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5 Critical Missteps by Condo Association Committees

wisconsin-condo-committee-meeting
wisconsin-condo-committee-meeting

The world is not free of inefficiency...

   sometimes the i’s don’t get dotted, and look no further than problems found on the table and within practices of Condominium Committees. These entities can significantly amplify the effectiveness of your community in Wisconsin, from orchestrating events to enhancing facilities and refining financial strategies. Yet, similar to Boards, Management, and Owners, Committees in Wisconsin’s condo associations are not exempt from engaging in detrimental behaviors. This article highlights five negative tendencies of Condo Association Committees to be vigilant of.

Lack of Pre-Meeting Communication Effective collaboration hinges on continuous dialogue. A cornerstone of any thriving entity, be it a Condo Association or a corporate business, is robust communication. A prevalent issue among Condo Committees in Wisconsin is their tendency to withhold information until the scheduled monthly meetings. This practice burdens the Board with excessive data, expecting prompt decision-making. Boards, however, require sufficient time to assimilate information for informed decision-making.

Ignoring Established Protocols Condo Associations typically adhere to a consistent operational routine, utilizing various digital collaboration platforms or maintaining a centralized internal website. A frustrating habit observed in some Condo Committees is their refusal to comply with these established norms. For instance, a Committee may reject the use of a widely embraced Slack channel in favor of email communications. Embracing modern communication tools is crucial for streamlined operations in Wisconsin.

Generating Tasks Rather Than Executing Them Committees should act as catalysts that fortify the community’s cohesion and functionality. The expectation is that these volunteer members actively contribute to the community’s well-being. However, it’s problematic when Committees generate tasks rather than undertake them, shifting the execution burden to the Board or Management.

Displaying Unprofessional Attitudes Respectful and professional interactions are fundamental to maintaining a harmonious community environment. Unfortunately, some Committees exhibit entitlement or confrontational behaviors, detracting from the community’s positive atmosphere. Such attitudes are counterproductive and rank among the most egregious forms of misconduct.

Unauthorized Vendor Communications Condo Associations, being substantial entities, often engage with various vendors. Typically, the authority to initiate financial transactions or solicit bids is confined to the Board or Management. This restriction is in place to prevent misrepresentation of the Association’s interests. An issue arises when Committee members, without the requisite authority, prematurely engage with vendors, potentially jeopardizing the Association’s reputation and vendor relations in Wisconsin.

The Value and Challenges of Committees While Committees can significantly contribute to the betterment of a community, their potential for causing discord cannot be overlooked. Identifying and addressing these negative behaviors early on can prevent them from escalating, ensuring a more effective and harmonious Condo Association environment in Wisconsin.