team captains in a huddle, circles have facilitators or co- facilitators (also called keepers) but there is no hierarchy in the circle process. Participants in each circle establish their shared values and agree on guidelines that will help create and maintain a safe space for dialogue. Talking Circles are powerful ways to connect as human beings, make decisions by consensus, and prepare us to be our best selves as team members. While some circles are more formal or focused than others, members of your association with appropriate skill sets may be able to circle-keep comfortably.
• Facilitation. Introducing an outside, neutral facilitator to work with the team can help to reset the interaction and move the team to a new way of functioning. The facilitator can be a representative of the association’s management company, a hired professional facilitator, or a volunteer from outside the association. The facilitator is not part of the team itself and is brought in to help the team identify what is going wrong and develop strategies for improvement and resolution. Facilitators lean on skills like those mentioned above, including asking open-ended questions, neutralizing, and helping team members identify what really matters to them.
• Mediation. Mediation is done by trained professionals. Various models of mediation are available to address what may feel like irreconcilable conflict in the team. A facilitative mediator serves as a neutral third-party who helps parties examine their conflict and arrive at a solution of their own choosing. This type of mediator will use facilitation skills described above with a particular emphasis on exploring the underlying needs and interests of those in conflict. An evaluative mediator may help to develop a solution by making suggestions for resolution. This type of mediation is closer to a negotiation where the mediator will often offer solutions or strategies.
Whatever approach is chosen, community association owners, board members and managers have many reasons to cultivate and refine a winning team. Owner investment, neighbor relations and community satisfaction all rely on a healthy and functional organization. Don’t be afraid to take the steps needed to assure that your association is capable of competing in today’s world.
The Center for Conflict Resolution is a 501©3 not-for- profit community mediation center whose mission is to work with individuals, communities, courts and other institutions to manage and resolve conflict. To learn more about CCR, visit
www.ccrchicago.org.
RECOGNIZE an Outstanding Leader in Your Association
Are you a CAI member who demonstrates outstanding contributions to CAI, your association, and to your surrounding community? Or do you know someone you work with in an association who deserves recognition? Consider a nomination for the Outstanding Homeowner Leader Award!
CAI Illinois is seeking nominations of individuals who are committed to, and clearly understand their role and fiduciary responsibility as a community volunteer. Some of the qualities we are looking for (but not all are required) when considering the award are:
1. Has the person chosen to be a leader in their community, serving on the association board or committees, or volunteering for special projects?
2. Has the person set themselves apart from other volunteers by continuing to educate themselves through industry programs?
3. Does the person illustrate leadership, such as cooperation with CAI, association board members, working with management, other homeowners, and business partners within the association industry?
4. Is the person considered a positive role model and leader for community volunteers within the industry?
An applicant may nominate themselves or may be nominated by their association board, their community association manager, or a business partner who has worked with them for a minimum of 2 years. Nominations should outline why the applicant should receive the award.
The Outstanding Homeowner Leader Award is given annually at the Excellence Awards and Winter Gala and the winner will receive two complimentary tickets to the event on November 8, 2024. Nominations are due September 1, 2024 and can be found on the chapter website at www.
cai-illinois.org/awards-and-honors/. If you have questions about the Award, please contact Cheryl Murphy, Executive Director.
www.cai-illinois.org • 847.301.7505 | 25
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