April 16, 2009

Criticism & The Stress of Leaders

I have the blessing of managing several homeowners’ associations (HOAs) along the Wasatch Front. As part of that responsibility, I work with board members in establishing budgets, collecting monthly dues, overseeing expenditures and a myriad of other items related to day-to-day operations. I also have the chance to get to know board members on a personal level and see the stress they deal with while giving voluntary service to their communities.

Much of the stress in serving on an HOA Board is a result of criticism coming from a few homeowners who feel the board should handle any given situation in a different way. In an HOA, it is always good to hear from every homeowner because that makes the process better… and at times criticism is justified and necessary. However, my experience has been that a homeowner with a concern will be better received if they get the facts first and then express their concerns with civility and according to the process outlined by the CC&Rs which are the rules accepted by every member of the community.

The greatest quote I have heard on criticism of leaders comes from a story told by President Abraham Lincoln. He spoke with a group of critics and drew their minds to a performer of his day named Blondin. Blondin excited the country by crossing the Niagara River on a tightrope during the Civil War days. I quote:

“Gentlemen, suppose all the property you possessed were in gold, and you had placed it in the hands of Blondin to carry across the Niagara River on a rope. With slow, cautious steps he walks to the rope, bearing your all. Would you shake the cable and keep shouting at him, “Blondin, stand up a little straighter; Blondin, stoop a little more; go a little faster; lean more to the south; now lean a little more to the north?”

Would that be your [behavior] in such an emergency? No, you would hold your breath, every one of you, as well as your tongues. You would keep your hands off until he was safe on the other side.”

~ John Wesley Hill, Abraham Lincoln: Man of God [New York: G.P. Punam’s Sons], page 402)

It would be wonderful if each member of the community would remember that more will be accomplished with constructive criticism rather than with harsh words or ranker as the Board walks this tight rope. No, HOA Boards are not dealing with the weighty affairs of the country; but they are dealing with the struggles and difficulties of their neighborhoods. Not everyone will not agree with how every situation is handled; but if each member of the community would show patience and common courtesy for those who are striving to do their best, more will be accomplished. HOAs allow for a democratic process where everyone can run for the Board to make the changes they feel strongly about. As neighbors work together to solve their various issues, respecting difference of opinions, it makes life in an HOA a very positive experience.

Posted By: Brian Morris