What to Do If Donald Trump Was Running for President of Your Condo

“The Donald” has garnered considerable attention recently in his campaign to run for President of the United States of America. He has even been predicted to be the next President by the likes of Conrad Black and has caused many to consider the potential impact on US-Canadian relations. However, this article is not intended to offer any position whatsoever in respect of American politics.  It instead takes the persona exaggerated in political cartoons and by impersonators we see on Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live and the like to consider what condominium directors should keep in mind in the wake of concern surrounding a “big personality” seeking a position of leadership within their condominium community.

Imagine yourself serving on a condominium Board of Directors and learning that “The Donald” is aggressively interested in becoming the next Board President. What should you do?

Stay Calm

While the thought of having someone with strong ideas and a big ego to push them ahead may pose a concern, keep in mind that unit owners do not elect a President. As much as we suggest that the operation of a condominium community is structured like a fourth level of government, voters/owners do not have the authority to elect a Board President. Rather, owners elect directors. The elected directors then determine the office positions, including President.

As a result, any director interested in “running for Board President” would need to gain the support of their fellow directors. If you have your doubts as to a fellow director’s qualification or motives in seeking the position of President, consider the best way to address them while also serving the best interest of your community. Will embarking on a mud-slinging campaign advance what is best for your condominium community or convince others to embrace your views? Considering the best approach to achieving the outcome you desire can best equip you to realize desired results.

Work With What You Have

If the person has already been elected to the Board, it may be worthwhile to reflect on why. There may be some new ideas or perspectives that have not previously been considered, including in terms of how the Board is perceived within the community.

While you are wise not to rely on assumptions or stereotypes based upon your understanding of the “big personality”, to the extent that any of your concerns are validated, it may not be realistic to expect the person to change who they are. Rather than dwell on the negatives that you feel may be introduced into your community, try to find at least one good thing that the “big personality” can provide and encourage it. Positive reinforcement can help promote behaviour that could benefit your community. Rarely is someone’s contribution all bad.

Embrace the Democracy of the Board Room

While the role of the President of the Board carries certain duties and obligations most usually set out in the condominium corporation’s by-laws, the President is not a dictator. He/she does not have the power to solely decide to build a wall surrounding the property line of your condominium (and make the tenants pay for it) or to solely determine who within the community can and cannot make use of amenities. Each director still has a vote to cast at duly constituted Board meetings, where decisions are made. Accordingly, any individual director’s “campaign promises” cannot singlehandedly be carried out - the majority of the Board must agree.

If you find yourself in the minority on a particular decision, request that your objection be documented in the minutes and remember that you are part of a team. The Board speaks with a single voice as evidenced in the minutes, so refrain from voicing your displeasure publicly. If you are concerned about personal liability, you can further confirm your dissention in writing to the Board, privately.

Shared understandings established through ground rules for meetings, signing onto director codes of conduct and gracefully accepting the occasions you do not have your way can strengthen a team of directors, allowing a Board not only to get past differences of opinion but leverage them to best serve the community. After all, everyone on the Board should be committed to making your condo great... whether they think it has been before or otherwise.

All of the information contained in this article is of a general nature for informational purposes only, and is not intended to represent the definitive opinion of the firm of Elia Associates on any particular matter. Although every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this newsletter is accurate and up-to-date, the reader should not act upon it without obtaining appropriate professional advice and assistance.

www.elia.org

© Elia Associates Professional Corporation, All Rights Reserved.