Overcoming Decision Making Paralysis
There is nothing more frustrating for members, managers, and even homeowners, than a Board that is collectively stuck in the muck, having trouble coming to a decision. It is a condition that is all too common. Perhaps it is a complex construction project, a delicate homeowner situation needing resolution, a complicated budget crisis, or maybe it’s the uncertainty that comes with a vendor change. Many things are thrown at Boards, and frequently it is difficult to get to a point where you are ready for the all-important motion to vote. There are three things that may help you as an individual Board member, and as a collective group. Accept that you will never have 100% satisfaction from all stakeholders. Being on the Board means making tough decisions that are best for the Association as a whole. The sooner you can accept that unanimous acceptance is rare, if not impossible, the sooner you can move on to make the necessary decisions and move forward. Similarly, realize that Board consensus can be difficult to achieve, and accept that it’s okay. Naturally, the more complicated the topic, the more likely you are to have varying opinions. It is good to hash it out by considering all angles, thoroughly researching the issue, consulting experts when needed, etc. – but eventually you’ve got to call the vote. Everyone moves to comfort, clarity, and ultimately commitment at different speeds. If a majority is ready to make a decision, then make that a reality. Have a good facilitator in the group. There is nothing more important to group dynamics than for someone to take on the role of task master. Perhaps it is the President acting as the Chairperson. Sometimes it is the Community Manager, a neutral party, who helps facilitate the meeting along. Whoever it may be, a group needs this person. Their primary skill should be recognizing when a debate is over, or just plain unproductive, and then calling the subject to a vote for resolution. All too often decisions get “tabled” for the next meeting. If it gets “tabled” once, you may as well just move on entirely. You’re probably stuck on the two points mentioned above and will always be there. Consider these remedies if decision-making paralysis is plaguing your Board. Decisions should always be made wisely. A lack of action, or too much indecision, could harm your Board and Association as a result.
Board Meetings: Virtual or In-Person?
After a year and a half of virtual meetings, many HOA boards are going back to in-person now that COVID-19 vaccines are widely available. In October, many meetings will involve homeowners as well, as the fall is a common time for board elections. If you’re on the fence about whether your meetings should be held virtually or in-person, here are a few things to consider that will help inform your decision. Virtual: Pros and Cons Pros: More people can attend. Virtual meetings allow people to log on just a few minutes before the meeting starts, rather than having to worry about getting to the in-person meeting on time if they have a busy schedule. Immunocompromised individuals or those who don’t feel comfortable attending in-person can still be part of the meeting. Information can be shared easily with screen-sharing, and attendees can take screenshots of important points. Cons: There’s chances of technical difficulties, like internet connection. It can be harder to keep the attendees’ attention. Without that in-person interaction and physical presence, attention span drops. Talking over each other can become an issue. Even with an organized agenda, slight lags in video can cause attendees to talk over each other without realizing. In-Person: Pros and Cons Pros: Better connections can be formed. Residents want to get to know their board members, and this is easier to do when meetings are face-to-face. It’s more organized. Communication is better, agendas are clear, and the meeting can still run even if there’s a technical difficulty along the way. Attention is improved. Since the chance to do work or shop online is eliminated with an in-person meeting, you have the full attention of attendees. Cons: It’s not as inclusive. Those who are not comfortable attending in-person get left out of the conversation if virtual isn’t an option. It takes more time. In-person meetings tend to take longer—some think that in order for the meeting to be worthwhile for in-person attendees, it has to be long. This isn’t true, however, but it can be hard to shake that mindset. Attendance may not be as high. Some people don’t have the time to get to a meeting after work or other commitments, whereas attending virtually can be done up to the last minute and not cause any disruptions. So, how do you make the decision? If possible, give attendees the option. Meetings can be held in-person while still allowing people to attend virtually. This is typically done on a large screen so that in-person attendees can still see and hear those online. If you do make the call to go in-person, be safe. Practice social distancing and provide masks and hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Lead by a team of industry experts, Sharper Management is proud of both the caliber of clients that we serve and the Minnesota marketplace that we call home.