
Cincinnati, Dayton
Resolution
I plan to replace “screen time” at the end of the day before bed with reading. There’s nothing I love more than silence at the end of the day. I’ve always filled this time with catching up on social media – specifically Instagram. I follow all the celebrities and love catching up on E news. However, it doesn’t make me better.
Plan to achieve it
When I get quiet time at the end of the evening, I will read at least 20 pages of a book. I enjoy reading and sleep better when I read before bed! I currently have three leadership books to read, and I aim to finish all three by the end of February.
Cody Shank
Minneapolis
Resolution
Working out three to five times each week to relieve stress, stay healthy and develop a consistent hobby.
Plan to achieve it
Put it in my planner. Just like everything else we do, if we don’t plan it, we will not accomplish our goals.
Ross Johnson
Marketing
Resolution
Focus on the essentials. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter. Stay focused on the items with the most value and greatest impact both in and out of the office. I set this goal because the demand on my time is high, both at work and at home. If I spend too much time on items that aren’t valuable or impactful, it leaves little time to dedicate to the items that are.
Kara Kershner
Recruiting
Plan to achieve it
Practice. Prioritize every day, week and month. Deciding what I’m not going to do is just as important as deciding what I’m going to do. I also must identify the value of a task or project before committing to it and be conscious of my bill rate. I also will read Essentialism by Greg McKeown.
Resolution
I’m focusing 100-percent on making partner by August 2023. It’s the most exciting and motivating goal I’ve had, personally and professionally. I’ve always been goal-oriented and driven. Making partner is a dream to most, yet a plan for those who truly live and breathe our company’s culture.
Plan to achieve it
I must continue crushing and exceeding my goals while learning as much as possible from the mentors surrounding me. Brock (Wright) is a great mentor, along with Chris (Jemo), Laura (Rosile), Doug (McGraw), and Angela (Burns). They continuously challenge me to keep growing.
Rob Murray
Training
Resolution
Developing four associates to the trainer role by the end of the year is my number one goal. I also need to help keep devolving our current trainers. This will ensure the leadership and development of all our techs in the field so we can grow and achieve our 2023 objectives.
Plan to achieve it
I will execute monthly PDPs (personal development plans) with each of these individuals. Myself, along with partners Paul Leber and Carl Williams, will also spend time side-by-side with these associates to develop them.
Emily Lazar
Acquisitions, Dispositions, Debt & Analytics
Resolution
For the past two years, my personal goals centered around scuba diving. In 2021 my goal was to log 100 dives and become a certified Master Scuba Diver. In 2022 my goal was to log 100 hours underwater. I accomplished both goals and had so much fun doing them! In 2023, I am shifting my focus away from diving and more to creating financial independence for my future.
Plan to achieve it
I will maximize my 401(k) contributions, allowing me to have my annual salary invested by the time I’m 31 and triple my salary by the time I’m 40. I also have a certain amount of money I want to save by the end of this year. To accomplish this, I set up a new savings account and will deposit a certain amount of money each paycheck. I am excited to focus 2023 on my long-term financial plans (while still doing an occasional dive on the weekend).
Sal Gracia
Ohio, Indy, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami
Resolution
I will play golf at an 8.0 or lower handicap (currently, I’m an 8.9). I continue to improve my game each year, and it’s getting harder and harder. I love the discipline of golf and how mental the sport is.
Plan to achieve it
Practicing this year! Putting will be the key to playing a full stroke better every round and doing this consistently. I’ll spend 45 minutes per week on the putting green.
Ashley Smith
Training
Resolution
I don’t believe in resolutions, but I do believe in goals. This year is the year of elevation for me. My top 2023 goals are reading 50 leadership books, revamping new manager boot camps and executing at an 8.25, waking up early and working out, and supporting my daughter in making the volleyball team. I find it important to set goals not just in my personal/parenting life but also in my work life. All four goals are in process or something I’ve previously worked on. Now I’m going to take it next level to be the best version of myself as a leader in my personal and professional life.
Plan to achieve it
I have a plan for each goal. For my reading goal, I have a list of books and ask for Bob’s (Lloyd) list to be aligned. Boot camp improvement is always my number one focus. I will attend these trainings, solicit constant feedback and track changes on what works and what doesn’t. I’m teaching my daughter Baily to set her own personal goals, to stick to them and guiding her on how to learn from failure. As for working out and waking up early, this is on my list every year. In 2023 I have two accountability partners, one a close friend and another associate. I trust them both not to let me down.
Payton Stone
Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte
Resolution
I will increase customer survey scores by at least .25 across all properties in my markets in 2023. Customer service was our biggest minus as an organization last year. The only way we continue to drive rates and continue creating a great work environment for our teams is by executing 8.50 customer service. Everyone wins when we do that.
Plan to achieve it
All Negative Google reviews are reviewed at every monthly meeting, focusing on solutions to make the negative interaction right. I will be personally calling within 48 hours of all Customer Service Emails/Voicemails I receive with solutions for my team and the residents. I’ll also create more awareness through Loop articles when our team goes above and beyond for our residents.