January 2022
A good condominium manager knows when it’s time to sever the relationship with their community.
It is not always possible to ensure everything runs smoothly. Problems may be too numerous. There may be disagreement between the board and management about how things should be done. A board may ask the manager to do things they are uncomfortable with or which may not be legal, or may be unable to make timely decisions. When this time comes a condominium manager may choose to end the relationship.
Before making this decision, the manager should determine if the relationship can be saved. Considering the cost and time involved by both parties in ending a relationship, salvage efforts are advisable.
Volunteer condo boards require leadership and advice. In a good working relationship, the condominium manager can at least partially fill this role when accepted by the board. As boards change so will the dynamics of this relationship.
A good manager knows when a relationship is no longer salvageable. They may be unwilling to accept this given how hard it can be to obtain clients or alternate employment. Minor disagreements can be resolved through discussion, negotiation and communication. A board being disrespectful or rude is ominous. When a board pays for advice from a manager then chooses to ignore much of that advice it is only a matter of time before one party severs the relationship.
A working relationship must be profitable for both parties. The role of condominium manager is stressful when things are going well. A board that unnecessarily adds to this stress may not be worth the effort.
Given the long hours involved in condominium management, a board that takes too much of your time, prevents you from focusing on other business, or is unprofitable may not be worth retaining.
A healthy work environment, the ultimate goal, is a team effort.
