Today’s diverse communities require hypersensitivity for proper etiquette. In fact, a lack of etiquette or poor etiquette in condo boards could mean the downfall of your board. Here we discuss the role of etiquette in condo governance and how proper communication helps avoid poor etiquette.

Proper Board Etiquette Focuses on Governance & Diplomacy

Many people become board directors without realizing their main role is governance. Governance requires diplomacy and commitment to the need of others. An easy way to follow proper etiquette in condo boards at meetings and throughout all courses of communication is to focus on diplomacy. Both etiquette and diplomacy are the same things when it comes right down to it. They both focus on following procedures considered “proper” culturally, socially, and formally. Therefore, etiquette helps your board follow ethical principles to gain and maintain respect in a more inclusive community.

Proper Meeting Etiquette Improves Results

When your board fails to follow proper meeting etiquette you can quickly see things fall apart. For example, proper etiquette calls for formal invitations to meetings with the date, place, and time. This allows board members to accept invitations so everyone who should be there attends. Next, members who decide not to attend should always inform fellow members if their plans change. Otherwise, you delay decisions making the board less effective. Last, members should remain present for the entire meeting. Leaving a meeting when someone is speaking, or when the meeting is still in session is considered poor etiquette. It disrupts the flow while showing a lack of respect for the process.

Proper Etiquette Sets an Example for Respect

Proper etiquette is also key in board interaction. Board meetings involve lively discussions which often turn into debates. As a result, board members need to feel safe and comfortable sharing their perspectives and arguing their points. Respectful communication ensures better decision-making and limits disagreements from becoming too personal. When interaction and communication remain respectful, the community and condo corporation’s best interests come first. Etiquette ensures there is no bullying, disrespect, or criticism of others to avoid dissension in the ranks.

Proper Etiquette Keeps Your Board on Track

Supporting decisions following meetings adds to your success. Proper etiquette ensures board members respect confidentiality and support decisions made by the board. Fostering a negative opinion is a sign of poor etiquette and going against your preferred outcomes is in extremely poor taste. Upholding decisions regardless of personal opinion keeps your board on track.

Proper Etiquette Helps Find Solutions

Etiquette in the face of difficulty ensures those encountering condo-related issues can voice their concerns. gain, proper etiquette ensures you address all resident and employee concerns with equal attention and respect. As a result, those involved in the decision-making process have the information they need to find solutions. Respectful communication means every problem presented meets the required expertise to resolve the issue.

Proper Etiquette Improves Compliance

Your board and management have a duty to the corporation and residents to adhere to your condo declaration and the Condo Act. Because the fundamentals of etiquette are steeped in process, effective communication strategies help you remain compliant. Communication becomes more refined, personal prejudices are put aside and board members become more focused on following consistent procedures. Etiquette encourages diplomacy ensuring fair treatment of all residents, employees, and board members.

CPO Management Inc, a Toronto property management company specializing in condo management services can introduce etiquette-focused processes to improve your board’s effectiveness. Reach out to our team today.