the information gathered in a new light: put together a pros/cons chart on a whiteboard, develop a checklist or matrix form comparing highlights on each alternative, etc. Sometimes presenting the info in a new manner can trigger new perceptions.
• Take a vote. Remember to be courteous and transparent in this regard.
Keep it Moving
Acknowledge that not everyone may agree on the result of the decision, but the voting process should be respected and followed. Remind the board members that the end result is to arrive at one decision and once that is done, the board will move on to the next item of business on the agenda. Coming to a conclusion but then rehashing the same arguments after the vote concludes is counter-productive and breeds disharmony. Moving forward keeps the meeting on schedule and reduces the chance that dissenting members will dwell on their dissatisfaction or feel unpleasantly towards other board members. These board members can request that their opposition is recorded in the minutes but there is a need to move on and conduct other matters of business.
Present a United Front
Board members should speak openly and present different points of view during the decision-making process, but once the vote has been tallied and the decision made, the board should stand together in the decision and present it to the association as if it were unanimously reached. A united front – even if someone doesn’t get his or her way – displays a stronger, positive image to the homeowners and they may be more likely to support the board down the road when they’ve witnessed board cooperation in action. Also, supporting the board when a decision did not go your way this time may persuade other board members to act the same way the next time around when a vote doesn’t go their way.
Board members need to maintain the confidentiality of the board and its meetings. Be discrete and do not repeat sensitive information that may have been discussed among the board and management. Don’t relay who voted for what to other homeowners outside of the meeting. Do not engage in spreading negative comments or gossip within your association. Some homeowners may view the board as an example of leadership and community; be a good role model for them.
Connect to board members and homeowners as people. What board members sometimes forget is that they were appointed to serve the association, not to get their own way. When an attitude of serving is upheld that board to be sawed in half.
Sources: Zeiger, Stacy. “Top Ten Signs of a Dysfunctional Board of Directors.” Small Business -
Chron.com,
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/top-ten-signs-dysfunctional-board-
directors-35728.html.
Bhalla, Marc. “How a Condo Board Divided Can Remain United.” Remi
Network.com,
www.reminetwork.com/articles/how-a-condo-board-divided-can-remain-united.
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