There is a curious similarity between board management styles and traffic patterns known as "merging" and "queuing".

Merging is called for when two or more lanes of traffic are forced to combine. Merging requires cooperation, timing and compromise. If done well, traffic flows smoothly and briskly. Many drivers don’t seem to understand or feel comfortable with the concept of merging, instead moving into a "queuing" mode. Queuing is the lining up that shoppers do at the market. At the store, it’s mandatory. In a traffic situation, queuing instead of merging dramatically slows traffic flow down. So how do these concepts apply to homeowner associations, you ask?

One of the frequent complaints owners have is the inflexibility shown by the Board in resolving conflicts. These Boards seem unwilling to listen or consider alternatives presented by owners and rarely do they get owner input into decision making. Business is done pretty much behind closed doors. Minimal and infrequent information is distributed to the membership. They practice a "queuing" management style which promotes unbending procedures, rules and penalizes those that get out of line. There is little creativity that goes into this management style. By its very nature, it invites challenge from owners that refuse to unreasonably conform. "Queuing" Boards are a source of frustration and viewed as tyrants by many owners. Because of this, association business is often bogged down by infighting and lack of volunteers. Sound familiar?

"Merging" Boards recognize that effective leaders practice give and take. This does not mean they cave into pressure but have a willingness to listen carefully before making decisions. This attitude comes across as respect by those owners that feel passionately about an issue. Merging boards look for Win-Win recognizing that after the meeting is over, they are, after all, still neighbors.

Merging boards seek wise counsel to make informed decisions. These counselors can often douse an inflammatory situation just by offering an unbiased point of view. In other words. the right messenger can be more important than the message itself.

Merging boards plan ahead recognizing that proper timing is critical to success. Planning ahead saves time, money and keeps the operation running smoothly.

Is your community ruled by a queuing management style? If so, consider changing lanes to merge. Once you get the hang of it, you will notice that the stops, starts and stalls turn quickly into satisfying acceleration.

For more information on this subject, see www.Regenesis.net.

Published: February 2, 2000

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .