Rent Real EstateQueue or Merge Management in Homeowner Associations
There is a curious similarity between board management styles and traffic
patterns known as "merging" and "queuing".
Merging is called for when two or more lanes of traffic are forced to
combine. Merging requires cooperation, timing and compromise. If done well,
traffic flows smoothly and briskly. Many drivers don’t seem to understand
or feel comfortable with the concept of merging, instead moving into a
"queuing" mode. Queuing is the lining up that shoppers do at the market. At
the store, it’s mandatory. In a traffic situation, queuing instead of
merging dramatically slows traffic flow down. So how do these concepts apply
to homeowner associations, you ask?
One of the frequent complaints owners have is the inflexibility shown by the
Board in resolving conflicts. These Boards seem unwilling to listen or
consider alternatives presented by owners and rarely do they get owner input
into decision making. Business is done pretty much behind closed doors.
Minimal and infrequent information is distributed to the membership. They
practice a "queuing" management style which promotes unbending procedures,
rules and penalizes those that get out of line. There is little creativity
that goes into this management style. By its very nature, it invites
challenge from owners that refuse to unreasonably conform. "Queuing" Boards
are a source of frustration and viewed as tyrants by many owners. Because of
this, association business is often bogged down by infighting and lack of
volunteers. Sound familiar?
"Merging" Boards recognize that effective leaders practice give and take.
This does not mean they cave into pressure but have a willingness to listen
carefully before making decisions. This attitude comes across as respect by
those owners that feel passionately about an issue. Merging boards look for
Win-Win recognizing that after the meeting is over, they are, after all,
still neighbors.
Merging boards seek wise counsel to make informed decisions. These
counselors can often douse an inflammatory situation just by offering an
unbiased point of view. In other words. the right messenger can be more
important than the message itself.
Merging boards plan ahead recognizing that proper timing is critical to
success. Planning ahead saves time, money and keeps the operation running
smoothly.
Is your community ruled by a queuing management style? If so, consider
changing lanes to merge. Once you get the hang of it, you will notice that
the stops, starts and stalls turn quickly into satisfying acceleration.
For more information on this subject, see www.Regenesis.net.