When you think about improving your PHA or your programs, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Better funding?
While those things are essential, let us tell you a secret: real transformation starts with shifting your mindset.
The way you think and how your team approaches challenges can fundamentally change the trajectory of your agency, and then in return, your community as a whole.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Antonio Williams, Chief Executive Officer of The Village Communities of Texarkana, Texas, and he has some valuable insight about how a simple change in perspective can lead to massive results.
Let’s take a look at what he had to say.
Why Mindset Matters in PHAs
It’s easy to fall into routines. You have HUD regulations to follow, funding limitations to navigate, and families to serve. With so much on your plate, sticking to the “way things have always been done” can feel like the safest option.
But here’s the problem: a fixed mindset limits growth.
When Antonio Williams first got to Texarkana, he encountered a lot of this, “We had to change the attitudes of the existing employees, kind of provide a different look at doing business, an entrepreneur mindset. I know there’s a lot of PHAs that are looking to change the mindset of their staff, right? Well, it’s not an easy job because those employees that’s been there 20 years or so, they always say this is how we always did it. And once you hear that, you’re in trouble.”
The truth is the mindset of your agency’s leadership will set the tone for your entire team. If you prioritize adaptability and creativity, your staff will too. And when that happens, transformation becomes inevitable.
What’s Holding Your Housing Authority Back?
Change is hard… especially in our industry. But housing authorities that are thriving are full of people who embrace a growth mindset. This means being open to innovation and seeing obstacles as opportunities.
Antonio recalls a pivotal moment that changed his perspective, “One of the things that I remember when I was in Atlanta, when we got off the troubled list, HUD gave us a question. And the question was, ‘What would you do if we didn’t provide you with subsidies or capital funds? How would you operate and provide affordable housing? So, for Texarkana we had to be more entrepreneurial and provide other revenue generating income from outside of the normal box of affordable housing.”
In order to advance in our industry, our agencies have to constantly be asking, “How can we do this better?”
So, let’s look at a few common mindset challenges that can stall this progress:
- Resistance to Change
So many agencies are stuck because of this very thing. Maybe your team is hesitant to try something new, or perhaps your leadership is skeptical about breaking away from what is comfortable. Change feels risky, but staying stagnant is riskier.
- Rigid Focus on Compliance
We are big fans of compliance at AMA, so don’t misunderstand us. HUD regulations are non-negotiable but instead of treating them as the final boundary think of compliance as the framework within which you can build something special for your PHA and your community.
- Fear of Failure
Fear of making mistakes can often keep leaders from taking bold steps. This can be especially true when you are working with million-dollar budgets and the lives of your participants. It can sometimes seem like a better idea to stay in the “safe zone.” But remember, growth comes from learning, and you can’t and won’t learn unless you take a few chances along the way.
How to Shift Mindsets for Lasting Change
So, are you ready to start transforming your PHA? Here are three practical strategies to get you there:
Foster Innovation
Create a culture where staff feels empowered to share ideas, no matter how unconventional. Antonio said, “You do have a lot of staff that have great ideas. And one of the reasons they get into the “This is how we’ve always done it” mode is because 20 years ago they had this magnificent idea that nobody wanted to run on, and they’ve just been sitting there with it dormant.”
Host brainstorming sessions, round tables, or meetings where everyone contributes potential solutions to ongoing challenges.
Focus on the Mission
When problems arise—and they will—remind your team of the ultimate goal.
Antonio’s advice, “Paint a picture of where we want to be and why. For the most part, they’ll grab a hold of that particular vision and it’s easier to get them motivated to move towards the future.”
Reframing issues as opportunities to better serve your community can keep motivation high.
Invest in Training
Equip your team with the skills they need to lead and adapt.
When we asked Antonio Williams how he accomplished this with his own staff, he said, “We look for someone who’s customer service oriented, who’s easily trainable, and wants to go with our vision. We also give them training outside of the industry, customer service type training and development type, industry training, tax credits and things like that to give them a well-rounded eclectic skill set to kind of make sure that they can manage in the situation that comes in front of them.”
In other words, look for the qualities that will contribute to the success of your vision and then put in the time and effort to develop those people into the team you need.
Talent optimization tools such as leadership development workshops, cross-department collaborations, and even the use of behavioral assessments can spark new ways of thinking.
Your Mindset Is Your Blueprint for Success
Here’s the bottom line: changing your mindset can change everything. It’s not just about solving today’s problems; it’s about creating a culture that’s ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
When we asked Antonio the one thing he would say to the affordable housing industry if he had the opportunity, and here is what he said…
“What I would say is keep in mind how things are running. In your town, it may be pretty decent, but from a totality standpoint, the entire United States has a very, very critical need for affordable housing. It may be pretty comfortable here in some ebbs and flows, but there’s a lot of places that are in a very, very, very, very dire situation. We need to understand that and talk to our legislators and be on the right people to do the right things to provide safe, affordable housing to anyone that that desires housing.”
Talk about tackling tomorrow’s challenges!
So, take a moment to reflect on how your PHA is approaching your mission and the needs of your community. The future and success of your PHA, your programs, and even your community lies within the perspectives you choose to take.