Building a Strong Partnership with Your Resident Manager or Super
5 Essential Tips
Welcome to our insightful guide on building a strong partnership between co-op and condo board members and their Resident Manager or Superintendent. In the unique landscape of cooperative and condominium living, collaboration and mutual respect are essential for creating a harmonious environment. By understanding that you're all in this together and fostering a sense of togetherness, you can establish a foundation of trust and cooperation. This article provides five valuable tips to help you navigate this dynamic relationship, ensuring that your super feels valued, appreciated, and supported as a vital member of the co-op or condo community.
Foster a Sense of Togetherness: It's crucial to establish a strong foundation of collaboration and understanding with your super. Remember that you're in this together, working towards a common goal. Acknowledge the valuable contributions they make to the cooperative, and approach your interactions with a spirit of teamwork.
Give Credit Where It's Due: Recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication your super brings to the table. Whether it's completing tasks efficiently, addressing maintenance issues promptly, or going above and beyond their duties, make sure to acknowledge their efforts and express gratitude for their contributions. By highlighting their achievements, you reinforce their sense of accomplishment and value.
Emphasize Their Role in Enhancing the Building: Remind your super that they play an essential role in making the building a better place to live (be sure that residents know this as well!). Recognize the positive impact they have on the cooperative community, from maintaining a clean and safe environment to addressing residents' concerns. By emphasizing their role in enhancing the overall quality of life within the building, you reinforce their importance and encourage continued dedication.
Cultivate a Sense of Ownership: Make your super feel like an integral part of the decision-making process. Instead of framing their role as working for the board, foster an environment where they work with the board, as a respected equal. Involve them in discussions and seek their input on matters that directly affect their work. By including them in the decision-making process, you show that their expertise and opinions are valued, further empowering them in their role.
Support and Stand by Them: Be a reliable ally for your super. Whenever challenges or conflicts arise, ensure that they know you have their back. Address any concerns or issues promptly, providing them with the necessary resources and support. By demonstrating your unwavering support, you create a nurturing environment that enables them to perform their duties with confidence and dedication.
Remember, building a strong and harmonious relationship with your super requires consistent effort, open communication, and mutual respect. By following these tips, you can cultivate a partnership that benefits both the co-op or condo, the board, and its residents. Recognize that it is the dedication and expertise of your super that plays a significant role in making your co-op or condo building a better place to live. Their diligent work ensures that the building is well-maintained, residents' needs are met, and a sense of community thrives. By nurturing this partnership, you not only enhance the overall quality of life within your building but also create an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Together, as a cohesive unit, you can create a living space that truly exemplifies the essence of cooperative and condominium living.
At The Folson Group, our goal is to help every coop and condo owner increase their property values while living in a building that is safer, more sustainable, and more affordable. Our FREE board policies and procedures checklist helps boards with their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-related policies, fairness and treating everyone equally. Schedule a strategy session with us.