July 2023
The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), precursor of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), published a document in 1944 on how to interfere with organizations. This wartime organization had as its goal obtaining information about and sabotaging the military efforts of enemy nations during World War II, and defeat of the Nazis. It was disbanded after World War II.
Within this document is a section for interfering with how organizations function which may sound familiar to some condo boards.
- “Insist on doing everything through “channels.” Never permit short-cuts to be taken in order to expedite decisions.”
- “Make “speeches”. Talk as frequently as possible and at great length. Illustrate your “points” by long anecdotes and accounts of personal experiences.”
- “When possible, refer all matters to committees, for “further study and consideration.” Attempt to make committees as large as possible – never less than five.”
- “Bring up irrelevant issues as frequently as possible.”
- “Haggle over precise wordings of communications, minutes, resolutions.”
- “Refer back to matters decided upon at the last meeting and attempt to re-open the question of the advisability of that decision.”
- “Advocate “caution.” Be “reasonable” and urge your fellow-conferees to be “reasonable” and avoid haste which might result in embarrassments or difficulties later on.”
- “Be worried about the propriety of any decision – raise the question of whether such an action as is contemplated lies within the jurisdiction of the group or whether it might conflict with the policy of some higher echelon.”
Best practices for how condo boards should operate, including following established Rules of Order for board meetings, offer a solution for dealing with those who desire to hinder good work being done by condo boards.
