November 2022
One local high-rise community has gone through 18 managers since opening in 2007. That is an average of more than one manager per year! In one year there were four separate condominium managers, all of whom made a personal decision to depart what they felt was a toxic environment.
Directors and residents blame individual managers without being aware of the limitations of this role. High turnover in a residential community’s management or employees is an indication that problems reside with the board of directors.
The reality is that most people don’t change jobs solely for money. Resigning from a job is usually well considered. An individual accepts a particular job because they believe it is right for them. At some point they realize a mistake was made. If you take the time to understand what changed, it is usually a problem with the leadership. In a condominium community, leadership refers primarily to the board of directors.
The next time someone resigns for “personal” reasons, take the time to understand what is really happening. Details of the job are unlikely to have changed. That individual likely left because they could no longer accept working under an individual or, in the case of a condominium corporation, condominium director(s) that have made it impossible for them to do the work expected of them. In condominium corporations, it is surprising how often one or more directors feel it is appropriate to mismanage employees.
High employee turnover is rare in condominium corporations with an effective board of directors that understands its role, manages employees appropriately, and knows how to be a positive influence on the community.
