When there is war inside a community association, there are usually several sides-the owners, the board of directors, management, and sometimes, lawyers. Each brings their unique perspective to the dispute, and each may distrust the views, or worse, the motives of the other. That they should all be working together to manage a project that is inherently unmanageable is beside the point-when there is a lack of trust cooperation goes by the boards and issues that should be open to easy solutions instead become a battleground. Why are we wasting good ink to discuss disputes that are often inconsequential in the scheme of things? Because lack of trust can paralyze a community association just when economics require unprecedented cooperation.
Examples? Board members who are convinced (by themselves or others) that they must follow the dictates of a statute, may pursue enforcement measures that are too rigid for the situation. Owners who lack an understanding of the history of an association, its economic condition, or the legal authority under which it operates may believe that rules can be ignored. Attorneys who lack sensitivity to the emotional side of a dispute among board members may try to resolve the issue with formality when flexibility and consideration of human nature is required. Owners with short-term interests may reject the needs of longer-term residents. Managers who lack the confidence to confront wayward board behavior with strong leadership may fear losing favor and perhaps the account. Continue reading ‘Who Do You Trust? The Essential Ingredient in Effective Management of Community Associations’ »