Getting to "yes" with a condo board can be a difficult task, especially when decision-making seems to stall for extended periods. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as a diverse group of stakeholders with varying viewpoints, legal and financial implications to consider, or a slow and bureaucratic decision process. Nevertheless, there are strategies you can employ to overcome these obstacles and attain a positive outcome. In this blog, we'll provide you with five proven techniques to efficiently achieve approval from your condo board.

1. Communicate the urgency of the decision

Communicating the urgency of a decision is important because it helps to focus the board members' attention on the most critical issues and encourages them to act quickly. Additionally, communicating the urgency of the decision may mean needing to convey the potential consequences of delay, which can help to highlight the potential risks if a decision is not made in a timely manner. This can be especially useful when trying to gain buy-in from board members who may be hesitant to make a decision.

For example:

• • “This deal is for a limited time, and the prices may rise soon.”
• • “If we don’t invest in a replacement, we may need to pay high interim repair costs.”
• • “Residents have been increasingly voicing their frustration, and I’d like to get this fixed before the AGM”

2. Establish a sense of accountability

Clarify who is responsible for making the decision and ensure that there is a specific individual or team in charge of the decision-making process. This helps to ensure that the decision is made in a timely manner, as those who are accountable are more likely to take the decision-making process seriously and to work diligently to make a decision.

Establishing a sense of accountability also promotes ownership and commitment to the decision. When individuals or teams are held accountable, they are more likely to take ownership of the decision and to be committed to its successful implementation.

For example:

• • “Since Pam brought up the idea of improving communication, could she also please suggest three ideas by the next meeting for how we can improve communication?”
• • “As treasurer, Andy will be in charge of overseeing the reserve fund and ensuring that any excess cash is promptly invested.”

3. Create a sense of urgency through incentives

While offering rewards or bonuses for timely decision (or imposing penalties for delays) may be tricky for property managers, providing public recognition should be in every manager’s tool kit. Make sure to recognize and acknowledge board members who make quick decisions. This can create a sense of urgency for others to follow suit and reinforce fast decision making in the future from those who provide their decisions promptly.

For example:

• • “Thank you Sue for your prompt response to my email!”
• • “Thank you, Board, for your fast decision on this matter. Your quick-decision making makes my job so much easier!”

4. Limit the options

Having too many options can make it difficult for board members to evaluate and compare them, leading to confusion and delay. Limiting the options can help to simplify the decision-making process and make it easier for board members to make a decision. Moreover, when there are fewer options, it can also help to focus the board members' attention on the most important considerations, making it easier for them to come to a conclusion. Finally, when the options are limited, it's easier for board members to feel committed to the decision they make.

It's important to note that the goal of limiting options is not to exclude the possibility of considering new or different options, but rather to focus on the most relevant ones for the decision at hand. Additionally, it's important to make sure that the options presented are diverse and representative of different perspectives, so that the board members can make an informed decision.

For example:

• • “For our AGM, I have obtained quotes for Condonexus and Quorum Hero. I’ve heard great things about Condonexus’ service and reliability, and their price is more attractive than Quorum Hero.”

5. Set a deadline

Setting a deadline helps to ensure that the decision-making process does not drag on indefinitely, which can lead to delays and wasted time. It can help to prioritize the decision, making sure that the most pressing issues are addressed first. While project constraints sometimes necessitate a deadline, a deadline does not necessarily need to even be based on a project constraint. Even when setting an arbitrary deadline, it's easier to hold board members accountable for making a decision in a timely manner.

It's important to note that the deadline should be realistic and should take into account the complexity of the decision and the time required to gather all necessary information. Additionally, the deadline should be communicated clearly to all board members so that they are aware of the time frame and can plan accordingly.

For example:

• • “Would it be possible for everyone to send me their decision by this Friday?”
• • “In order to complete the project by year-end, we will need to start by June, which means we will need your decision on a vendor by March so that the vendor will have the lead time to start implementation.”

In conclusion, getting to "yes" with a condo board can be a challenging task, but there are strategies that can be employed to navigate the obstacles and achieve a desired outcome. In this blog, we outlined five effective strategies for getting to "yes" faster with your condo board: communicating the urgency of the decision, establishing a sense of accountability, creating a sense of urgency through incentives, limiting the options and involving the community. By implementing these strategies, you can increase the chances of reaching a timely and successful decision for your condo board. Remember to be persistent and creative, and to keep in mind the ultimate goal of serving the community's best interest.