Put the “Pro” in “Proactive”!
5 Steps to Proactive Management in Your Co-op or Condo Building
The tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in 2021, which claimed the lives of 98 people, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive management in co-op and condo buildings. Rather than relying on band aid solutions to address problems as they arise, boards must take a proactive approach to planning and decision-making in order to protect the safety and well-being of all residents.
This means educating themselves on current systems and potential alternatives, developing a plan and taking ownership of it, focusing on solutions, and being accountable for getting things done. By adopting this proactive mindset, co-op and condo boards can prevent emergencies from occurring and create a more productive and positive living environment for all.
Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about your current systems and explore potential upgrade alternatives. This will help you to make informed decisions about the best course of action for your building. Learning about the building’s heating plant is particularly important to avoid the upcoming Local Law 97 fines.
Develop a plan and take ownership: Create a roadmap for maintaining and improving your building's systems. This could be as simple as a spreadsheet listing all systems with installation and end dates, or as complex as a ten-year capital project plan.
Be solution focused: Start with small, controllable projects that have an immediate or significant impact. By crossing items off your list and moving on to the next upgrade, you can build momentum and make progress towards your goals.
Be accountable: Get things done and don't let important tasks slip through the cracks. Avoid the temptation to repeatedly table agenda items and make sure to follow through with your plan.
Use productivity tools: Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-bound) and use the Eisenhower Box to prioritize tasks and delegate or delete those that are not important. By using these tools, you can stay focused and make the most of your time.
By following these steps, co-op and condo boards can move away from a reactive approach and towards a proactive mindset, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and creating a more positive living environment for all.
Being proactive in co-op and condo management is essential for the safety and well-being of all residents. By educating themselves, developing a plan and taking ownership of it, focusing on solutions, and being accountable, boards can prevent some emergencies from occurring and create a more productive and positive living environment.
In addition, proactive communication with owners can help to eliminate misunderstandings and gossip, and it is important to share both positive and negative updates with the community. The tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive management in ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. By adopting a proactive approach, co-op and condo boards can protect their investments and create a thriving and harmonious community.
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. Get one of our FREE TOOLS, the board policies and procedures checklist, and schedule a strategy session with us.